Smash Burger is a classic American-style burger with juicy beef, melted cheddar, and caramelized onions, combined between toasted buns. This easy-to-make burger is cooked on high heat and smashed flat to create the perfect taste.
What is a Smash Burger?
Because of its cooking technique, a smash burger is different from a regular burger. Instead of forming thick patties, the meat is rolled into a ball and then smashed flat onto a hot pan or griddle. This technique creates a thin, crispy crust while keeping the inside of the meat juicy. The hight heat and fast cooking time creates a rich flavor with a bit of caramelization on the outside.
Unlike traditional burgers, smash burgers are typically made with two thin patties stacked together.
Ingredients
1. The Perfect Smash Burger Patties
The key to a great smash burger is high-fat ground beef. A blend of 80/20 (80% lean, 20% fat) is ideal, as the extra fat keeps the patty juicy and flavorful. Avoid using lean meat since it won’t create the crispy crust that makes smash burgers special.
Each patty should be about 90g (3.2 oz) and shaped into a loose ball. Do not press or shape it too much—keeping the meat airy will allow it to smash properly and develop the crispy edges.
2. Cheese Selection
For a classic smash burger, cheddar cheese is the best choice. It melts beautifully and adds a sharp, creamy flavor. You can also use American cheese for an ultra-creamy texture.
3. Caramelized Onions for a Sweet Touch
Caramelized onions add a deep, sweet, and rich flavor that complements the crispy beef. Cooking onions low and slow allows their natural sugars to break down. Adding a bit of honey towards the end enhances their sweetness and gives them a glossy finish.
4. The Simple Burger Sauce
A homemade sauce makes all the difference! This sauce is a blend of:
- Ketchup (adds sweetness and tang)
- Mayonnaise (for creaminess)
- Mustard (adds a bit of sharpness)
- Pickle juice & chopped pickles (for acidity and crunch)
This sauce ties everything together, adding a tangy, slightly sweet, and creamy flavor.
5. The Right Burger Buns
A soft, slightly sweet bun like brioche works best. It holds up well against the juicy meat and sauce without overpowering the flavor. Toasting the buns with butter enhances their taste and keeps them from getting soggy.
How to Make Smash Burger?
1. Prepare the Sauce and Onions
Start by making the burger sauce by mixing all ingredients in a bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes so the flavors blend.
For the caramelized onions, slice a large onion into thin crescents. Cook in a pan over medium-low heat with butter until soft and slightly pink. Add honey and continue cooking until golden brown and caramelized. Set aside.
2. Toast the Buns
Spread butter on the inside of each bun and toast them cut-side down in a hot pan until golden brown. This step adds flavor and prevents sogginess.
3. Smash the Burger Patties
- Heat a large pan or griddle over high heat. It should be very hot before adding the meat.
- Place a loosely formed meatball onto the hot surface.
- Immediately smash it down using a spatula (or a burger press) to form a thin, even patty. Press firmly for a few seconds to create a crispy crust.
- Season with salt and pepper. Do not move the patty—let it cook for about 1.5–2 minutes until crispy.
- Flip the patty and immediately add a slice of cheese on top. Cook for another 30–45 seconds.
- Stack two patties together for each burger.
4. Assemble the Burger
- Spread burger sauce on the bottom bun.
- Place the double-stacked patties with melted cheese.
- Top with caramelized onions.
- Place the toasted bun top over it.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Smash Burger
Use high heat: The hotter the pan, the better the sear. This is key to achieving the signature crispy edges.
Choose the right meat: 80/20 ground beef works best. Avoid leaner blends, as they won’t develop the same crust.
Smash only once: Press the patty down immediately when it hits the pan, but don’t smash it again after that. Over-smashing will release juices, making the burger dry.
Use melty cheese: Cheddar or American cheese gives the best melt and complements the crispy beef.
Let the sauce sit: Allowing the sauce to rest before using helps blend the flavors better.
Toast the buns: This prevents them from getting soggy and adds an extra layer of flavor.
Key Notes
Thin and crispy is the goal: Smash burgers are all about the crispy crust and juicy inside.
Layering matters: Double patties with cheese between them create the best bite.
Caramelized onions enhance the flavor: Their sweetness balances the rich, savory beef.
The sauce adds tang and depth: Don’t skip it!
Serving Tips
Pair with crispy fries: Classic French fries or sweet potato fries work well.
Lighten it up with a side salad: A fresh green salad balances the richness of the burger.
Best drinks? A milkshake, soda, or even a cold beer pairs perfectly.
Make it spicy: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Ingredients
For the Smash Burgers:
- 8 burger patties (90g / 3.2 oz each, 20% fat)
- 4 brioche or burger buns
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter (for toasting buns)
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 1 large onion, sliced into crescent shapes
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
For the Simple Burger Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice
- 3 small pickles, finely chopped
Instructions
1. Prepare the Burger Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, pickle juice, and chopped pickles.
- Stir well and set aside.
2. Caramelize the Onions:
- Heat butter or oil in a pan over medium-low heat.
- Add the sliced onions and cook until they turn soft and pink (about 10 minutes).
- Stir in honey and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once caramelized, remove from heat.
3. Toast the Buns:
- Spread butter on the inner sides of the buns.
- Heat a pan over medium heat and toast the buns cut-side down until golden brown. Set aside.
4. Cook the Smash Burgers:
- Heat a large pan or griddle over high heat. Do not add oil.
- Place a patty ball (90g / 3.2 oz) on the hot pan and immediately press down firmly using a burger press or spatula.
- Cook for about 1.5–2 minutes until the edges become crispy.
- Flip the patty and immediately add a slice of cheddar cheese. Cover a lid to make the cheese melt under steam. Cook for 30–45 seconds more.
- Repeat for all patties.
5. Assemble the Burgers:
- Spread the burger sauce on the bottom bun.
- Place one smashed patty with cheddar, then stack a second patty.
- Top with caramelized onions.
- Cover with the toasted bun top.
- Serve hot with fries or coleslaw.
Notes
- Smashing is key! Press the patties only once to get a crispy crust.
- Use a hot pan for best results—high heat helps achieve the classic smash burger sear.
- Caramelized onions take time, so don’t rush them. Cook on medium-low for sweetness.
- Customize the sauce! Add hot sauce or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
- Choose the right buns—brioche buns work best for their slight sweetness.