Juicy Smash Burger Recipe
Introduction
Enjoy a juicy smash burger that’s crispy on the outside and tender inside. This easy recipe delivers classic burger flavors with melted cheese and fresh toppings on soft brioche buns—perfect for any backyard cookout or quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 brioche burger buns
- Lettuce, tomato, onion (to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat a grill or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
- Step 2: Divide the ground beef into four equal portions (about 4 oz each) and gently roll each into a loose ball.
- Step 3: Season each beef ball generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Step 4: Place a beef ball on the hot cooking surface and immediately smash it down to about half an inch thick using a heavy spatula. Repeat with the remaining balls.
- Step 5: Cook each patty for about 2 minutes until the edges are crispy, then top each with a slice of American cheese to melt.
- Step 6: Toast brioche buns lightly, then assemble the burgers with lettuce, tomato, onion, and any other desired toppings.
Tips & Variations
- Use an 80/20 beef blend for the perfect balance of juiciness and flavor.
- Press the patties firmly but don’t overwork the meat to keep them tender.
- Try swapping American cheese for cheddar or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
- For extra crispiness, let the edges cook a bit longer before flipping or removing.
Storage
Store leftover burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to preserve juiciness and prevent the buns from getting soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken, but the texture and flavor will differ. Beef, especially an 80/20 blend, offers the best balance for juicy smash burgers.
Do I need a special spatula to smash the burgers?
A sturdy, flat spatula or burger press works best for smashing. Anything heavy and flat enough to press the patties down will do the job effectively.
PrintJuicy Smash Burger Recipe
This Juicy Smash Burger recipe offers a deliciously crispy and flavorful burger experience with minimal ingredients. Using an 80/20 ground beef blend, the patties are smashed thin on a hot grill or cast-iron skillet to develop a caramelized crust while staying juicy inside. Topped with melted American cheese and classic fresh toppings on soft brioche buns, these burgers are perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Beef Patties
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Toppings & Assembly
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 brioche burger buns
- Lettuce, tomato, onion (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat cooking surface: Preheat your grill or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat to ensure it’s hot enough for a proper sear and crust formation.
- Portion the beef: Divide the ground beef into four equal portions, approximately 4 ounces each, rolling them loosely into balls to maintain tenderness.
- Season the beef balls: Generously season each beef ball with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the meat’s flavor.
- Smash the patties: Place a beef ball on the hot grill or skillet and use a heavy spatula to press it down firmly to about half an inch thickness, creating a large, thin patty. Repeat this process for all patties.
- Cook the patties: Allow the patties to cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes until crispy, caramelized edges form, then place a slice of American cheese on each patty to melt.
- Assemble the burgers: Toast the brioche buns lightly, then layer each bottom bun with lettuce, tomato slices, onion, and the cheesy patties. Top with the bun crown and serve immediately.
Notes
- Using an 80/20 beef blend ensures the patties are juicy with the right fat content.
- Smashing the balls thin creates a flavorful crust and quick cooking time.
- Cast-iron skillets or grills work best to achieve maximum heat retention and caramelization.
- Toast the buns slightly to prevent sogginess from the burger juices.
- Customize toppings to your preference, adding pickles, ketchup, or mustard for extra flavor.
Keywords: smash burger, juicy burger, American cheese burger, brioche bun burger, quick burger recipe, cast iron skillet burger, grilled burger
