Smash Burgers
Learn how to make juicy, crispy smash burgers with your favorite toppings. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or summer cookouts.
Oct 28, 2025
If you crave juicy, crispy, and flavorful burgers, my smash burgers recipe is exactly what you need. Smash burgers are known for their irresistibly crispy edges and tender interior. Using simple ingredients and a high-heat cooking technique, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality burger right from your stovetop. Whether you’re grilling for a summer cookout or making an easy weeknight dinner, these burgers hit all the right notes.
Crispy Edges and Juicy Flavor
The secret to the perfect smash burger is the smashing technique itself. Pressing the beef patty thinly onto a hot griddle or cast iron skillet creates a golden, caramelized crust packed with deep, savory flavor. Using high-quality ground beef with around 80/20 fat content ensures juicy, flavorful burgers. Season simply with salt and pepper to let the beef shine, and add melted cheese for that classic cheeseburger finish.
Easy Toppings and Serving Ideas
Top your smash burgers with all your favorite fixings. Crispy lettuce, ripe tomato slices, tangy pickles, and creamy sauces complement the rich, beefy flavor perfectly. Serve on toasted brioche buns or classic potato rolls for the ultimate burger experience. Smash burgers pair well with crispy fries, onion rings, or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
This smash burger recipe is fast, simple, and guaranteed to satisfy any burger craving. With its crispy texture, juicy bite, and customizable toppings, it’s the ultimate homemade burger for any occasion.
Key Ingredients:
- Potato Buns: Soft, slightly sweet bread rolls that add a tender texture and mild flavor, making them perfect for holding juicy smash burgers.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy, sharp flavor that enhances the savory taste of smash burgers.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds rich, creamy flavor and helps toast buns to a golden, crispy finish.
Hey! My name is Ryan Nordheimer. Welcome to my cooking and baking site. I’m a 25-year old home cook living in the East Village in New York City. Hopefully you enjoy my food through my own, tried-and-true recipes.
Ingredients (10)
Ingredients (10)
Instructions
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place a griddle, large stainless-steel pan, or HexClad pizza steel (if you’re me) onto the grill and let preheat for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, divide your ground beef (16 oz) into 4 equal portions. Cup into a loose ball. Do not pack it tightly. Set on a plate.
Mix the mayo (½ cup), ketchup (½ cup), and dijon mustard (¼ cup) together to make your burger sauce. Season with salt ( to taste) and pepper ( to taste).
Butter both sides of your potato buns. (4)
Lightly spray your pan with non-stick spray. Place your potato buns on the grill cut-side down to begin toasting.
Take one patty an place on your pan. Cover with a small piece of parchment and using a small saucepan, press down firmly onto the patty until it’s about 1/4” thick. Peel off parchment and heavily season with salt and pepper. Repeat with remaining 3 patties.
Check your buns. Remove if toasted.
Once the patties begin to bead with juices on top, after about 1-2 minutes, use a fish or large spatula, scrape the patty underneath, and give a confident flip. Immediately place a piece of cheese on top. Repeat with remaining burgers. Then transfer burgers to your buns. Serve with whatever toppings you wish and the burger sauce.
