If you crave burgers with a thin, crispy edge and a rich, juicy center, Smash Burgers are bound to become your next obsession. This downright irresistible dish perfects the art of the diner-style burger, combining beautifully seared beef patties with melty cheddar, fresh toppings, and a toasted bun. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or brand new to burger-making, Smash Burgers deliver a rush of flavor and satisfaction you’ll want to share with friends and family again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Smash Burgers is how everyday ingredients, when chosen and combined thoughtfully, create an extraordinary meal. Each element plays an important role in texture, savoriness, or the classic burger experience — so don’t skip a single one!

Ground Beef (1 1/2 pounds, 80/20 blend): This ratio of fat to meat guarantees delicious juiciness and crispy seared edges in every patty.
Kosher Salt (1 teaspoon): Delivers simple yet robust seasoning to enhance the beef’s natural flavor.
Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of warmth and bite to each smash burger.
Hamburger Buns (4): Soft, fluffy buns are the perfect vehicle and hold all that goodness together.
Cheddar Cheese (4 slices): Melts beautifully over the hot patties and gives that classic gooey finish.
Unsalted Butter (1 tablespoon, optional): For rich, golden toasted buns—worth every extra second if you have it.
Sliced Pickles: Bring a zippy crunch that cuts through the savory meat.
Shredded Lettuce: Adds freshness and a bit of crisp bite.
Sliced Tomatoes: Juicy, sweet tomatoes add a cooling counterbalance.
Sliced Onions: For a little tang, a little crunch, and a lot of character.
Ketchup, Mustard, or Favorite Burger Sauce: These finishes tie your Smash Burgers together with a drizzle of classic flavor or something totally personalized.

How to Make Smash Burgers

Step 1: Prepare Your Beef

Start by dividing your ground beef into four equal portions. Roll each portion loosely into a ball, taking care not to pack the meat tightly — this is the secret to tender, juicy patties with those signature jagged edges that get so satisfyingly crispy.

Step 2: Season the Patties

Generously sprinkle each beef ball with kosher salt and black pepper. Don’t be shy; this blend is simple, but it brings out all the deep, meaty flavor you want in smash burgers. Seasoning now ensures every bite is perfectly tasty.

Step 3: Get the Pan Blazing Hot

Set a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Wait until it’s very hot — a few drops of water should sizzle and evaporate almost instantly. The high heat is key for building those deep, crispy edges without overcooking the center.

Step 4: Smash and Sear

Place your beef balls onto the skillet and (here comes the fun part) immediately smash each one down with a heavy spatula or burger press. Really press; you want thin patties with rough, craggy edges. Don’t touch them for 2–3 minutes, so a perfect crust can form. Flip when the edges have browned and crisped.

Step 5: Cheese It Up

After flipping each patty, top with a slice of cheddar cheese. Let them cook another 1–2 minutes, just until the cheese is irresistibly melty and the meat is cooked through. The cheese helps seal the juices and melts right into the nooks of the crispy beef.

Step 6: Toast the Buns

While your patties cook, butter the cut sides of your hamburger buns if you like a little extra indulgence. Toast them cut side down in another skillet or on the griddle just until golden brown and a bit crisp. This keeps your buns from ever getting soggy (and ups the flavor factor, too).

Step 7: Assemble the Smash Burgers

Place a cheesy patty on each toasted bun base. Pile on the pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and don’t forget your favorite sauce. Press the top bun down with a satisfying gentle smash (see what we did there?) and you are seconds from burger bliss!

How to Serve Smash Burgers

Garnishes

Lettuce, tomato, crisp pickles, and sweet or sharp onions are traditional, and for good reason — each brings color, freshness, and crunch to the rich beef. A classic squirt of ketchup and mustard, or a creamy burger sauce, pulls everything together. For extra style, sprinkle freshly ground pepper or a few sesame seeds over the top right before serving.

Side Dishes

Smash Burgers practically beg for a side of golden fries or crispy potato wedges. You can’t go wrong with hand-cut fries, sweet potato chips, or even a simple green salad for balance. For something a little more nostalgic, serve with a frosty cola or a thick, cold milkshake on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, try serving smash burgers on a platter with toppings and sauces on the side, letting guests build their dream burger. Or, slide two thinner patties onto one bun for a double smash sensation! For kids, mini “sliders” with small buns are endlessly fun and perfectly sized for little hands.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got leftover smash burgers, pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Separate the toppings and store them in their own containers so everything stays fresh. The patties will keep well for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Cooked patties freeze beautifully! Layer parchment or wax paper between each cooled patty before sealing in a freezer bag. They’ll stay at their best for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For best taste, reheat the patties in a hot skillet for a minute per side, or until warmed through and re-crisped at the edges. If you’re in a hurry, a quick microwave zap will do, but you’ll miss a bit of that lovely crust.

FAQs

Can I make Smash Burgers with lean ground beef?

While you can use a leaner ground beef, the classic 80/20 blend creates the best juicy texture and crispy crust. Fattier beef means more flavor and a more iconic smash burger experience!

Do I need a cast-iron skillet to make smash burgers?

A cast-iron skillet is ideal for even heating and maximum browning, but any heavy, flat-bottomed pan will work. Just make sure it’s big enough to smash the patties and doesn’t have a nonstick coating that might get damaged.

Why do you smash the burgers instead of shaping them into patties?

Smashing the beef right onto a hot pan creates more surface area to brown, which gives you that incredible crispy-edged crust and juicy center—something shaped patties just can’t match. This is the magic of true Smash Burgers!

Can I make smash burgers without a burger press?

Absolutely! Use a sturdy, flat metal spatula and place a piece of parchment paper between the meat and spatula if you want to keep things tidy. Just be firm — good smashing is key!

Are smash burgers gluten-free?

The patties themselves are naturally gluten-free. Just swap in a gluten-free hamburger bun and make sure your sauces are GF, and you’re good to go!

Final Thoughts

Once you try making fresh, homemade smash burgers, you’ll understand why this simple method has such a cult following. The crispy, craggy edges, gooey cheese, and fresh toppings are a burger lover’s dream come true. Gather your favorite people, fire up a skillet, and let the magic happen — your new signature burger awaits!

Smash Burgers Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Learn how to make delicious smash burgers at home with this easy recipe. Perfectly juicy patties with crispy edges, topped with cheese and all your favorite fixings.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Patties:

1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

4 hamburger buns
4 slices cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for toasting buns)
sliced pickles
shredded lettuce
sliced tomatoes
sliced onions
ketchup, mustard, or your favorite burger sauce

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Instructions

Form Patties: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and form loosely into balls; do not pack tightly. Season each ball generously with salt and pepper.
Smash Patties: Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot. Place the beef balls in the skillet and immediately smash each one down firmly with a heavy spatula or burger press to form thin patties. Cook for 2-3 minutes without moving, until the edges are crispy and browned.
Cook Patties: Flip each patty and top with a slice of cheddar cheese. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the burgers are cooked through.
Toast Buns: Meanwhile, spread butter on the cut sides of the buns and toast them, cut side down, in a separate skillet or on the griddle until golden brown.
Assemble Burgers: Place each patty on a toasted bun and top with pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and your favorite sauces. Serve immediately.