To make smash burgers, start with ground beef (preferably 80/20 blend) divided into small portions (about 3 oz each). Heat a griddle or large skillet to medium-high heat. Place a ball of cold beef on the hot surface, cover with parchment paper, and smash down firmly with a spatula to form a thin patty. Remove the paper, season with salt, pepper, and optionally garlic powder, and cook for about 2 minutes until the edges brown and crisp. Flip the patty, add cheese immediately, and cook for another minute. Serve on toasted buttered buns with your favorite toppings and sauce. Here is a detailed breakdown:
Ingredients
- Ground beef 80/20, divided into 3 oz balls
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder (optional)
- Cheese slices (cheddar or American)
- Burger buns, buttered and toasted
- Toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles
- Sauce: mayonnaise mixed with mustard or your preferred burger sauce
Instructions
- Prep Patties: Divide beef into balls and keep cold.
- Toast Buns: Butter and toast buns on a skillet until golden.
- Cook Patties: Heat skillet/griddle to medium-high. Place beef balls on hot surface, cover with parchment paper and smash thin. Remove paper, season, and cook 2 minutes. Flip, add cheese, cook 1 minute more.
- Assemble: Spread sauce on bun, add toppings, the double-patty (two patties with cheese in between) and top with bun.
This method creates thin, crispy-edged, juicy burgers typical of smash burgers.
