Smash Burgers Recipe

Ground beef: An 80/20 blend is ideal for juicy and flavorful burgers.

Burger buns: Soft and sturdy buns that can hold up to the juicy patties.

Cheese: American or cheddar cheese slices that melt beautifully over the patties.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the beef.

Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the patties.

To achieve the perfect smash burger, make sure your griddle or cast iron skillet is preheated to a high temperature. This ensures that the ground beef forms a crispy, caramelized crust when smashed. Use a sturdy spatula to press down firmly on the beef balls, and hold for a few seconds to maximize contact with the hot surface. This technique locks in the juices and enhances the flavor.

• 80/20 blend ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can still provide a juicy burger when cooked properly.

• 80/20 blend ground beef - Substitute with ground chicken: Ground chicken is another lean alternative that can be flavored well with spices to mimic the taste of beef.

• burger buns - Substitute with lettuce wraps: Lettuce wraps are a low-carb alternative that can provide a fresh and crunchy texture.

• burger buns - Substitute with whole wheat buns: Whole wheat buns offer more fiber and nutrients compared to regular burger buns.

• american cheese - Substitute with swiss cheese: Swiss cheese melts well and provides a slightly nutty flavor that complements the burger.

• cheddar cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone cheese melts smoothly and adds a mild, creamy flavor to the burger.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory umami flavor to the burger, reducing the need for additional salt.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat and spice, giving the burger an extra kick.

• Allow the burger patties to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
• Wrap each burger patty individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent freezer burn.
• Place the wrapped burger patties in an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Store the burger buns separately. You can keep them in a resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze them for longer storage.
• If you have assembled smash burgers, disassemble them before storing. Store the burger patties and buns separately to maintain texture and flavor.
• To reheat, thaw the burger patties in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Reheat in a preheated skillet over medium heat until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
• Toast the burger buns on a griddle or in a toaster until golden brown before reassembling the smash burgers.
• For added freshness, consider adding fresh toppings like lettuce, tomato, or onions after reheating.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F. Wrap each burger in aluminum foil to retain moisture. Place them on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

• Use a microwave-safe plate and cover the burger with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to the pan and cover with a lid. Steam the burger for 3-5 minutes until heated through.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F. Place the burger in the basket and heat for 3-5 minutes. This method helps maintain the crispy edges of the patty.

• For a quick and easy method, use a toaster oven. Set it to 350°F and place the burger on a baking tray. Heat for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melty and the patty is hot.

• Griddle: A flat cooking surface that provides even heat distribution, perfect for achieving a crispy crust on the burgers.

• Cast iron skillet: An alternative to the griddle, it retains heat well and helps in creating a nice sear on the patties.

• Spatula: Essential for smashing the beef balls into flat patties and flipping them during cooking.

• Tongs: Useful for handling the burger buns while toasting them on the griddle or skillet.

• Meat thermometer: Optional, but can be used to ensure the burgers reach a safe internal temperature.

• Cutting board: A clean surface to divide and roll the ground beef into balls.

• Knife: Handy for slicing any additional toppings you might want to add to your burger.

• Plate: To hold the assembled burgers before serving.

• Paper towels: Useful for blotting any excess grease from the cooked patties or toasted buns.

Preheat the griddle: Preheat your griddle or cast iron skillet while you prepare the ground beef to save time.

Use parchment paper: Place a piece of parchment paper over the beef balls before smashing to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Prep buns in advance: Slice and butter your burger buns ahead of time so they are ready to toast as soon as the patties are done.

Cheese ready: Have your cheese slices unwrapped and ready to go so you can quickly add them to the patties.

Seasoning station: Set up a small seasoning station with salt and pepper for quick access.