Smash Burger Recipe

Craving the ultimate burger experience? You’re in the right place. Smashburger’s signature style delivers a mouthwatering combo of crispy edges and juicy, flavorful bites. Here’s your guide to the magic behind our iconic smash burgers—and how to fully appreciate every single one.

What Is A Smash Burger?

A smash burger isn’t just a burger—it’s a flavor-packed masterpiece. The technique? Smashing a ball of fresh ground beef (ours is Certified Angus Beef®) onto a sizzling-hot griddle. This creates a crispy, caramelized crust that’s bursting with flavor.

What makes it different? It’s all about those crispy edges, bold flavors, and high-quality ingredients. Smash burgers are built for flavor and designed to satisfy.

The Smash Technique

The secret to the perfect smash burger is in the name. When the beef hits a blazing-hot griddle, we smash it down to maximize contact with the surface. That’s where the magic happens—the Maillard reaction. This caramelizes the meat’s natural sugars and proteins, locking in flavor and creating that irresistible crispy crust.

At Smashburger, we’ve nailed the technique to deliver burgers that are juicy, crispy, and unforgettable.

A Smash Burger’s Signature Ingredients

A great burger starts with great ingredients. Here’s what sets ours apart:

• High-Quality Beef: Fresh, never frozen Certified Angus Beef®, with the perfect fat-to-lean ratio for flavor-packed patties.
• Custom Seasoning: Perfectly balanced to complement the beef’s natural richness.
• Toasted Buns: Fluffy, lightly butter-toasted buns that add the perfect crunch.
• Signature Smash Sauce: Because every burger needs its hero.

Every great burger starts with great ingredients. Here’s what makes our smash burgers so special:
 

How To Make A Smash Burger: Best Smash Burger Recipe

Want to recreate the Smashburger experience at home? Get ready for crispy, juicy, crave-worthy perfection.

• Form the Beef Balls: Start with loosely packed 3-4 ounce balls of 75/25 ground beef.
• Preheat the Griddle: Heat your griddle or cast-iron skillet until it’s scorching hot (around 400°F).
• Smash the Beef: Place the beef ball on the griddle and press it down firmly using a spatula or burger press until it’s about ¼-inch thick.
• Season and Sear: Sprinkle with salt and pepper or get creative with your spices, then let the crust form undisturbed for 2 minutes.
• Flip and Finish: Flip the patty, top with cheese if desired, and cook for another minute.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Certified Angus Beef® (75/25 blend)
• 4 slices American cheese
• 4 butter-toasted burger buns
• 4 leaves lettuce
• 4 slices tomatoes
• 4 slices red onions
• Sliced Pickles 
• 2 tbsp Smash Sauce® 
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Form the Beef Balls
   Divide the Certified Angus Beef® into 4 loose balls, each about 3-4 ounces. Handle the meat gently and avoid overpacking to keep the patties juicy.
2. Preheat the Skillet
   Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle on high until it’s smoking hot. A super-hot surface is essential for getting that golden-brown crust.
3. Smash the Patties
   Place one beef ball onto the hot skillet and press it down immediately using a sturdy spatula or burger press. Smash until it’s about ¼-inch thick. Repeat with the remaining beef balls, leaving space between each patty.
4. Cook and Season
   Let the patties cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to develop a crispy crust. Sprinkle with salt and pepper while they cook. Once the edges are seared  and caramelized, flip the patties.
5. Add the Cheese
   Place a slice of American cheese on top of each patty and cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until the cheese melts and the burger is cooked through.
6. Toast the Buns
   Spread a little butter on the buns and toast them on the skillet until golden and slightly crisp.
7. Assemble the Burger
8. Spread Smash Sauce® and ketchup on the bun.

• Layer on the lettuce, tomato slices, red onion slices, and pickles.
• Place the cheesy patty on top and finish with the butter-toasted top bun
• Serve and Enjoy
• Serve your burgers fresh off the skillet, and savor every crispy, juicy, and flavor-packed bite.
   

Best Buns for Smash Burgers

The bun is the unsung hero of any great burger. At Smashburger, we go for buns that balance the beef’s bold flavors, like:

• Classic Egg Buns: Soft, slightly sweet, and perfectly paired with savory patties.
• Artisan Buns: Rich, buttery, and full of character.
• Toast lightly for a subtle crunch that holds up to all the deliciousness inside.

Topping Ideas For Your Smash Burger Recipe

Customization is key. While our classic smash burger comes with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and our signature Smash Sauce, we encourage you to personalize your burger with:

• Classic Cheese: Go with American cheese for that perfectly melty, creamy texture.
• Savory Add-Ons: Add crispy bacon, caramelized onions, or sautéed mushrooms for a flavor boost.
• Sauce It Up: Try BBQ sauce, spicy chipotle mayo, or garlic aioli to customize your burger’s vibe.

How to Cook Smash Burgers at Home

Cooking smash burgers at home can be a fun way to get creative in the kitchen. Here are a few tips to help you nail the technique:

• Use a cast-iron skillet or flat-top griddle for even heat distribution.
• Preheat the surface until it’s smoking hot—this is essential for the perfect sear.
• Smash the patty quickly and firmly, and let it cook undisturbed to form that golden-brown crust.
• Don’t overcook! Smash burgers are thin and cook in just a couple of minutes.

Smash Burger Variations To Try

At Smashburger, we love keeping it fresh with creative twists on the classic smash burger. Here are a few fun ideas:

• Double Smash: Two patties, two layers of cheese, double the flavor.
• Bacon Stack Smash: Add stacked applewood smoked bacon when you smash it, adding amazing flavor.
• Truffle Mushroom Smash: Top your burger with sauteed crimini mushrooms and aged swiss cheese for a bold flavor combo.

Experience the Smashburger Difference

There’s nothing like the real deal. At Smashburger, we bring our A-game to every patty, every topping, every time. From the crispy crust to the premium ingredients, our burgers are crafted to hit every craving.

Visit your local Smashburger and let us handle the smashing. You just focus on savoring every bite.

Order now and get a taste of what it means to be called a Smashburger.