Smash Burgers Recipe

Ground beef: An 80/20 blend of ground beef is ideal for juicy and flavorful burgers.

Burger buns: Soft and slightly sweet buns that will hold up well to the juicy patties.

American cheese: Melts perfectly over the hot patties, adding a creamy texture.

Butter: Used for toasting the buns to a golden brown.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the beef.

Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the patties.

When smashing the ground beef balls on the griddle, use a sturdy metal spatula and press down firmly to ensure the patties are thin and evenly cooked. This technique creates a crispy, caramelized crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy. Make sure to season with salt and pepper immediately after smashing to enhance the flavor.

• 80/20 blend ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can still provide a juicy burger when cooked properly.

• 80/20 blend ground beef - Substitute with ground chicken: Ground chicken is another lean alternative that can be flavored similarly to beef.

• burger buns - Substitute with whole wheat buns: Whole wheat buns add extra fiber and nutrients, making the burger a bit healthier.

• burger buns - Substitute with lettuce wraps: For a low-carb option, use large lettuce leaves to wrap your burger.

• american or cheddar cheese - Substitute with Swiss cheese: Swiss cheese melts well and adds a different, slightly nutty flavor.

• american or cheddar cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone offers a mild, creamy taste that complements the burger.

• butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier fat option for toasting buns.

• butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee has a higher smoke point and a rich, nutty flavor that works well for toasting.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory umami flavor in addition to saltiness.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a different texture and a slightly different flavor profile.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat along with the peppery flavor.

• pepper - Substitute with paprika: Paprika offers a milder, slightly sweet pepper flavor.

• Allow the burger patties to cool completely before storing. This helps to avoid condensation, which can make the burgers soggy.
• Wrap each burger patty individually in aluminum foil or parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking together and makes it easier to reheat single servings.
• Place the wrapped patties in an airtight container or a freezer-safe zip-top bag. Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
• Store the burger buns separately. Wrap them in plastic wrap or place them in a zip-top bag. You can also freeze the buns if you plan to store them for an extended period.
• For freezing, place the wrapped burger patties in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method prevents the patties from sticking together.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the burger patties in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat them on a griddle or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
• Toast the burger buns on the griddle or in a toaster oven before assembling the smash burgers. This ensures they are warm and slightly crispy.
• Assemble the smash burgers with your favorite toppings and serve hot.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the burger patties on a baking sheet and cover them with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Use a skillet on medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the pan. Place the burger patties in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for 3-5 minutes on each side until hot.
• For a quick method, use the microwave. Place the burger patties on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
• Reheat the burger buns separately by toasting them on a griddle or in a toaster until they are warm and slightly crispy.

• Griddle: A flat cooking surface that provides even heat distribution, perfect for cooking the burgers evenly.

• Spatula: Essential for smashing the beef balls into patties and flipping them during cooking.

• Knife: Useful for slicing any additional toppings you might want to add to your burgers.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for preparing any toppings or slicing the buns.

• Butter knife: Handy for spreading butter on the buns before toasting them.

• Measuring spoons: Helps in measuring the butter for toasting the buns accurately.

• Tongs: Useful for handling the hot burger patties and buns without burning yourself.

• Serving platter: A nice way to present your assembled burgers before serving.

Preheat the griddle: Start preheating your griddle while you prepare the ground beef to save time.

Divide and roll ahead: Divide the ground beef into portions and roll them into balls before you start cooking.

Season in advance: Season the beef balls with salt and pepper before placing them on the griddle.

Melt cheese quickly: Place a lid over the patties after adding the cheese to speed up melting.

Toast buns simultaneously: Toast the burger buns on the griddle while the patties cook.