There’s something special about a good American smash burger. The crispy edges, juicy beef, melted cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, and tangy burger sauce come together to create a simple meal that is incredibly satisfying.
Unlike a traditional thick burger, a smash burger is pressed firmly onto a hot skillet or griddle. This creates a beautifully browned, crispy crust while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful. The best part? You don’t need a long list of ingredients or fancy equipment to make one at home.
Ingredients
For the Burgers
10.5 oz (300 g) ground beef, preferably with some fat
2 burger buns
2 slices cheddar cheese
1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon butter or vegetable oil
Pickle slices, for serving
For the Burger Sauce
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon finely chopped pickles
How to Make a Smash Burger
1. Prepare the Sauce
Start by making the burger sauce. Mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and chopped pickles in a small bowl until well combined.
Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator while you prepare the burgers. This gives the flavors a little time to blend together.
2. Prepare the Beef
Divide the ground beef into two equal portions and gently shape each portion into a loose ball.
Don't pack the meat too tightly. Keeping the beef loose helps create a tender burger with crispy edges when it hits the hot skillet.
3. Heat the Skillet
Place a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high to high heat. Let it become very hot before adding the beef.
A properly heated skillet is one of the most important steps when making a smash burger because the intense heat helps create that signature crispy crust.
4. Smash the Burgers
Place each ball of beef onto the hot skillet. Immediately press each one firmly with a sturdy spatula until it becomes very thin.
Season the top with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Cook for about 1–2 minutes, or until the edges become deeply browned and crispy.
5. Add the Cheese
Flip the burgers and immediately place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each patty.
Cook for another minute or so, until the cheese melts and the beef is cooked through.
6. Cook the Onions
While the burgers are cooking, add the sliced onions to the skillet with a little butter or oil.
Cook them until soft and lightly browned. The onions will pick up some of the delicious flavor left behind by the beef.
7. Toast the Buns
Cut the burger buns in half and place them cut-side down in the skillet for a minute or two.
Toast them until they're lightly golden. A toasted bun adds a little crunch and also helps prevent the sauce and burger juices from making the bread soggy.
8. Assemble the Burger
Spread a generous amount of burger sauce on the toasted buns.
Place the cheesy beef patty on the bottom bun, followed by the caramelized onions and a few pickle slices.
Finish with the top bun and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Smash Burger
Use ground beef with some fat. Lean beef can result in a dry burger. Ground beef with around 80% lean meat and 20% fat is a great choice.
Get the pan really hot. The crispy crust is one of the defining features of a smash burger, and high heat helps create it.
Don't overwork the meat. Shape the beef gently into balls rather than tightly forming patties.
Smash only once. Press the beef firmly when it first hits the skillet, then leave it alone while it develops its crust.
Serve immediately. Smash burgers are at their best when they're hot, crispy, and freshly assembled.
What to Serve With a Smash Burger
A classic smash burger pairs perfectly with crispy French fries, potato wedges, onion rings, or a simple side salad. For an extra American-style meal, serve it with a cold drink and plenty of pickle slices on the side.
Final Thoughts
Making a restaurant-style smash burger at home is surprisingly easy. With good ground beef, a hot skillet, melted cheddar, caramelized onions, and a simple homemade sauce, you can create a delicious burger without complicated ingredients.
The key is all in the technique: keep the beef loose, use a very hot pan, smash the meat thin, and let those edges get beautifully crispy.
Once you master the basic recipe, you can easily make it your own by adding bacon, jalapeños, grilled mushrooms, extra cheese, or your favorite burger toppings.
