Why Make This Recipe
Smash burgers are all about juicy, flavorful patties with a crispy edge. This recipe includes a simple secret sauce that adds a burst of flavor, making it perfect for casual meals at home or backyard barbecues. Not only is it easy to make, but the satisfaction of biting into a freshly made smash burger is second to none.
How to Make Smash Burger
Ingredients:
- 1 lb 80/20 ground beef
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 brioche buns
- Toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, onions
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp pickle juice
Directions:
- Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and pickle juice to create the secret sauce. Set it aside.
- Form the ground beef into four loose balls and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Place each ball on the hot grill or skillet and smash down firmly to form patties. Cook for about 3 minutes until crispy edges form.
- Flip the patties and immediately top each one with a slice of cheese. Cook for an additional minute until melted.
- Assemble your burgers by spreading the secret sauce on both sides of the brioche buns. Layer with the patties and desired toppings.
How to Serve Smash Burger
Serve the smash burgers hot off the grill or skillet. Pair them with a side of fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal. You can also serve extra toppings and secret sauce on the side for everyone to customize their burgers.
How to Store Smash Burger
If you have leftovers, store the patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the toppings and secret sauce separate to maintain freshness. You can reheat the patties in a skillet or microwave before serving again.
Tips to Make Smash Burger
- Make sure your grill or skillet is hot enough to achieve that crispy edge.
- Don’t press down too hard when smashing the burgers. Just enough to flatten them will give you the best texture.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or toppings to suit your taste.
Variation
For a spicy twist, add jalapeños or sriracha to the secret sauce. You can also try using different types of buns, such as whole wheat or pretzel buns, for a unique flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use lean ground beef for smash burgers?
Yes, but 80/20 ground beef provides the best flavor and juiciness. Leaner beef may result in drier patties.
Can I make the secret sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the secret sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. This will enhance the flavors even more.
How can I tell when the burgers are done?
Cook the patties for about 3 minutes on one side and 1 minute on the other to get that nice crispy edge. For precise cooking, use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
Smash Burger
Ingredients
For the Burger Patties
- 1 lb 80/20 ground beef Best for flavor and juiciness.
- 1 tsp salt For seasoning.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper For seasoning.
- 4 slices American cheese For topping the burgers.
- 4 pieces brioche buns For serving.
For the Toppings
- Lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, onions Add according to preference.
For the Secret Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp pickle juice
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and pickle juice to create the secret sauce. Set it aside.
- Form the ground beef into four loose balls and season generously with salt and pepper.
Cooking
- Place each ball on the hot grill or skillet and smash down firmly to form patties. Cook for about 3 minutes until crispy edges form.
- Flip the patties and immediately top each one with a slice of cheese. Cook for an additional minute until melted.
Assembly
- Assemble your burgers by spreading the secret sauce on both sides of the brioche buns. Layer with the patties and desired toppings.