Smash Burgers

Really, really good burgers that you can make inside! Smash burgers are so juicy, perfectly seasoned, and have the most satisfying crust. We like them even more than grilled burgers.

Though admittedly it's hard to beat grilling ambiance, if you're stuck inside, or need burgers ASAP, this quick method will give you a crave-worthy burger in a fraction of the time!

I like to keep burgers as simple as possible to spend more time on the toppings and side dishes. This recipe doesn't even require making a meat mixture - just portion out the ground beef, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook it!

WHAT'S SO SPECIAL ABOUT A SMASH BURGER?

There's a lot to love about a smash burger. It's a classic diner-style burger that always hits the spot!

Smash burgers get smashed immediately after being placed on the griddle. This makes a really thin patty that's easy to adequately season, and since it's cooked on a hot flattop, it gets a really delicious, crispy crust.

They also only take about 20 minutes from the time you get the beef out of the fridge to the time you're eating a burger.

HOW TO MAKE A SMASH BURGER

There are a couple of things different about making smash burgers vs regular burgers:

1. The Patty: Start by dividing up your beef. No mixing required! Form the portions into balls and give the tops a hefty sprinkle of salt and pepper. Patties are formed by smashing here, so no need to flatten the balls out!
2. The Smashing: Place the balls seasoned side-down on a hot griddle or cast iron skillet. Within the first 30 seconds, smash the balls down as thin as you can by placing a metal spatula on top and using a wooden spoon to press down on the top of the spatula. Repeat for all of the balls.

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Then you'll sprinkle the tops (which are unseasoned) with the salt and pepper, leave to cook for a few minutes, flip, top with cheese, and cook another couple minutes, then assemble delicious cheeseburgers.

WHAT TO USE TO SMASH A BURGER

It's vital to use metal! I first attempted smash burgers using a plastic spatula and it did not provide the resistance required for adequate smashing. I'd recommend using a large metal spatula, but you could also use a metal pastry scraper, a small skillet, or get very official with a heavy duty grill press.

ALL ABOUT THE BEEF

Whatever kind of ground beef you like to use will work for this recipe! I like to stick with an 80 - 85% lean blend (I find this to be a perfect midpoint for juicy burgers without too much shrinkage). If you have a leaner percentage, you may want to use a bit of oil on your skillet or griddle.

THE WHOLE MEAL

So many good ways to do burgers! My favorite is a build-your-own burger bar with lots of toppings/condiments set out. Throw in a couple summer sides if you want!

Burger topping ideas: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle chips, mushrooms, jalapeños, bacon, avocado, fried egg, condiments (ketchup/mustard/mayo/barbecue sauce/fry sauce/guacamole), etc.
The bun: any burger bun will do! I love a white bun for a really basic, really good burger. Whatever you choose, I highly recommend grilling it in butter!
The sides: potato salad, sweet potato fries, fruit salad, chips with salsa or pico de gallo, white bean salad, cucumber salad.

Helpful tools:

A metal spatula - this one is wide and will give you plenty of surface area for smashing!
An electric griddle - we have this and use it all the time for pancakes, french toast, grilled cheese, quesadillas, and now burgers!

Method adapted from Shake Shack: Recipes and Stories: A Cookbook.