The Best Smash Burger Recipe for Juicy Homemade Bliss

Burger enthusiasts can’t resist a perfectly crispy smash burger recipe that delivers maximum flavor in every bite.

This technique creates an irresistibly golden, caramelized crust that seals in juicy goodness.

Restaurants have long kept this secret method under wraps, but now you can master it at home.

The key is using high heat and applying just the right amount of pressure to create those delectable crispy edges.

Each patty becomes a canvas of deliciousness, with a signature crunch that elevates the entire burger experience.

Simple ingredients and a hot griddle are all you need to transform ordinary ground beef into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will make your taste buds dance with pure burger bliss.

Smash Burger: Fan-Favorite Features

• Packed with a custom seasoning blend, this recipe delivers an intense taste profile that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.
• Learn professional smash burger methods that create crispy, lacy edges and perfectly caramelized meat, elevating your home cooking skills.
• Perfect for backyard gatherings, game days, or casual dinners, this recipe serves up deliciousness in minutes without complicated preparation.
• Easily adaptable with different cheese, sauce, or topping options, making it a versatile meal that suits everyone's preferences.

Smash Burger Shopping List

• Ground Beef: A high-quality protein that serves as the star of the smash burger, providing rich flavor and a crispy texture when cooked on a hot grill.
• Cheese Slice: Melts perfectly over the hot patty, adding creaminess and extra savory taste to the burger.
• Bacon: Provides a crispy, smoky element that enhances the overall flavor profile of the burger.
• Buns: The foundation that holds all the delicious components of the burger together.

• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika: A classic spice mixture that adds depth, warmth, and complexity to the meat's flavor.

• Butter, Oil: Help create a perfect golden-brown crust and prevent sticking on the grill surface.
• BBQ Sauce: Adds a tangy and sweet dimension to the burger, complementing the meat's rich flavor.
• Onions: Provide a sweet and caramelized element that adds complexity to the burger's taste profile.

Tools You’ll Need for Smash Burgers

• Flat-top grill: Essential for achieving the signature smash burger crispy edges.
• Small bowl: Perfect for mixing the seasoning blend.
• Spatula: Helps toss onions and handle burgers on the grill.
• Scraper or metal spatula: Crucial for smashing and flipping burger patties.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking when smashing burger balls.
• Weight (like a heavy skillet): Used to press down and smash burgers thin.
• Paper towel-lined plate: Helps drain excess grease from bacon.
• Tongs: Useful for handling bacon and moving ingredients around the grill.

Smash Burger: Quick How-To

Step 1: Whip Up Flavor Blend

Mix your seasoning blend by combining salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in a small bowl.

Stir until well combined.

Step 2: Shape Beef Portions

Divide ground beef into 8 equal portions, rolling each into a perfect ball.

These will become your signature burger patties.

Step 3: Crisp Up Bacon

Heat a flat-top grill to medium and cook bacon until it reaches crispy perfection.

Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

Step 4: Melt Buttery Goodness

Spread butter across the hot grill, letting it melt and create a delicious cooking surface.

Step 5: Caramelize Onion Magic

Toss onions in the melted butter, sprinkling with a portion of your seasoning mix.

Stir frequently and cook until they become soft, golden, and irresistibly sweet.

Step 6: Crank Up the Heat

Increase grill temperature to high and lightly oil the cooking surface.

Step 7: Season Meat Balls

Generously coat the beef balls with your signature seasoning blend.

Step 8: Grill Initial Placement

Carefully place seasoned meat balls onto the scorching hot grill, seasoning side down.

Step 9: Smash with Purpose

Use parchment paper and a weight to dramatically flatten each patty.

Press firmly to create those signature crispy, lacy edges.

Step 10: First Side Cooking

Season the exposed side and let the patty cook until edges turn golden brown and crispy.

Step 11: Skillful Flip

Use a metal scraper to carefully lift and flip each patty.

Step 12: Sauce and Cheese Layer

Brush with BBQ sauce and immediately top with a slice of cheese.

Allow cheese to melt completely.

Step 13: Double the Deliciousness

For burger lovers craving extra meat, stack a second patty on top of the first.

Step 14: Serve and Savor

Transfer hot patties to fresh buns, crown with crispy bacon and caramelized onions.

Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade smash burger masterpiece.

Top Tips for Smash Burgers

• Choose a ground beef with 20-30% fat content for juicier, more flavorful smash burgers that crisp perfectly on the edges.
• Use a flat-bottomed weight or heavy spatula with parchment paper to create ultra-thin, crispy patties with maximum surface caramelization.
• Keep your griddle or flat-top scorching hot (around 400°F) to achieve that signature crispy, lacy burger crust without overcooking.
• Sprinkle seasoning mix generously on both sides of the meat for maximum flavor penetration and enhanced browning.
• Have all ingredients prepped and ready before cooking, as smash burgers cook incredibly fast and require immediate attention.

Smash Burger: Change It Up

• Vegetarian Smash Burger: Replace ground beef with plant-based burger patties made from black beans, quinoa, or beyond meat for a meat-free alternative.
• Low-Carb Smash Burger: Swap traditional buns with lettuce wraps or portobello mushroom caps to reduce carbohydrate intake and create a gluten-free option.
• Spicy Southwest Smash Burger: Modify seasoning mix by adding cayenne pepper, chili powder, and cumin for a bold, zesty flavor profile with extra heat.
• Mediterranean-Style Smash Burger: Incorporate feta cheese, chopped olives, and dried oregano into the meat mixture, then top with tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.

Best Sides for Smash Burgers

• Burger Bliss Plating: Layer the smashed patties on a toasted brioche bun for maximum flavor explosion.
• Crispy Companion Combo: Pair the burger with crispy seasoned french fries or a zesty coleslaw for a perfect meal balance.
• Gourmet Topping Festival: Customize with fresh lettuce, sliced tomatoes, pickles, and extra crispy bacon for added texture and taste.
• Sauce Celebration: Drizzle homemade garlic aioli or spicy chipotle mayo on top to elevate the burger's rich, savory profile.

Save Smash Burgers for Later

• Store leftover smash burgers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Separate patties with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual patties tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 1-2 months.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place burgers on a baking sheet, cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Add cheese in the last 2 minutes.

FAQs

• What makes a Smash Burger different from a regular burger?

The key difference is the technique of smashing the meat ball on a hot griddle, which creates crispy, lacy edges and maximizes the meat’s caramelization, giving an intense flavor and unique texture.

• Do I need special equipment to make Smash Burgers?

No, you just need a flat cooking surface like a griddle or cast-iron skillet, a spatula or scraper, and parchment paper with a weight to smash the patties effectively.

• Why use 3-ounce meat portions?

Smaller portions allow for faster cooking, more surface area for caramelization, and the ability to stack multiple thin patties for a more intense beef flavor without becoming too thick or dense.

Smash Burger Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Juicy Smash Burger promises a delightful culinary experience with crispy edges and rich beef flavor. Seasoned patties grilled to perfection deliver a classic American comfort meal that satisfies hungry diners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 24 ounces (680 grams) ground beef (80/20)
• 8 strips bacon
• 8 slices cheddar cheese

Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Cooking Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) butter
• 4 small onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) BBQ sauce

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Instructions

1. Prepare a zesty seasoning blend by thoroughly mixing salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in a small bowl.
2. Divide ground beef into 8 uniform 3-ounce portions, gently rolling each into a compact ball.
3. Heat a flat-top grill to medium and crisp the bacon until golden and crackling, approximately 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
4. Melt butter across the grill surface, creating a rich cooking base.
5. Tumble onions into the melted butter, sprinkle with a quarter of the seasoning mixture. Continuously stir with a spatula until they soften and caramelize, roughly 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat.
6. Crank grill temperature to high and lightly lubricate the surface with cooking oil.
7. Generously dust meat balls with prepared seasoning on their exposed surface.
8. Position seasoned meat balls onto the hot grill, seasoned side downward.
9. Employ parchment paper and a weighted tool to aggressively flatten each ball, ensuring ultra-thin edges with maximum surface area.
10. Season the newly exposed side. Cook until edges transform into a lacy, bronzed appearance, approximately 2 minutes.
11. Utilize a metal scraper to carefully flip each patty.
12. Lavish the surface with BBQ sauce and immediately crown with a cheese slice. Continue cooking until cheese melts completely, about 2 minutes.
13. For double-decker burgers, strategically layer one patty atop another.
14. Immediately transfer to serving buns, accompanied by crispy bacon and caramelized onions.

Notes

• Meat Selection Choose high-fat ground beef like 80/20 for juicier, more flavorful smash burgers that develop crispy edges.
• Seasoning Technique Press seasoning firmly into meat balls to ensure deep flavor penetration and better crust development during cooking.
• Smashing Strategy Use a flat metal spatula or heavy flat-bottomed object to create ultra-thin patties, maximizing crispy surface area and textural contrast.
• Temperature Control Maintain high heat around 400-450°F to achieve proper caramelization and prevent meat from steaming instead of searing.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 792
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 1364mg
• Fat: 61g
• Saturated Fat: 30g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24g
• Trans Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 44g
• Cholesterol: 169mg