This Smash Burger Recipe is unlike any other burger you have ever had before. It features crispy edges, melted cheese, and fresh toppings, making it one of the best burgers you can make at home.
This Smash Burger Recipe is unlike any other burger you have ever had before. It features crispy edges, melted cheese, and fresh toppings, making it one of the best burgers you can make at home.

Ingredients
Burger Ingredients
- 1lb80/20 ground beef
- 1tbspcanola oil
- 1tspkosher salt
- 1tspfresh ground pepper
- 1tspgranulated garlic
- 8slices American, Swiss, or Cheddar cheese
- 4piecebrioche hamburger buns
- 4piecewhole leaf lettuce
- 1piecetomato, sliced
- 1piecesweet onion, sliced
- 4piecedill pickles, sliced
- 4tbspmayonnaise
- 2tbspDijon mustard or Donkey Sauce
- 2tbspbutter, at room temperature
How to make Smash Burger
Preparation
Heat a large flat iron griddle to high heat.
If not making the Donkey Sauce, mix the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard together in a small bowl and set aside.
Cooking
Add the canola oil to the griddle and spread it around to cover the whole griddle.
Place the balls of meat on the preheated griddle and let cook for about 30 seconds.
Turn the ball over and, using a large spatula or trowel, press down or 'smash' each ball until it is about the size of your buns.
Press or 'smear' the edges of each burger so the edges are thinner than the middle.
Sprinkle the top side of the burgers generously with kosher salt, fresh ground pepper, and granulated garlic to taste.
Cook the burgers until they are very dark and caramelized; the edges should be just crispy.
Flip the burgers using a drywall scraper or very large spatula.
Put 2 slices of cheese on each burger and continue to cook for another 2 minutes.
While the burger is finishing cooking on the second side, butter the top and bottom of each of the hamburger buns and place them on the grill to toast for about 1 to 2 minutes.
Assembly
Spread the mayonnaise mustard mixture or Donkey Sauce on the buns, top or bottom, or both.
Top each bun with lettuce, 2 patties, sliced onion, sliced pickle, and sliced tomato.
Tips & Tricks
Ensure the griddle is very hot before placing the meat to achieve crispy edges.
Use a large spatula or trowel to effectively smash the burgers.
FAQS
What type of ground beef is best for making Smash Burgers?
For the best flavor and juiciness, use 80/20 ground beef, which has 80% lean meat and 20% fat.
Can I use a different type of cheese for my Smash Burger?
Yes, you can use any cheese you prefer, but American, Swiss, or Cheddar are recommended for their melting qualities.
How do I achieve the crispy edges on my Smash Burger?
To get crispy edges, make sure to press down firmly on the meat balls with a spatula after placing them on the hot griddle, and cook them until they are very dark and caramelized.
What is Donkey Sauce and how do I make it?
Donkey Sauce is a flavorful condiment made from mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and other seasonings. If you prefer not to make it, you can simply mix mayonnaise and Dijon mustard together as an alternative.
How long should I toast the brioche buns?
Toast the brioche buns on the grill for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until they are golden brown and slightly crispy.
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Saramin
(@678sarin)
My name is Saramin is a culinary enthusiast with a flair for transforming everyday ingredients into delightful, flavour-packed dishes. Passionate about home cooking, Sarin specializes in creating easy-to-follow recipes inspired by global cuisines. With a focus on fresh, wholesome ingredients, they make cooking accessible and enjoyable for cooks at any level. My name is Saramin is a culinary enthusiast with a flair for transforming everyday ingredients into delightful, flavour-packed dishes. Passionate about home cooking, Sarin specializes...
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