Description
This Smash Burger recipe delivers perfectly crispy, juicy burgers with melted cheddar cheese and classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, pickles, and a tangy mayo-mustard sauce. Using 80/20 ground beef and the smash technique ensures a flavorful crust and tender inside. Ideal for a quick, satisfying meal with brioche buns adding a soft, buttery finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Patties
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (80/20), divided into 8 portions (3 oz each)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder (optional), to taste
Toppings and Sauce
- 4 slices medium cheddar cheese (thick-sliced preferred)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 4 burger buns (brioche recommended)
- 2 cups iceberg lettuce, shredded
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced into rings
- 2 dill pickles, cut into 12 slices
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Patties: Divide the ground beef into eight equal portions, about 3 ounces each. Gently form each portion into a loose ball, being careful not to compress too much to maintain tenderness.
- Preheat the Cooking Surface: Heat a cast-iron skillet or flat griddle over medium-high heat until very hot. This is crucial to get a good sear on the burgers.
- Smash and Cook the Patties: Place beef balls on the hot skillet and immediately smash down firmly with a spatula or a heavy press to flatten into thin patties. Season the tops with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using. Cook without moving for about 2-3 minutes until a crisp brown crust forms. Flip the patties, add a slice of cheddar cheese on each, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and patties are cooked through.
- Prepare the Sauce and Assemble: Mix mayonnaise and yellow mustard together in a small bowl. Lightly toast the brioche buns on the skillet until golden. Spread the mayo-mustard sauce on the bun bottoms, layer with shredded lettuce, tomato slices, onion rings, cheese-topped patties, pickle slices, and then the bun top. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Using 80/20 ground beef gives the best balance of flavor and juiciness.
- Do not overwork the meat when forming patties to keep them tender.
- Smashing the patties thin helps develop a crispy, caramelized crust.
- Thick-sliced cheddar melts beautifully and adds rich flavor.
- Brioche buns add a slightly sweet, soft texture that complements the savory patties.
- Customize toppings as desired, but keep classic ingredients for the true smash burger experience.
