Smash Burgers Recipe

Ground beef: The star of the show, providing the juicy and flavorful base for the burgers.

Burger buns: Soft and slightly toasted, these buns hold the burger together and add a subtle sweetness.

Cheese: Choose between American or cheddar for a creamy, melted topping that complements the beef.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the beef, making each bite more savory.

Pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the burger's flavor profile.

To achieve the perfect smash burger, ensure your griddle is preheated to a high temperature. This allows the ground beef to develop a crispy, flavorful crust when smashed. Use a sturdy spatula to press down firmly on the beef balls, creating a thin patty that cooks quickly and evenly. The quick cooking time helps retain the juiciness of the burger, while the high heat ensures a deliciously crispy exterior.

• 80/20 blend ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option that still provides a similar texture and flavor profile when seasoned well.

• 80/20 blend ground beef - Substitute with black bean patties: For a vegetarian option, black bean patties offer a hearty texture and can be seasoned to mimic the savory taste of beef.

• burger buns - Substitute with lettuce wraps: Lettuce wraps provide a low-carb alternative while adding a fresh, crisp texture to the burger.

• burger buns - Substitute with whole wheat buns: Whole wheat buns offer more fiber and nutrients compared to regular buns, making them a healthier choice.

• american or cheddar cheese - Substitute with swiss cheese: Swiss cheese has a mild, nutty flavor that melts well, providing a different but delicious taste to the burger.

• american or cheddar cheese - Substitute with vegan cheese: Vegan cheese is a dairy-free alternative that can mimic the creamy texture of traditional cheese for those avoiding animal products.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor and can enhance the taste of the burger without needing additional salt.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a spicy kick to the burger, offering a different flavor profile for those who enjoy heat.

• Allow the burger patties to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.

• Wrap each burger patty individually in aluminum foil or parchment paper. This helps maintain their shape and prevents them from sticking together.

• Place the wrapped patties in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This keeps them fresh and prevents any unwanted odors from seeping in.

• Store the burger buns separately from the patties. Keep them in a bread box or a resealable bag at room temperature for up to 2 days.

• If you plan to freeze the smash burgers, ensure they are tightly wrapped and placed in a freezer-safe container or bag. This protects them from freezer burn.

• Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of how long they've been stored. Smash burgers can be frozen for up to 3 months.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the patties in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even defrosting and maintains their texture.

• Reheat the patties on a griddle or skillet over medium heat until warmed through. This revives their crispy exterior and juicy interior.

• Toast the burger buns on the griddle for a fresh, warm touch before assembling your smash burgers.

• Add fresh toppings like lettuce, tomato, or onions to enhance the flavor and texture of your reheated smash burgers.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap each burger in aluminum foil to retain moisture and place them on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until the burger is warmed through and the cheese is melty.

• Use a skillet on medium heat. Add a splash of water to the pan and cover it with a lid. This creates steam, which helps reheat the burger without drying it out. Heat for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through.

• If you're in a hurry, the microwave can be your friend. Place the burger on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm, but be cautious not to overcook, as it can make the burger rubbery.

• For a crispy exterior, use an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the burger inside for about 3-5 minutes. This method helps maintain the burger's texture while reheating it evenly.

• If you have a toaster oven, it's a great option for reheating. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and place the burger on a baking tray. Heat for about 10 minutes, checking to ensure it's warmed through without overcooking.

• Griddle: A flat cooking surface that provides even heat distribution, perfect for cooking the patties and toasting the buns.

• Spatula: Used to smash the beef balls into flat patties and to flip them during cooking.

• Knife: Handy for slicing any additional toppings or cutting the buns if needed.

• Measuring scale: Useful for dividing the ground beef into equal portions to ensure uniform cooking.

• Tongs: Helpful for handling the hot burger buns on the griddle.

• Plate: Used to assemble the burgers and serve them once cooked.

• Paper towels: Useful for blotting any excess grease from the patties or cleaning up spills.

Preheat efficiently: Start by preheating your griddle while you prepare the ground beef to save time.

Prep ingredients: Have all your burger buns, cheese, and seasonings ready before cooking.

Smash technique: Use a sturdy spatula to quickly flatten the beef balls for even cooking.

Cheese melt: Place cheese slices on the patties just before they're done to ensure they melt perfectly.

Toast buns: Toast burger buns on the griddle while the patties cook to streamline the process.