If you have ever dreamed of biting into a burger that bursts with flavor, has just the right amount of crispiness on the edges, and melts in your mouth, then you are in for a treat. The Best Smash Burger Recipe is exactly what you need to turn your burger game up a notch. This recipe delivers juicy, thin patties with a beautiful crust, layered with melty cheddar, fresh veggies, and a tangy homemade sauce that will have you eager for seconds every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a wooden board with several burger ingredients placed separately. On the left side, there are thin, white onion slices arranged in a small pile. Next to the onions, a heap of light green shredded lettuce is spread out. Moving to the right, there is a stack of two slices of yellow cheddar cheese on top of two slices of white cheese, neatly layered. Behind these ingredients, there are two soft, shiny brown burger buns placed next to some pickles on the board. The surface under the board is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of The Best Smash Burger Recipe is in its simplicity and quality ingredients. Each component is carefully selected to balance flavor, texture, and visual appeal. From the perfectly seasoned ground beef to the creamy burger sauce, every ingredient plays an essential role in crafting an unforgettable burger experience.

12 oz (340g) ground beef (80/20): The ideal fat ratio ensures juicy, flavorful patties that won’t dry out when cooked.
Salt, to taste: Enhances the natural flavor of the beef and seasons the patties evenly.
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste: Adds a subtle heat and complexity to the meat.
1/2 cup mayonnaise: Brings creaminess to the burger sauce, creating a rich texture.
1/4 cup sour cream: Adds a slight tang and silky smoothness to the sauce.
1-2 tablespoons ketchup: Offers a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to the sauce.
1 tablespoon mustard: Provides depth and a bit of zesty kick to the burger sauce.
Brioche buns: Soft yet sturdy enough to hold all your fillings without falling apart.
2 slices cheddar cheese: Perfectly melty and sharp, pairing beautifully with the beef.
Pickles: For that crunchy, acidic contrast that cuts through the richness.
Lettuce: Adds a refreshing crunch and bright green color.
Onion, thinly sliced: Offers a mild bite and a lovely crunch.
Tomato slices: Juicy and slightly sweet, balancing all the flavors.

How to Make The Best Smash Burger Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Patties

Begin by dividing your ground beef into small 3 oz portions, rolling each into a neat ball. Placing them between parchment paper sheets makes smashing easier without sticking. Flatten these balls into thin rounds using the flat side of a mallet or a heavy pan — this thinness is key for that signature crisp edge.

Step 2: Make the Burger Sauce

This sauce is your secret weapon. Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, ketchup, mustard, and a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper. The creamy, tangy sauce adds a luxurious layer of flavor that elevates every bite. Refrigerate it until it’s time to assemble.

Step 3: Cook the Patties

Heat your cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat — you want it hot enough to create that irresistible crust. Season one side of each patty with salt and pepper, then place that side down on the pan. Season the other side while they cook for 1 to 2 minutes before flipping. After flipping, cook for an additional 30 seconds to a minute and add a slice of cheddar cheese on one patty. Stack the second patty on top and quickly remove from heat to let the cheese melt perfectly.

Step 4: Toast the Buns and Assemble

Toast your brioche buns briefly on the grill so they’re warm and slightly crispy, adding texture and warmth. Spread a generous spoonful of burger sauce on the bottom bun, then layer with crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and thin onion rings. Add the double cheeseburger patties next, top with pickles, another dollop of sauce, and crown it with the top bun. This multilayered construction is what makes The Best Smash Burger Recipe a masterpiece of flavors and textures.

How to Serve The Best Smash Burger Recipe

The image shows six raw burger patties shaped and placed on a baking tray. Each patty is round, thick, and has a rough texture with visible bits of meat and fat. They are positioned on separate pieces of white parchment paper, spaced evenly in two rows of three. The tray is set on a white marbled surface with a slightly blurred round wooden board and a bowl of yellow substance in the background. The colors are mainly red and pink from the meat, white from the parchment paper, and grey from the metal tray. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can take your smash burger from great to unforgettable. Crisp pickles add the perfect bite of acidity, while cool, fresh lettuce and tangy onions bring balance and freshness. Thin tomato slices provide juiciness, complementing the richness of the beef and cheese.

Side Dishes

No burger is complete without mouthwatering sides. Classic golden fries or crispy sweet potato wedges are the perfect crunchy companions. For something lighter, a fresh side salad with a zingy vinaigrette or coleslaw adds crunch and freshness that pairs beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your smash burgers open-faced on a rustic wooden board for a casual feel. You can also stack the patties with extra layers of onions and pickles skewered with a cocktail stick for a visually impressive presentation. Mini smash burgers are fantastic for parties, letting guests customize their own toppings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store the burger sauce separately to maintain its freshness. This way, when hunger strikes, you can quickly reassemble a delicious smash burger without starting from scratch.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, place your smashed patties separated by parchment paper on a tray and freeze until solid before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to one month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.

Reheating

Reheat patties gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven to preserve juiciness and avoid drying out. Toast the buns fresh and add fresh toppings where possible to recreate the experience of your initial bite into The Best Smash Burger Recipe.

FAQs

What makes a smash burger different from a regular burger?

A smash burger gets its distinct flavor and texture from flattening the beef ball thin on a hot griddle or skillet, which creates a crispy, caramelized crust while keeping the inside juicy. This method maximizes the meat’s surface contact with the pan, creating incredible taste.

Can I use ground beef with a different fat content?

While 80/20 ground beef is recommended for optimal juiciness and flavor, you can use other ratios. Just be aware that leaner beef might result in drier patties, while higher fat content can cause more flare-ups on the grill but will add richness.

Is the burger sauce necessary?

Technically, you can skip the sauce, but it’s a game-changer. The homemade sauce adds creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet notes that complement the savory beef and sharp cheddar perfectly, making The Best Smash Burger Recipe an unforgettable meal.

How do I get the cheese melted perfectly?

Adding the cheese right after flipping the patties and stacking one on top of the other traps the heat and helps the cheese melt quickly and evenly without overcooking the burger.

Can I make this burger vegetarian or vegan?

For a vegetarian twist, use plant-based burger patties that can be smashed similarly. Swap out mayo and sour cream in the sauce for vegan alternatives and choose a vegan cheddar cheese for an equally satisfying smash burger experience.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend enough giving this The Best Smash Burger Recipe a try. Its simplicity paired with the incredible flavor and texture will have you reaching for it again and again. Whether for a casual family dinner or a fun weekend cookout, these burgers bring joy with every bite. So grab your skillet, get smashing, and savor the magic!