Smash Burger Recipe
This smash burger recipe is an easy and delicious way to make restaurant-style smash burgers at home. The key technique is cooking thin beef patties on a very hot surface, which creates a crispy, flavorful crust while keeping the inside juicy. This easy smash burger recipe is perfect for quick dinners and homemade burger nights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 meat-to-fat ratio)
- Seasoning salt, to taste
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 hamburger buns
- Butter, for toasting buns
- Optional toppings: sliced onions, pickles, lettuce, tomato, burger sauce
Directions
- Preheat a cast-iron griddle or heavy skillet over high heat until very hot, about 375°F.
- Lightly butter the hamburger buns and toast them on the griddle or in a pan until golden. Set aside.
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and gently roll into loose balls, being careful not to over-pack the meat.
- Place each beef ball onto the hot griddle.
- Cover each ball with parchment paper and press down firmly with a spatula to form a thin patty.
- Sprinkle seasoning salt generously over each patty.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes, until the edges are crispy and deeply browned.
- Flip the patties carefully, scraping up the crust from the griddle.
- Immediately place a slice of cheese on each patty.
- Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the burgers are cooked through.
- Transfer the patties to the toasted buns, add desired toppings and sauce, and serve hot.
Preparation Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 4 burgers