Description
Ultimate Grilled Cheese Smash Burger
Ingredients
:
For the Patties:
400g ground beef (80/20 fat ratio)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Grilled Cheese:
4 slices of white bread
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
4 slices of cheddar cheese
For Assembly:
Extra slices of cheddar cheese (optional, for double cheesiness)
Instructions
:
Prepare the Beef Patties:
Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and roll into balls.
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place a beef ball on the hot skillet and press it down firmly with a spatula to form a thin patty.
Season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until crispy edges form.
Add a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and let it melt.
Make the Grilled Cheese Sandwiches:
Butter one side of each bread slice.
Place two slices of bread, butter-side down, on a skillet over medium heat.
Add a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each piece. Place another bread slice, butter-side up, to form a sandwich.
Cook until golden brown on both sides and the cheese is melted. Repeat for the second sandwich.
Assemble the Smash Burger:
Place one cheeseburger patty on top of a grilled cheese sandwich.
Add the second cheeseburger patty and top with the second grilled cheese sandwich.
Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the stacked sandwich in half if desired and serve hot! Pair with fries or a milkshake for the ultimate experience.
This Grilled Cheese Smash Burger combines two classics into a cheesy, crispy, and juicy masterpiece! Perfect for a hearty indulgence.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep & Portion: Divide your 400g of ground beef into four 100g balls. Do not overwork the meat. Have your cheese slices, buttered bread, and spatula ready.
2. Smash the Patties: Heat a heavy skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot. Place one beef ball in the skillet. Immediately use a sturdy, flat spatula and a second tool (like another spatula) to press down firmly and evenly to form a thin, wide patty. Hold for 5 seconds to ensure good contact.
3. Season & Cook: Generously season the smashed patty with salt and pepper. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until a deep brown crust forms. Flip, season the other side, and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
4. Cheese the Patty: Place a slice of cheddar on the patty immediately after flipping for the second side, allowing it to melt while the other side cooks.
5. Build the Grilled Cheese: In a separate pan or while patties rest, cook your buttered bread slices over medium heat until golden. Add a cheese slice between two bread slices to form a classic grilled cheese.
6. Final Assembly: On a plate, place one grilled cheese. Top with one cheesy patty, then the second patty, and finally the second grilled cheese to create the ultimate stack.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this decadent burger immediately while hot and crispy. For a classic diner experience, pair it with crispy shoestring fries or onion rings. A cold pickle spear on the side helps cut through the richness. To complete the meal, a thick chocolate milkshake or a tangy cherry cola is the perfect beverage pairing.
How-to Summary
Create four beef balls. Smash each into a thin patty on a very hot skillet to form a crust. Season, cook, and top with cheese. Separately, make two classic grilled cheese sandwiches. Assemble by stacking: grilled cheese, patty, patty, grilled cheese. Serve hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cheese? Absolutely. American cheese melts beautifully on the patty, while gouda or pepper jack can add great flavor to the grilled cheese component.
Why is my patty not getting crispy? The skillet may not be hot enough, or you may be moving the patty too soon. Ensure high heat and do not press or move the patty after the initial smash.
Can I prepare anything in advance? You can portion the beef balls and butter the bread ahead of time. Keep them chilled until ready to cook for best results.
How do I prevent a greasy mess? Using 80/20 beef is key for flavor and crust, but draining excess fat from the skillet after cooking the patties is recommended.
What’s the best bread to use? Sturdy, thick-sliced white bread like Texas toast or sourdough holds up best to the juicy patties without becoming soggy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid over-handling the beef when forming balls, as this makes patties tough.
- Do not press down on the patty after the initial smash during cooking, as this squeezes out juices.
- Ensure your butter for the grilled cheese is softened, not melted, for even browning.
- Do not crowd the skillet when smashing patties; cook in batches to maintain proper heat.
- Resist the urge to constantly flip the grilled cheese; let it cook to a perfect golden brown.
Conclusion
The Ultimate Grilled Cheese Smash Burger is a triumphant fusion of two comfort food icons. By mastering the simple technique of smashing for maximum crust and layering flavors thoughtfully, you create a truly memorable, indulgent meal. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that proves sometimes, more cheese is exactly the right answer.