Description
This recipe for Smash Burgers delivers perfectly seared, juicy double-layered beef patties with melted cheddar cheese and a tangy, flavorful homemade sauce. Made on a griddle or cast iron skillet, these burgers feature crispy edges and a deliciously tender interior, assembled with fresh toppings and buttered toasted buns for an irresistible classic American burger experience.
Ingredients
Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons ketchup (or 4 tablespoons chili sauce)
- 2 teaspoons mustard
- 1 tablespoon grated dill pickles
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
Burgers
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef (80/20)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Assembly
- 4 hamburger buns
- 2 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- Lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions as desired
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, grated dill pickles, onion powder, and sugar. Mix well until fully blended. Refrigerate to allow flavors to meld while you prepare the burgers.
- Seasoning mix: In a small bowl, mix together salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Set aside to be used later for seasoning the patties.
- Butter the buns: Spread softened butter over the cut side of each hamburger bun. This will help the buns toast to a golden, crispy finish on the griddle.
- Form beef balls: Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions, about 3 ounces each, and roll them gently into balls. Prepare an 8-inch square of parchment paper for smashing the patties.
- Preheat cooking surface: Heat a griddle or cast iron skillet over high heat until very hot. Test by sprinkling a little water onto the surface; it should dance and evaporate immediately if ready.
- Toast the buns: Place the buttered buns cut side down onto the hot griddle. Toast for 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown. Remove buns and set aside on a plate.
- Smash the patties: Place the beef balls on the griddle and top each with the parchment paper square. Use a burger press or heavy spatula to press down each ball until the patties are about 1/8-inch thick. Remove the parchment paper and repeat for all patties. Season the tops of the patties with half of the seasoning mixture.
- Cook the patties: Cook the patties for 90 seconds without moving them to develop a crust. Flip each patty over, season the cooked side with the remaining seasoning, and cook for an additional 60 to 90 seconds until fully cooked through.
- Cheese and stack: Place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of 4 of the patties while still on the griddle. Immediately stack the remaining patties on top of each cheese slice, creating 4 double-patty stacks with melted cheese in the middle.
- Assemble the burgers: Transfer each double-patty stack onto the toasted buns. Add lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, and the prepared sauce to taste. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use 80/20 ground beef for optimal juiciness and flavor.
- Press the patties thin to create a crispy crust and maximize surface caramelization.
- Let the cheese melt slightly on the hot patties before stacking for gooey texture.
- Customize toppings and sauce according to personal preference.
- To keep patties warm, you can tent them loosely with foil while assembling.