Ultimate Smash Burger Recipe: Crispy, Juicy, and Irresistible!

Welcome to my kitchen and blog! Today, I'm sharing the ultimate smash burger recipe that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. This burger is all about crispy edges, juicy insides, and an explosion of flavor in every bite. Perfect for any burger night, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite. Let’s dive in!

Delicious Smash Burger for Real Burger Lovers

Ingredients

For the Patties:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for optimal juiciness)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 slices of American cheese

For the Burger Assembly:

• 4 burger buns, lightly toasted
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• Pickle slices
• Thinly sliced onions
• Shredded lettuce

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Patties

To achieve that signature smash burger taste, start with high-quality ground beef. I recommend an 80/20 blend for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.

1. Portion the Beef: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions, loosely shaping them into balls. Do not overwork the meat; you want to keep it as tender as possible.
2. Season the Beef: Generously season each side of the beef balls with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple seasoning enhances the natural flavors of the beef.

Step 2: Smash and Cook the Patties

The key to a great smash burger is the smashing technique. It creates those irresistible crispy edges that we all love.

1. Heat the Skillet: Preheat a cast-iron skillet or flat-top griddle over medium-high heat until very hot. A hot cooking surface is essential for a good sear.
2. Smash the Patties: Place a beef ball on the hot skillet. Use a heavy spatula or a burger press to smash the beef ball into a thin patty. Hold for 10 seconds to ensure maximum contact with the skillet. This creates the crispy crust.
3. Cook the Patties: Let the patties cook without moving for about 2 minutes or until the edges are crispy and deeply browned. Flip the patties, and immediately place a slice of American cheese on each one. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the patty is cooked through.

Step 3: Assemble the Burgers

Now, let's bring it all together!

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard. This classic sauce adds a tangy, creamy layer of flavor to your burger.
2. Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the burger buns on the skillet until golden brown. Toasting the buns adds a nice crunch and helps prevent them from getting soggy.
3. Assemble: Spread the sauce on both halves of the toasted buns. Place a cheesy patty on the bottom bun. Top with pickles, onions, and shredded lettuce. Finish with the top bun. The combination of fresh veggies and melty cheese makes for an unbeatable bite.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve Immediately: Serve the smash burgers hot with your favorite sides like fries or onion rings. The hotter, the better!
2. Enjoy: Bite into the crispy, juicy perfection of your homemade smash burger. Trust me, you’ll be coming back for seconds!

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Why Smash Burgers are the Best

Smash burgers stand out from the traditional burger for a few key reasons. First, the smashing technique creates an incredible crust on the patty, known as the Maillard reaction, which locks in flavors and provides a delightful crunch with every bite. Unlike thicker burgers, smash burgers cook quickly and evenly, ensuring that each bite is juicy and flavorful. The simplicity of the ingredients lets the quality of the beef shine through, while the quick cooking time keeps the inside tender and moist. The addition of melted American cheese enhances the overall taste with its creamy texture and rich flavor, making every mouthful a perfect harmony of crispy, juicy, and cheesy goodness. If you've never tried a smash burger before, you're in for a treat that redefines what a burger can be.

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Pro Tips

• Chill the Beef: Keep the ground beef cold until you're ready to cook for better smashing and juicier results. Cold beef holds together better when smashed.
• Use a Heavy Spatula: A solid, heavy spatula works best for smashing the patties. If you have a burger press, even better!
• Don't Overcrowd the Skillet: Cook the patties in batches if necessary to maintain the skillet's high temperature. Overcrowding can cause the temperature to drop and result in less crispy patties.

Make this ultimate smash burger recipe your go-to for burger nights, and you’ll never look back! The combination of crispy edges, juicy centers, and melty cheese is simply irresistible. Try it out and let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Happy cooking!

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