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Smash Burgers

This smash burger recipe makes super juicy burgers with crispy edges. I prefer to cook these outdoors — they grill up very fast because of the high heat, so make sure you have everything ready to go!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 2169.7 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Outdoor Grill For high heat cooking
  • 1 Cast Iron Flat-Top Griddle or Large Skillet Essential for proper searing and smashing
  • 2 Stiff, Sturdy Spatulas Or the bottom of a small skillet for smashing
  • 1 Bench Scraper or Firm Spatula For cleanly scraping and flipping patties

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 4 hamburger buns
  • 2 tablespoons butter softened, or as needed
  • 1 pound ground chuck beef 80% lean
  • 4 6-inch squares parchment paper
  • salt to taste
  • 4 slices American cheese
  • burger toppings of choice

Instructions
 

  • Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat and lightly oil the grate. Set a cast iron flat-top griddle or large cast iron skillet onto the grill and preheat until smoking.
  • Spread butter on the inside of the buns and toast on the flat-top until lightly browned. Set aside.
  • Form meat into 8 loosely-packed balls, 2 ounces each. Do not pack the meat tightly, as this will prevent it from smashing properly. Place each ball on the hot flat-top, cover with a piece of parchment (to prevent sticking to the spatula; re-use each parchment square on a second patty) and immediately smash down to a 1/4 inch thickness using 2 stiff, sturdy spatulas that are criss-crossed to get proper leverage as you press down. You may also use the bottom of small skillet. Sprinkle the meat with salt.
  • Grill for about 45 seconds, until the edges are dark brown and the centers are a light pink color. Using a bench scraper or firm spatula, gently scrape up the patties, flip over and immediately cover 4 of them with cheese. Grill an additional 15 to 20 seconds; stack the plain patties over the cheese-covered patties so you have 4 stacks. Move each stack to a bun and serve with your favorite toppings. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Notes

The key to a great smash burger is extreme heat and immediate smashing. Ensure your cast iron griddle is smoking hot before placing the meat to achieve that characteristic crispy, lacy edge. Do not overwork the ground beef when forming balls; a loose pack is crucial for easy smashing and a tender interior. Smash immediately upon placing on the griddle to maximize contact and crust development. Season only after smashing to prevent drawing moisture out of the meat too early. For extra flavor, you can mix a little finely minced onion or garlic into the butter for the buns.