Published: Author: Christina
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Jump to Recipe·5 from 1 review
The best smash burger recipe — zero exaggeration! These burgers are incredibly juicy, perfectly crispy, smothered in cheese, and topped with a hefty amount of secret sauce. Serve between a toasted brioche bun and this is truly the ultimate smash burger recipe.
![The Best Smash Burger Recipe - Simple Everyday Recipes (1) The Best Smash Burger Recipe - Simple Everyday Recipes (1)](https://i0.wp.com/runlifteatrepeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/the-best-smash-burger-recipe-15.jpg)
When I'm craving a meal that's truly comforting, this smash burger recipe hits the spot. It satisfies— and, is shockingly simple to throw together.
The smash burger: perfectly crispy, incredibly juicy, squashed burger patty. It's an absolute game changer. Now, if you've never ventured into a Shake Shack or SmashBurger or something similar, then it's possible that you're confused right about now. Let'd dive in.
![The Best Smash Burger Recipe - Simple Everyday Recipes (2) The Best Smash Burger Recipe - Simple Everyday Recipes (2)](https://i0.wp.com/runlifteatrepeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/the-best-smash-burger-recipe-8.jpg)
What Is A Smash Burger?
The difference between a smash burger and regular burger is how they are cooked— the ingredients are relatively the same thing.
But it's exactly as described. It starts with a ball, not a patty, of very cold beef, and then it is literally smashed on a very hot griddle. This is quick-sear the burger to a crisp on the outside in it's own fats, making it perfectly cooked on the inside, keeping it juicy and full of flavor.
![The Best Smash Burger Recipe - Simple Everyday Recipes (3) The Best Smash Burger Recipe - Simple Everyday Recipes (3)](https://i0.wp.com/runlifteatrepeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/the-best-smash-burger-recipe-3.jpg)
Let's Talk About The Secret Sauce
This sauce is incredible— pure magic.
There's 8 ingredients, most of which you probably have already: mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, red onion, paprika, and salt.
It's one of those sauces that you can use on a variety of items, whether it's a burger, wrap or a sandwich. It's THAT good— you'll want it on everything!
Smash Burger Recipe Ingredients
- Beef: To guarantee flavor, you want to use 80/20 beef. I actually prefer to use 1 pound 80/20 with 1 pound 90/10.
- Butter: While the butter helps keep the burger tender and juicy, it also adds tons of flavor.
- Worcestershire, Paprika & Salt: All 3 of these add layers of flavor within the burger.
- Cheese: Use what you prefer— I love using a thicker cut of sharp cheddar cheese.
- Buns: Brioche! Brioche! Brioche!
![The Best Smash Burger Recipe - Simple Everyday Recipes (4) The Best Smash Burger Recipe - Simple Everyday Recipes (4)](https://i0.wp.com/runlifteatrepeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/the-best-smash-burger-recipe-1.jpg)
![The Best Smash Burger Recipe - Simple Everyday Recipes (5) The Best Smash Burger Recipe - Simple Everyday Recipes (5)](https://i0.wp.com/runlifteatrepeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/the-best-smash-burger-recipe-2.jpg)
![The Best Smash Burger Recipe - Simple Everyday Recipes (6) The Best Smash Burger Recipe - Simple Everyday Recipes (6)](https://i0.wp.com/runlifteatrepeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/the-best-smash-burger-recipe-4.jpg)
![The Best Smash Burger Recipe - Simple Everyday Recipes (7) The Best Smash Burger Recipe - Simple Everyday Recipes (7)](https://i0.wp.com/runlifteatrepeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/the-best-smash-burger-recipe-5.jpg)
How To Make A Smash Burger
- Start with the secret sauce— this is to let the flavors develop. Whisk together the ingredients together in a small bowl. Set aside in the refrigerator.
- Place the ground beef to a large bowl. Add the butter, Worcestershire, paprika, and salt. Mix together with your hands to get it well-distributed. Form into 8-10 balls, depending on the size of the burgers you prefer. Place the balls in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes— this will allow the flavors to develop and the butter to harden. Or you can even put them in the freezer for 10-15 minutes.
- Heat a cast iron pan or griddle over medium-high heat for 5 minutes— you want it to be VERY hot. Cut a couple pieces of parchment paper. You'll use these on the burgers when pressing down to prevent sticking. Place a couple of the burger balls on the hot surface. Place the parchment paper on each burger and then, using a heavy, flat tool, press the burgers down as flat as you can get them.(It's ideal to use a cast iron grill press, but a flat spatula works too— it's what I use!)The burgers will be sizzling and can splatter a bit.
- Cook the burgers for 2-3 minutes, then flip and top with cheese. Leave for an additional 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese— you can also place a small lid on top to let steam help melt the cheese. Then, assemble your burgers!
![The Best Smash Burger Recipe - Simple Everyday Recipes (8) The Best Smash Burger Recipe - Simple Everyday Recipes (8)](https://i0.wp.com/runlifteatrepeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/the-best-smash-burger-recipe-7.jpg)
More Recipes To Try
- The Best Black Bean Burger
- Turkey Burgers (That Aren't Dry!)
- Crispy Quinoa Patties
- Roasted Vegetables Pasta Salad
- Baked Herb Crusted Salmon
The Best Smash Burger Recipe
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5 from 1 review
The best smash burger recipe— zero exaggeration! These burgers are incredibly juicy, perfectly crispy, smothered in cheese, and topped with a hefty amount of secret sauce. Serve between a toasted brioche bun and this is truly the ultimate smash burger recipe.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 burgers
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
Ingredients
Units
Burgers
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 5 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 and ½ teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 8 slices cheese
- 8 Brioche buns
- Toppings: lettuce, onions, tomato, pickles, etc.
Secret Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 Tablespoons ketchup
- 1 and ¼ teaspoons horseradish
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tablespoons minced or grated red onion
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Start with the secret sauce— this is to let the flavors develop. Whisk together the ingredients together in a small bowl. Set aside in the refrigerator.
- Place the ground beef to a large bowl. Add the butter, Worcestershire, paprika, and salt. Mix together with your hands to get it well-distributed. Form into 8-10 balls, depending on the size of the burgers you prefer. Place the balls in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes— this will allow the flavors to develop and the butter to harden. Or you can even put them in the freezer for 10-15 minutes.
- Heat a cast iron pan or griddle over medium-high heat for 5 minutes— you want it to be VERY hot. Cut a couple pieces of parchment paper. You'll use these on the burgers when pressing down to prevent sticking. Place a couple of the burger balls on the hot surface. Place the parchment paper on each burger and then, using a heavy, flat tool, press the burgers down as flat as you can get them. (It's ideal to use a cast iron grill press, but a flat spatula works too— it's what I use!) The burgers will be sizzling and can splatter a bit.
- Cook the burgers for 2-3 minutes, then flip and top with cheese. Leave for an additional 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese— you can also place a small lid on top to let steam help melt the cheese. Then, assemble your burgers!
- Burgers stay fresh when stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat to your liking.
Notes
- Make Ahead & Freezing Instructions: You can prep the beef ahead of time— combine together and let it sit in the refrigerator for up to 1 day either (pre-rolled or in balls.) The beef balls can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Burgers: Depending on the size of the burgers, you can put 1-2 burgers on each bun.
- Beef: Toguarantee flavor, you want to use 80/20 beef. I actually prefer to use 1 pound 80/20 with 1 pound 90/10.
More Dinner & Sides
- Easy Baked Chicken Meatballs
- Easy Homemade Ramen Recipe
- Really Good Air Fryer Chicken Recipe
- Extra Crispy Baked Chicken Wings