The Classic Smashed Burger is a timeless favorite that delivers everything you want in a burger—thin, crispy edges, a juicy, beefy center, and melty cheese tucked inside a soft, toasted bun. This diner-style burger is quick to make and delivers that crave-worthy sear and flavor thanks to one simple trick: smashing the patty on a hot griddle or skillet. Perfect for casual dinners, backyard cookouts, or satisfying weeknight cravings, this burger is a game changer for burger lovers.

What Makes This Dish Special?

Unlike thick, grilled patties, smashed burgers are flattened directly onto a hot cooking surface, creating maximum contact and a rich Maillard crust. It’s a fast-cooking method that locks in the juices while giving the edges a crispy, almost lace-like texture. Paired with classic toppings like American cheese, pickles, onions, and special sauce, the flavor is as nostalgic as it is delicious.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 burgers

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended for best flavor)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 slices American cheese
4 soft burger buns, toasted
1 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)

Optional Classic Toppings:

Shredded lettuce
Tomato slices
Thinly sliced red onion
Dill pickle chips
Burger sauce or mayonnaise
Ketchup and mustard

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each). Roll each into a loose ball—do not pack tightly. Season with a little salt and pepper.

2. Toast the Buns

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Spread a bit of butter on the cut side of each bun and toast until golden brown. Set aside.

3. Smash the Patties

Increase heat to high. Place beef balls on the hot surface, leaving space between them. Using a heavy spatula or burger press, firmly smash each ball down into a thin patty. Hold for 10 seconds to ensure even contact. Season again with salt and pepper.

4. Cook and Flip

Cook patties for 2–3 minutes or until crispy and brown on the bottom. Flip, add a slice of cheese to each patty, and cook another 1–2 minutes until cheese is melted and burgers are cooked through.

5. Assemble the Burgers

Spread sauce on the bottom bun, add the patty, and layer with pickles, onions, lettuce, and tomato as desired. Top with the other half of the bun.

Variations

Double Smash: Stack two patties on one bun for the ultimate burger.
Spicy Style: Add jalapeños and pepper jack cheese.
Mushroom Swiss: Replace American cheese with Swiss and top with sautéed mushrooms.
Bacon Smash: Add crispy bacon strips for extra richness.

Equipment You’ll Need

Cast iron skillet or flat-top griddle
Spatula or burger press
Knife and cutting board
Butter knife (for buns)

Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Burger)

Calories: 580
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fat: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g

Storage Tips

Refrigerator: Store leftover cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet or microwave. Avoid overcooking to retain juiciness.
Freezing: Uncooked patties can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw before smashing and cooking.

My Cooking Experience

Making smashed burgers at home is one of my favorite quick meals. The process is fast, satisfying, and smells amazing. Once I got the smashing technique down, I never went back to regular thick patties. I love experimenting with different cheeses and toppings, but nothing beats the classic combo of pickles, onions, and melted American cheese.

Conclusion

The Classic Smashed Burger is a simple, satisfying way to bring restaurant-quality burgers to your own kitchen. With crisped edges, juicy beef, and nostalgic toppings, it’s no wonder this burger style has stood the test of time. Grab a spatula, crank up the heat, and make burger night a smash hit.

Admin