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Juicy Smash Burgers

These Juicy Smash Burgers are thin, crispy-edged, ultra-flavorful patties smashed on a hot griddle and topped with melted cheese, crunchy pickles, and a simple burger sauce for the ultimate burger night at home.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings: 4 burgers
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Smash Burger Patties
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20) Divide into 4 loose balls
  • 1 tsp kosher salt Or to taste
  • 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper Or to taste
  • 1 tbsp butter or neutral oil For greasing the pan
Buns and Toppings
  • 4 burger buns Brioche or potato buns, split
  • 4 slices American cheese Or cheddar, for melting
  • 8 slices pickle chips More to taste
  • 0.5 small red or yellow onion Thinly sliced
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce Optional, for crunch
  • 1 tomato Thinly sliced, optional
Simple Smash Burger Sauce (optional)
  • 3 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp sweet pickle relish Optional, for tang
  • 1 pinch garlic powder Optional

Equipment

  • Cast iron skillet or griddle
  • Sturdy metal spatula or burger press

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, sweet pickle relish and garlic powder until smooth. Taste and adjust to your liking, then set aside in the refrigerator while you prepare the burgers.
  2. Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and gently roll each portion into a loose ball. Do not pack the meat tightly, as this can make the burgers dense and dry.
  3. Prepare your toppings: thinly slice the onion and tomato, shred the lettuce, and have the pickles and burger buns ready near the stove for easy assembly.
  4. Heat a cast iron skillet or flat griddle over high heat until very hot and just starting to smoke. Add the butter or oil and swirl to coat the surface.
  5. Place 1–2 beef balls onto the hot skillet, leaving space between them. Immediately press each ball down firmly with a sturdy metal spatula or burger press to form a very thin patty. Press for about 10–15 seconds to create maximum contact with the pan.
  6. Season the smashed patties with kosher salt and black pepper. Let them cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes, until the edges are deeply browned and crispy and the top looks mostly cooked.
  7. Flip each patty once, then immediately top with a slice of American cheese. Cook for another 30–60 seconds, just until the cheese is melted and the burger is cooked through but still juicy. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining beef balls.
  8. While the last patties are cooking, place the burger buns cut-side down on the skillet or griddle and toast for 30–60 seconds, until golden brown and slightly crisp.
  9. To assemble, spread smash burger sauce on the bottom buns. Top with shredded lettuce, tomato slices, and pickle chips if using. Add a cheesy smash burger patty to each bun, then finish with sliced onions and any extra sauce you like. Add the top buns and serve the Juicy Smash Burgers immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

For the best Juicy Smash Burgers, use 80/20 ground beef and make sure your skillet is very hot before smashing the patties. Avoid pressing down on the burgers after flipping to keep them juicy, and feel free to customize the toppings and sauce to match your favorite burger flavors.