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- 1 lb ground beef (80/20) - 4 slices of cheddar cheese - 4 burger buns (preferably brioche) - 1 large onion, thinly sliced To make the best smash burgers, start with ground beef that has 20% fat. This blend gives the burger great flavor and juiciness. Cheddar cheese adds a rich, creamy taste. Using brioche buns makes the burger feel special. Caramelized onions bring natural sweetness and depth to the dish. - Lettuce - Tomato - Pickles - Favorite burger condiments You can add your favorite toppings. Fresh lettuce adds crunch. Slices of tomato bring juiciness. Pickles add a tangy bite. Don’t forget your go-to sauces like ketchup or mustard. These extras can make your smash burger truly your own. {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the best caramelized onions, start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add your thinly sliced onion and sprinkle a pinch of salt on top. Cook the onions for about 15 to 20 minutes while stirring occasionally. You want them to turn golden brown and sweet. Once done, remove them from the heat and set them aside. Next, let's shape the burger patties. Divide the ground beef into four equal pieces, roughly 4 ounces each. Roll them into balls without pressing too hard. Remember, you want to keep the meat tender. Once you have your balls, it’s time to cook them. Preheat your griddle or skillet over high heat until it’s very hot. This high heat helps create a nice sear on the burgers. When the surface is ready, place the beef balls on it. Leave enough space between each ball. Now, take a spatula and press down firmly on each ball until they are flat, about half an inch thick. Don’t forget to season them with garlic powder, salt, and pepper! Once the edges of the patties start to brown, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes, it’s cheese time! Place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty. Cover the pan with a lid for about a minute. This helps the cheese melt perfectly over the burgers. While the cheese melts, let’s toast the buns. In a separate pan, melt some unsalted butter over low heat. Cut the brioche buns in half and place them in the buttery pan. Toast them until they become golden brown. Now, you have perfectly cooked patties with melted cheese and toasted buns! To ensure a good sear, heat your griddle or skillet over high heat. The pan needs to be very hot. This high heat makes the outside of the patty crispy and brown. When you place the beef balls in the pan, press them down quickly. Use a spatula for this. The key to a great smash burger is that nice sear. Here are some tools I recommend: - A heavy spatula for smashing the burgers. - A griddle or cast-iron skillet for even heating. - A burger press for uniform patties. - A sharp knife for slicing onions and toppings. - A cutting board for easy prep. These tools will help you create the best smash burgers. One common mistake is overworking the meat. This makes the burgers tough. Gently shape the meat into balls without packing it too tightly. Another mistake is not cooking at the right temperature. If the pan is not hot enough, your burgers won't sear well. Always check that your cooking surface is ready before you start. Pro Tips Use High-Quality Beef: Choosing an 80/20 ground beef blend ensures a juicy burger with enough fat for flavor and moisture. Rest Your Patties: After cooking, let the burgers rest for a couple of minutes before assembling. This helps retain the juices. Keep Your Cooking Surface Hot: A hot griddle or skillet is essential for a perfect sear, enhancing flavor and texture. Experiment with Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Try adding unique ingredients like avocado, jalapeños, or gourmet sauces for a twist. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your smash burgers with different cheeses. Here are a few great options: - American cheese for a classic melt - Pepper jack for a spicy kick - Blue cheese for a bold flavor - Swiss for a nutty taste You can also mix up the seasonings. Instead of just garlic powder, try adding: - Smoked paprika for depth - Onion powder for sweetness - Chili powder for heat - Italian herbs for a fresh twist Toppings can turn a good burger into a great one. Here are some creative ideas: - Avocado slices for creaminess - Crispy bacon for crunch - Fried egg for richness - Kimchi for a tangy bite - Sautéed mushrooms for earthiness Feel free to add your favorites like lettuce, tomato, or pickles. You can cook smash burgers on a grill or stovetop. Each method has its perks: - Grilling: Gives a smoky flavor. Preheat the grill, and use high heat. Cook your patties until they have nice grill marks. - Stovetop: Ideal for year-round cooking. Use a cast-iron skillet for a good sear. Heat it well before placing the beef balls on it. Whichever method you choose, make sure to get that nice crust on your burgers for the best flavor! To keep leftover burgers fresh, store patties and buns separately. Place the cooked patties in an airtight container. This way, they stay juicy. For the buns, wrap them in plastic wrap or foil. This keeps them from getting stale. Make sure to refrigerate both items. They can last up to three days in the fridge. Reheating burgers needs care to keep them tasty. Place the patty in a skillet on low heat. Cover it with a lid to warm it through. This method helps retain moisture. For the buns, toast them lightly in a pan. This adds a nice crunch. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the buns soggy. Freezing burgers is a great way to save time. To freeze, first, let the patties cool completely. Then, place each patty in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can. For buns, wrap them tightly in plastic. You can freeze them for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps them fresh and delicious! The best meat ratio for smash burgers is 80/20. This means 80% lean meat and 20% fat. The fat adds flavor and moisture. It keeps the burgers juicy and tender when cooked. If you use too lean meat, your burgers may dry out. To make your burgers juicy, start with good meat. Use 80/20 ground beef for the best results. Avoid overworking the meat when shaping patties. Press down gently to form balls, then flatten them on the cooking surface. Season well with salt and pepper. Adding cheese while cooking helps keep the moisture in too. Yes, you can use different types of cheese for your smash burgers. Cheddar is classic, but try Swiss, pepper jack, or blue cheese. Each cheese brings its own flavor. Just make sure it melts well. Add it to the burger when it’s almost done cooking. - Other common questions related to smash burgers: - What toppings go best with smash burgers? - Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef? - How can I tell when the burgers are done? - What is the ideal cooking time for smash burgers? In this post, I walked you through making ultimate smash burgers, from ingredients to cooking tips. Using quality ground beef and having fun with toppings matters. Remember, avoid overworking the meat for the best texture. You can store leftovers and even freeze burgers for later. This way, you always have a tasty option on hand. Enjoy trying out the many variations, and keep experimenting to find your perfect smash burger!

Ultimate Smash Burgers

Deliciously juicy smash burgers topped with caramelized onions and melted cheddar cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese
  • 4 buns burger buns (preferably brioche)
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • optional lettuce, tomato, pickles, and your favorite burger condiments

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Caramelized Onions: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes or until the onions become golden and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
  • Shape the Patties: Divide the ground beef into four equal portions (about 4 oz each) and gently roll them into balls. Do not overwork the meat to keep it tender.
  • Preheat the Cooking Surface: Heat a griddle or large skillet over high heat. Allow it to get very hot—this is key for a good sear.
  • Cook the Burgers: Place the beef balls on the hot surface, leaving space in between. Press each ball down firmly with a spatula or burger press until they are flat (about 1/2 inch thick). Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Add Cheese: When the edges of the patties begin to brown (after about 2-3 minutes), add a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each patty. Cook for an additional minute with a lid on to melt the cheese.
  • Toast the Buns: In a separate pan, melt the butter over low heat. Cut the burger buns in half and toast them in the buttery pan until golden brown.
  • Assemble: On the bottom half of each toasted bun, place a burger patty with melted cheese. Top with the caramelized onions, and any additional toppings you like (lettuce, tomato, pickles, condiments). Finish with the top half of the bun.
  • Serve: Serve the burgers immediately while they're hot with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad.

Notes

For extra flavor, experiment with different toppings and condiments.
Keyword burgers, grilling, smash burgers