Description
This Best Smash Burger Recipe delivers a juicy, flavorful double cheeseburger featuring thin, perfectly seared patties smashed for maximum crust and tenderness. Made with a special sauce, fresh toppings, and toasted brioche buns, this burger is a classic comfort food favorite that’s easy to prepare at home using a stovetop skillet or griddle.
Ingredients
Meat
- 12 oz (340g) ground beef (80/20)
- 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
- freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Toppings
- Brioche buns
- 2 slices cheddar cheese
- pickles
- lettuce
- onion, thinly sliced
- tomato slices
Instructions
- Divide and Shape Patties: Divide the ground beef into three 3 oz (85g) portions. Roll each portion into a ball and place each between two pieces of parchment paper.
- Smash Patties: Using the flat side of a mallet, flatten each ball into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick, while still between the parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make Burger Sauce: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, ketchup, mustard, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate until ready to use, allowing flavors to meld.
- Preheat Skillet: Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot to ensure a crispy sear on the patties.
- Season and Cook Patties: Season one side of a patty with salt and pepper, then place that side down on the hot skillet. Immediately season the top side. Cook for 1-2 minutes until edges are crispy and brown, then flip.
- Add Cheese and Stack: After flipping, cook another 30 seconds to 1 minute. Place a slice of cheddar on one patty while still on the skillet, then top it with another patty to create a double stack. Remove from heat.
- Toast Buns: Lightly toast brioche buns on the grill or skillet for about 30 seconds until golden and warm.
- Assemble the Burger: Spread a spoonful of the burger sauce on the bottom bun. Layer with lettuce, tomato slices, and thinly sliced onion. Add the double-stacked patties with cheese, then top with pickles. Add more sauce on the top bun and close the burger.
- Serve: Plate the assembled burgers and enjoy immediately while hot and juicy.
Notes
- The burger patties can be formed ahead of time and stored on a tray separated by parchment paper cut into 5-inch squares. This makes transferring them to the pan easier and prevents sticking.
- Using a cast iron skillet or griddle ensures a good sear and crispy edges.
- Adjust ketchup quantity in the sauce for sweetness level to taste.
