Smash burger

There’s nothing quite like the mouthwatering experience of a perfectly cooked smash burger, where the juicy beef patty is seared to create a crispy crust, topped with melted cheese and fresh toppings. This smash burger recipe only takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook, and it’s perfect for those who crave a satisfying, flavorful meal that hits all the right notes.

This recipe is perfect for burger lovers and makes an excellent weeknight dinner or weekend gathering dish. If you’re planning to serve a crowd, the sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge for optimal flavor development.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The unique smashing technique creates a juicy, crispy patty.
• Quick cooking time means a delightful meal in just 30 minutes.
• Customizable toppings allow for endless flavor combinations.
• The homemade sauce adds a fresh twist to traditional burger condiments.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients to create your delicious smash burgers.

For the Sauce

• 1 tbsp mayo
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• ½ onion, diced
• 2 pickles, diced

For the Patties

• 500 g (1 pound) ground beef
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Buns

• 3 burger buns
• 1 tsp butter, for the buns

For the Toppings

• 1 onion, sliced thinly
• 6 cheddar slices
• 6 iceberg lettuce leaves
• 6 tomato slices

Feel free to substitute the ground beef for ground turkey or even plant-based meat alternatives.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use Greek yogurt for mayo.
• Substitute store-bought sauce for a quick option.
• Any cheese works if you don’t have cheddar.
• Add your favorite burger toppings as desired.

How to Make It

Let’s dive into the cooking process!

1. Prepare the sauce

In a bowl, mix together mayo, ketchup, diced onion, and diced pickles. Stir until smooth to form a sauce.

2. Form the patties

Divide the meat into six portions. Shape each portion into a ball, then season with salt and pepper. Place them on a tray or plate.

3. Toast the buns

Cut the burger buns in half and spread both cut sides with butter. Toast them on a grill or in a hot pan for a few seconds until lightly golden.

4. Cook the patties

Place the first two meatballs onto a hot grill or into a hot pan. If you’re using a grill and have enough space, you can cook all the patties at once.

5. Smash the patties

Cut squares out of parchment paper and place two sheets over each meatball. Press down firmly with a spatula to flatten the meat into a thin patty. Remove the paper.

6. Add onions and flip

Cook the meat for one minute, until the edges turn golden and crispy. Add three slices of onion, then flip the patty with a spatula.

7. Melt the cheese

Add two slices of cheese and cover with a lid. Cook just until the cheese melts, about 15–30 seconds.

8. Build the burgers

Spread the sauce on the bottom bun, add two lettuce leaves, two meat patties, and two slices of tomato. Top with the upper half of the bun, also spread with sauce. Serve immediately.

How to Store It

Fridge: up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: no, due to loss of texture when reheated.
Reheat: warm on a skillet for 3–5 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• Ensure the pan or grill is very hot before adding the patties.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.
• Rest the patties for a minute after cooking to maintain juiciness.
• Customize toppings to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with crispy fries for a classic combo.
• Serve alongside a refreshing salad on a warm day.
• Enjoy with a cold beverage during a backyard BBQ.