Smash Burger Recipe – Crispy, Juicy Burgers Made at Home

If you’ve ever craved that deliciously crispy, juicy burger from your favorite diner, you’re going to love this Smash Burger recipe. Smash burgers are all about simplicity and bold flavor: thin beef patties cooked on a super-hot griddle until crispy, then topped with melted cheese and your favorite condiments.

What makes a smash burger so special is the cooking method. Instead of shaping and grilling thick patties, you “smash” loosely packed beef onto a hot surface. The result? A rich, brown crust known as the Maillard reaction that locks in juices and delivers intense flavor in every bite.

Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner, a backyard cookout, or a casual date night, this easy smash burger recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

What is a Smash Burger?

A smash burger is a burger patty that’s literally smashed onto a hot griddle or skillet using a heavy spatula or burger press. This creates a thin, crisp-edged patty that cooks quickly and delivers a perfect balance of crispy texture and juicy beef.

Unlike traditional thick burgers, smash burgers cook faster and have more flavorful crust per bite, making them ideal for fast meals without sacrificing quality.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make 4 delicious homemade smash burgers:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend) – higher fat content = juicier burger
• 4 burger buns – soft, buttery buns like brioche or potato rolls
• 4 slices American cheese – for a classic melt
• Salt and black pepper – for seasoning
• 2 tablespoons butter – for toasting the buns
• Optional toppings:
  • Sliced pickles
  • Diced or grilled onions
  • Lettuce and tomato
  • Ketchup, mustard, or burger sauce

How to Make a Smash Burger (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Preheat the Griddle or Pan

Place a cast iron skillet or flat griddle on high heat. It should be smoking hot before you add the meat.

Step 2: Form Beef Balls

Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each) and roll them into loose balls. Don’t pack them tightly—this helps with the “smash.”

Step 3: Smash the Patties

Place a beef ball onto the hot surface and immediately smash it flat using a heavy spatula or burger press. Hold down for 10 seconds until the patty is about ¼ to ½ inch thick.

Step 4: Season and Sear

Sprinkle salt and pepper on the patty. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes, undisturbed, until the edges turn brown and crispy.

Step 5: Flip and Add Cheese

Use a sturdy spatula to scrape under the patty and flip it. Add a slice of American cheese right away and cook for 1–2 more minutes until the cheese is melted.

Step 6: Toast the Buns

While the burgers finish cooking, butter the insides of the buns and toast them on the skillet until golden brown.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

Layer the cheesy patty onto the bottom bun. Add pickles, onions, ketchup, or any of your favorite toppings. Top with the other half of the bun and serve hot.

Tips for the Best Smash Burger

• Use 80/20 ground beef for the ideal mix of lean meat and fat.
• Don’t overwork the beef. Keep the meat loosely packed for a tender texture.
• Use a cast iron skillet for best results—it retains high heat and delivers a crispy crust.
• Smash early. You only smash once, right after placing the meat on the pan.
• Don’t flip more than once. Let the burger crust develop without moving it around.

Conclusion

Smash burgers are incredibly satisfying, easy to make, and far better than fast food. With this simple smash burger recipe, you can enjoy restaurant-quality results at home without the hassle. Pair with fries, a side salad, or coleslaw for a complete meal.