There’s a reason that Smash Burgers have reached legendary status with burger lovers everywhere: they combine juicy, sizzling beef with those signature lacy-crisp edges you only get from smashing, and every bite bursts with flavor, melty cheese, and freshness from classic toppings. Whether you’re already a devotee or just itching to try these diner-style beauties at home, this recipe is your ticket to burger bliss—no fancy equipment or secret ingredients required.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you—each one plays a crucial role in building up the perfect Smash Burgers. This is all about balancing rich, savory beef, melty cheese, and bright, crunchy toppings, and every component helps that magic unfold in your kitchen.

Ground beef (80/20 blend): The trick to flavorful, juicy patties is using beef with a good fat ratio—80/20 strikes that just-right balance.
Kosher salt: A generous sprinkle brings out the beef’s natural savoriness and gives that signature burger crust.
Black pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds subtle warmth and just a hint of background spice.
Hamburger buns: Soft yet sturdy buns are the essential vessel for holding all that burger goodness together.
Cheddar cheese: Melt-in-your-mouth cheddar takes the beef up a notch with creamy richness and sharp bite.
Unsalted butter: Optional but delicious—spreading butter on buns before toasting makes them golden, crisp, and irresistible.
Sliced pickles: Their punchy tang counters the richness of the beef and cheese perfectly.
Shredded lettuce: Adds cooling crunch and freshness to every bite.
Sliced tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, they brighten up your burger stack.
Sliced onions: Go for classic sharp bite or use sweet onions for a milder flavor—your call!
Ketchup, mustard, or your favorite burger sauce: You can keep it classic or get creative—sauces tie the whole burger together.

How to Make Smash Burgers

Step 1: Portion and Season the Beef

Start by dividing your ground beef into four equal portions, and gently shape each one into a loose ball—resist the urge to pack them tightly. This loose structure is key for those famous crispy, lacy Smash Burgers edges. Sprinkle each beef ball generously with kosher salt and black pepper; seasoning early ensures every bite has bold, beefy flavor.

Step 2: Heat the Skillet

Preheat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until it’s nearly smoking. This is where the magic happens: that blazing hot surface is responsible for those caramelized, crispy edges Smash Burgers are known for, so don’t rush this part.

Step 3: Smash the Burger Patties

Place each beef ball onto the hot skillet, and immediately (and confidently!) smash it down with a sturdy metal spatula or burger press. Press firmly—watch as the beef sizzles and spreads into a thin patty. Leave it undisturbed for 2–3 minutes; this sear develops the golden, crunchy crust that’s the hallmark of classic diner-style Smash Burgers.

Step 4: Flip and Cheese

When you see crispy, browned edges, slide your spatula under and flip each patty. Quickly top with a slice of cheddar cheese so it can get gloriously melty—the heat of the burger will do all the work in just another 1–2 minutes as the patty finishes cooking.

Step 5: Toast the Buns

While your burgers are finishing up, spread butter on the cut sides of your hamburger buns and toast them, cut side down, in a separate skillet or on the griddle. Give them a few minutes to turn golden and crunchy on the inside, which helps them stand up to juicy toppings without going soggy.

Step 6: Build and Serve

Time for the best part: assembly! Stack your cheesy patties on the toasted buns, then load on the pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and whatever sauces you love best. Smash Burgers are meant to be eaten hot off the griddle and piled high—don’t be shy with the toppings!

How to Serve Smash Burgers

Garnishes

The beauty of Smash Burgers lies in their customizability. Classic garnishes like shredded lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, and onions keep things refreshingly crisp and add gorgeous layers of flavor. For a twist, try a swipe of tangy burger sauce or even a dash of hot sauce to wake up your taste buds.

Side Dishes

Pair these burgers with crispy fries, sweet potato fries, or even potato chips for that true diner experience at home. A simple coleslaw or crunchy pickle platter also plays up the fresh, zingy contrasts that make Smash Burgers sing. If you’re feeling extra, a hand-spun milkshake takes things over the top.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, serve a platter of mini Smash Burgers as sliders—perfect for parties and game nights. Or build an epic burger board with all the toppings laid out so everyone can create their own custom stacks. Stack two patties per burger for a double Smash Burgers adventure—there’s no such thing as too much crispy beef and cheese!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow wind up with leftover Smash Burgers, let the patties cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the toppings and buns separate for the freshest results when reheating and reassembling.

Freezing

Smash Burgers patties freeze surprisingly well. Once cooked, let them cool, then wrap each patty individually in plastic wrap or foil and stash in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Freeze the buns and cheese separately if needed, but skip freezing fresh veggies.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen patties in the fridge overnight (if necessary), then warm them in a skillet over medium heat until hot and sizzling. Adding a slice of fresh cheese as they reheat brings back that gooey meltiness. Toast fresh buns, reassemble with toppings, and your leftover Smash Burgers are just as craveable as the originals.

FAQs

How do you get the crispy edges on Smash Burgers?

The secret is all in the shaping and smashing: keep the beef loosely formed, crank up the skillet heat, and use a heavy spatula or burger press to flatten quickly when it hits the pan. This maximizes the beef’s contact with the hot surface, building those famous crispy bits.

Can I make Smash Burgers with ground turkey or chicken?

Absolutely! While traditional Smash Burgers use beef for maximum flavor and juiciness, ground turkey or chicken works in a pinch. Just make sure to keep an eye on moisture—these meats can dry out more quickly, so consider adding a little oil to the pan.

Do I need a cast-iron skillet for this recipe?

A cast-iron skillet is ideal because it holds and distributes heat evenly, creating that signature crust. But any heavy-bottomed skillet or even a griddle will do the trick—as long as it gets hot enough, you’ll still get delicious Smash Burgers.

Can I double the patties for each burger?

Definitely! Doubling up makes for extra indulgent Smash Burgers, and is a diner classic move. Just layer two cooked patties with cheese on each bun and prepare for a seriously juicy, over-the-top burger experience.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Smash Burgers are naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free buns. Everything else in the recipe should work perfectly—just be sure to check your sauces and toppings for any hidden gluten ingredients.

Final Thoughts

Making your own Smash Burgers at home is amazingly easy, a little bit messy, and absolutely worth it—promise! Once you’ve tasted that perfect combination of crispy-edged beef, gooey cheese, and fresh toppings, you might never crave takeout again. Gather your favorite people, fire up your skillet, and enjoy burger night the Smash Burgers way!

Smash Burgers Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 15 reviews

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

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Description

Learn how to make delicious smash burgers at home with this easy recipe. Perfectly seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and all your favorite toppings sandwiched between toasted buns.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground 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

Divide and Season: Divide beef into 4 portions, form into loose balls, season with salt and pepper.
Smash and Cook: Smash each ball into a patty in a hot skillet, cook until crispy. Top with cheese.
Toast Buns: Spread butter on buns, toast until golden brown.
Assemble: Place patties on buns, add pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and sauces. Serve.