Description
Ultimate Smash Burger
The juiciest, most flavorful burger with crispy edges, creamy sauce, and a toasted bun! Get ready to sink your teeth into this mouthwatering masterpiece.
Ingredients:
For the Burger Patties:
1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juicy patties)
Salt & pepper to taste
1 tbsp butter
For the Special Sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp mustard
1 tbsp pickle relish
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
For Assembly:
2 brioche buns, toasted
4 slices crispy bacon
2 slices cheddar cheese
Shredded lettuce
Sliced pickles
Instructions:
Prepare the Special Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Set aside to let the flavors meld.
Make the Smash Burgers:
Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat.
Divide the ground beef into 4 equal balls.
Place a beef ball onto the hot skillet and press down firmly with a spatula or burger press. Smash it thin!
Season with salt and pepper.
Cook for about 2 minutes until crispy, then flip.
Place a slice of cheddar cheese on top and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Assemble the Burger:
Spread butter on the brioche buns and toast until golden.
Slather some special sauce on the bottom bun.
Layer one cheese-covered patty, then another patty for double deliciousness.
Add crispy bacon, pickles, shredded lettuce, and a little extra sauce.
Top with the toasted bun.
Serve & Devour!
Enjoy this burger with crispy fries or a cold drink.
Pro Tip: Pressing the patties hard while cooking creates those crispy, caramelized edges!
This Smash Burger is an absolute game-changer for burger lovers!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results. First, ensure your ground beef is cold. Divide the 1 lb into four 4-ounce balls. Heat your cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat until it’s very hot—a drop of water should sizzle violently. Add 1/2 tbsp of butter to the skillet. Place two beef balls in the skillet, leaving space. Immediately use a sturdy, flat spatula and a second tool (like another spatula or a wooden spoon) to press down HARD on each ball for 10 seconds, smashing them into very thin, even patties. Season liberally with salt and pepper. Cook undisturbed for 2 minutes until the edges are lacy and brown. Flip, top with cheese, and cook for 1-2 more minutes. Repeat with remaining balls.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Ultimate Smash Burger immediately while hot and crispy. Classic pairings include a side of crispy french fries, sweet potato fries, or onion rings. For a lighter option, consider a simple side salad or coleslaw. A cold craft beer, milkshake, or classic soda perfectly cuts through the burger’s richness. For gatherings, set up a “burger bar” with extra toppings like sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, avocado slices, and different cheese options.
How-to Summary
To summarize: 1) Mix all sauce ingredients and set aside. 2) Form cold beef into four balls. 3) Heat a skillet until very hot. 4) Smash each ball hard into a thin patty and season. 5) Cook for 2 minutes until crispy, flip, add cheese, and cook 1-2 more minutes. 6) Toast buttered brioche buns. 7) Assemble with sauce, double patties, bacon, lettuce, and pickles.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use leaner ground beef?
We strongly recommend 80/20 blend. The higher fat content is crucial for juiciness and creating the signature crispy, caramelized edges. Leaner beef will result in a drier, less flavorful patty.
2. What if I don’t have a cast-iron skillet?
A heavy-duty griddle or stainless steel pan is the next best option. Avoid non-stick pans as they often cannot reach the high temperature needed and won’t create the same crust.
3. How do I prevent the patty from sticking when I smash it?
Ensure your skillet is very hot before adding the meat. Using a firm, quick press with a sturdy spatula also helps. A small piece of parchment paper between the patty and spatula can prevent sticking completely.
4. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. The special sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld even more.
5. Why are my burgers not getting crispy?
The most common reasons are the skillet not being hot enough, overcrowding the pan (which lowers the temperature), or not pressing the patty thin and evenly enough. Ensure you are using high heat and giving each patty space.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overworking the Meat: Handle the beef as little as possible when forming balls to avoid tough patties.
- Not Smashing Immediately & Hard Enough: Place the ball on the hot surface and smash it thin within seconds. A timid press leads to a thick, steamed patty.
- Moving the Patty Too Soon: After smashing, let it cook undisturbed to build a proper crust. Don’t poke or press it while cooking.
- Using Warm Beef: Always start with cold beef to prevent it from becoming greasy and to achieve the right texture.
- Wrong Bun Choice: A soft bun like brioche is perfect, but ensure it’s sturdy enough to hold up to the juicy, double-patty stack without falling apart.
Conclusion
The Ultimate Smash Burger is more than a meal; it’s a technique-driven experience that delivers unparalleled flavor and texture. The magic lies in the high-heat sear and the decisive smash, which creates a perfect contrast of crispy edges and a juicy interior. Paired with the tangy, creamy special sauce and classic toppings, this burger is guaranteed to become a favorite. Master the simple steps, avoid the common pitfalls, and you’ll consistently create a restaurant-quality burger masterpiece right in your own kitchen.