Best Damn Smash Burgers

My Best Damn Smash Burgers are just like the ones you get at your favorite burger joint: crispy edges, melty cheese, and a homemade burger sauce that is next level. No burger press needed for my unique recipe!

Easy Homemade Smash Burgers

Making a classic smash burger is all fun and games until the burger starts sticking to the pan or the spatula while you’re smashing it. But we avoid all that nonsense in this recipe. 

My little hack? I smash the burger patties before they even hit the griddle. From there, just give them a quick press with your spatula on each side while they’re cooking. You still get that nice crust and juicy center of a damn good smash burger recipe, with wayyyy less room for error.

I like to top my smashed burgers with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and my Best Damn Burger Sauce. It’s hands down my favorite burger sauce so far, and it might just become yours too!

What You Need

• Ground beef: This recipe is made with 1 lb of ground beef, but you can use 2 lbs of ground beef if making double smash burgers.
• Salt & black pepper: Brings out the delicious, natural flavor of these juicy burgers.
• Hamburger buns: My go-to is brioche buns, but use whatever you like!
• Cheese (optional): If you prefer a slice of cheese on your burger, go for it! American cheese is your best bet for that melty, classic burger taste.
• Your favorite toppings: The best thing about burger recipes is that you can customize them with your favorite toppings. Check out some fun ideas below!
• Parchment paper: You’ll need about 5 squares of parchment paper to separate the burgers and keep them from sticking.

Preparation

Divide the ground beef into four equal 4-oz portions, shaping each into a ball.

Next, cut or tear parchment paper into 5 squares. Make sure they are large enough to cover each burger patty.

Place each beef ball between two pieces of parchment paper and use your hands to gently press it into a thin patty. Set aside.

Cooking

Now let’s cook these bad boys! Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes.

Once hot, remove the top piece of parchment from each beef patty and place the burgers (parchment side up) onto the hot griddle. Peel off the remaining parchment.

Immediately season each patty with salt and pepper. Let them cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes, or until the edges are deeply browned and crispy.

Use a spatula to gently press the beef patties down again, just enough to flatten a little more without squeezing out the juices. Flip each burger and gently press once more. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.

If using cheese, place a slice on each patty during the last minute of cooking and cover lightly to melt. Then toast the hamburger buns on the griddle until golden, about 1-2 minutes.

​Serving

Remove the burgers and buns from the heat. Let the patties rest for 5-10 minutes. Be patient here, resting the patties lets the juices redistribute, making for a juicier burger. 

Once rested, assemble the burgers with your favorite burger toppings and serve. Enjoy!

​Creative Topping Ideas

We all know the classics: lettuce, tomato, and onion. But why not mix things up and get creative with your burger toppings? Here are a few ideas to try:

• Avocado & Bacon: Creamy avocado and crispy bacon are a perfect match.  
• Pineapple & Teriyaki: Top your burger with grilled pineapple and a drizzle of teriyaki sauce for a tropical twist.  
• Fried Egg: Add a fried egg for a breakfast-inspired burger.  
• Jalapeno Poppers: Spice things up with jalapenos and cream cheese for a kick of heat.  
• Coleslaw: Add crunch and tang with my Country Creamy Coleslaw.  
• Mushroom & Swiss: Classic sautéed mushrooms and melted Swiss cheese.  
• Mac & Cheese: Scoop some of my Instant Pot Mac and Cheese onto your patty for the ultimate comfort food.  
• Fried Pickles: Add fried pickles for crunch, plus ranch dressing for dipping.

Sides for Your Smash Burgers

Looking for the best sides to go with your smash burgers? Try my Air Fryer Homestyle French Fries or Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges if you wanna keep things classic. 

For something fresh and tasty, this Best Easy Instant Pot Potato Salad or Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad is the way to go. And don’t forget a summer favorite: Grilled Corn in the Husk for a smoky, charred touch!

Storage & Reheating

Store your smash burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, place them in the microwave or air fryer for a quick fix or heat them up on a skillet for some extra crispiness.

For larger batches, these burgers can also be frozen and reheated later. Just separate each patty with parchment paper or wax paper to avoid sticking. To reheat from frozen, place the patties in a skillet and cook over medium heat until heated through.

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