Smash Burger

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This Smash Burger Recipe is going to be your new favorite. Follow this easy recipe to make drool worthy restaurant style burgers in no time.

Smash Burgers have been popping up all over restaurant menus for a few years now. The first time I ordered one I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but you guys, they are so good. The thin patties are so flavorful, the edges the perfect amount of crisp.

And all that goodness is just the patty. Add a perfectly toasted bun, some burger spread and your other favorite toppings and Smash Burgers are going to be your new favorite hamburger. But wait there’s more! They are SO easy to make right at home in your kitchen.

Let’s talk about what you’ll need to make it.

Smash Burger Ingredients:

You don’t need a ton of ingredients to make smash burgers. Most of them will come from the different toppings that you chose to put on your burger. To make them you’ll need:

• GROUND BEEF: The best ground beef for this recipe is 80/20. That means 80% lean 20% fat. This will give you the most flavorful burgers and help them hold together.
• GRANULATED GARLIC/ONION POWDER/GROUND MUSTARD/PAPRIKA: A seasoning blend to season the beef patties.
• WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE: Adds umami flavor to the ground beef.
• SALT/PEPPER: You will be adding salt and pepper to the patties while they are cooking, instead of mixing them in with the beef. This is important because adding salt too early can impact the texture of the burgers.
• BURGER BUNS: While any burger buns will do for this recipe, Brioche Buns have become my favorite. When toasted really hold up well to all of the toppings without getting soggy.
• FAVORITE BURGER TOPPINGS: Around here this means shredded lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, red onion and of course my favorite Burger Spread.

Step by Step Photos and Instructions:

Making a Smash Burger isn’t all that different from making a regular burger, except you’ll be pressing them into thin patties while they cook. And instead of making 4 patties/per pound of ground beef, you’ll be making 8 (2 ounce) patties. I recommend using a kitchen scale but if you don’t have one simply divide the beef into 8 even balls. As for smashing I use a Smash Burger Press like this one (Affiliate link).

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STEP #1: Combine ground beef, granulated garlic, onion powder, ground mustard, paprika and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl. Mix just until combined. Don’t over mix or the burgers will be tough.

STEP #2: Once mixed form the beef into 8 (2 ounce) round balls. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes. But can be done hours in advance.

STEP #3: When ready to cook heat a cast iron skillet (or griddle) to medium-high heat. Place chilled burger rounds onto griddle and use a burger press to smash them down. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and allow to cook for 2 -3 minutes.

STEP #4: Flip burgers and add cheese, if using to the top of one patty. Continue cooking until cheese starts to melt. Place the other patty on top of the cheese covered patty.

STEP #5: Toast burger buns on the same griddle that you cooked the burgers.

STEP #6: Assemble burgers with desired toppings and serve.

Storage and Leftovers:

As with any burger, once assembled Smash Burgers are best eaten right away. However, you can make, form and refrigerate the meatballs several hours in advance. Then simply remove them when ready to cook.

If you’re looking for side dishes to serve with your smash burgers, try these:

Potato Salad is a great side dish if you’re serving these at a backyard BBQ!

A burger and fries are always a great combo. Try these Air Fryer French Fries for an easy twist!

Fries not your thing? How about some Onion Rings?