Description

This Best Smash Burger Recipe delivers juicy, crispy-edged beef patties with melty cheddar cheese, fresh toppings, and a tangy homemade sauce. Made on a hot cast iron skillet, these burgers boast a perfect balance of textures and flavors, featuring soft brioche buns, crisp lettuce, pickles, tomato, and onions. Quick and easy to prepare, these smash burgers are ideal for casual dinners, cookouts, or parties, offering diner-style satisfaction in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale

Burger Patties

12 oz Ground beef (80/20 blend)
Salt, to taste
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Burger Sauce

1/2 cup Mayonnaise
1/4 cup Sour cream
1–2 tablespoons Ketchup
1 tablespoon Mustard
Pinch of freshly cracked black pepper

Burger Assembly

3 Brioche buns, split
2 slices Cheddar cheese per burger (total 6 slices)
Pickles, sliced or whole
Lettuce, shredded
Onion, thinly sliced
Tomato, sliced

Instructions

Form the Patties: Divide the ground beef into 3-ounce portions. Roll each portion into a ball and place it between two pieces of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Smash the Patties: Using the flat side of a mallet or a heavy pan, smash each beef ball down into a thin, even round patty approximately 1/4-inch thick to ensure quick cooking and crispy edges.
Make the Sauce: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, ketchup, mustard, and a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate until ready to use.
Preheat Skillet: Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until it is smoking hot, which is crucial for creating the signature crust on the burgers.
Cook Patties: Season one side of a patty generously with salt and pepper. Place that side down on the hot skillet, then immediately season the other side. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until edges are crispy and browned.
Flip and Add Cheese: Flip the patty carefully and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute. Place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of the patty to melt while finishing cooking.
Form Double Burger: Place a second hot, cheesy patty atop the first to create a double smash burger, then remove from skillet immediately to avoid overcooking.
Toast Buns: Quickly toast the brioche buns on the grill or in the skillet for about 30 seconds until golden and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside.
Assemble Burger: Spread a spoonful of the special sauce on the bottom bun. Layer lettuce, tomato slices, and onions over it. Place the double patties on top, add pickles and more sauce, then cap with the top bun. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use 80/20 ground beef for optimal juiciness and crisp edges.
Smash patties evenly to about 1/4-inch thickness for best texture.
Cast iron skillet preferred for heat retention and crust formation, but heavy stainless steel pans or griddles can be substituted.
Toast buns just before assembling to prevent sogginess.
Store patties and buns separately in airtight containers for leftovers to preserve texture.
Reheat patties in a skillet with a splash of water or oil to retain moisture and crispness; toast buns separately.
Customize toppings by adding bacon, mushrooms, or avocado as desired.
For gluten-free, swap brioche buns for gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps.
Vegan and vegetarian versions can be made using plant-based patties and dairy-free cheese and mayo alternatives.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: smash burger recipe, homemade burgers, cast iron skillet burgers, juicy burgers, diner style burger, burger sauce, cheddar burger, quick burgers