Smash Burgers Recipe

80/20 blend ground beef: This blend provides the ideal fat-to-meat ratio for juicy, flavorful burgers.

Burger buns: Soft and sturdy buns that hold up well to the juicy patties and toppings.

American cheese: Classic choice for a melty, creamy cheese topping.

Cheddar cheese: An alternative to American cheese, offering a sharper flavor.

Butter: Used for toasting the buns to add a rich, buttery flavor.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the beef.

Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the seasoning.

To achieve the perfect crust on your smash burgers, make sure your cast iron skillet is preheated until it's smoking hot. This high heat will help create a Maillard reaction, giving your burger patties that desirable crispy edge. Additionally, use a sturdy spatula to press down firmly on the beef balls to ensure they spread out evenly and thinly.

• 80/20 blend ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can provide a similar texture when cooked properly.

• 80/20 blend ground beef - Substitute with ground chicken: Ground chicken is another leaner alternative that can be seasoned to mimic the flavor of beef.

• burger buns - Substitute with lettuce wraps: For a low-carb option, lettuce wraps can hold the burger and toppings together while adding a fresh crunch.

• burger buns - Substitute with whole wheat buns: Whole wheat buns offer more fiber and nutrients compared to regular buns.

• american or cheddar cheese - Substitute with Swiss cheese: Swiss cheese melts well and provides a slightly nutty flavor that complements the burger.

• american or cheddar cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone cheese melts smoothly and offers a mild, creamy taste.

• butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier fat option for toasting buns and adds a subtle flavor.

• butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee has a higher smoke point and a rich, nutty flavor that works well for toasting buns.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory umami flavor while also providing the necessary saltiness.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can offer a different texture and a slightly more complex flavor profile.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat and spice to the burger.

• pepper - Substitute with paprika: Paprika provides a mild, sweet flavor with a hint of smokiness.

• Allow the burgers to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the buns soggy.
• Wrap each burger individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent freezer burn.
• Place the wrapped burgers in an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the burgers on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for 10-15 minutes if refrigerated, or 20-25 minutes if frozen.
• Alternatively, reheat in a microwave by placing the burger on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes if refrigerated, or 3-4 minutes if frozen.
• For the best texture, toast the buns separately in a toaster or on a skillet with a bit of butter before assembling the reheated burger.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap each burger patty in aluminum foil to retain moisture. Place them on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Use a skillet to reheat. Preheat the skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the pan. Place the burger patties in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for 2-3 minutes on each side until hot.
• For a quick method, use the microwave. Place the burger patties on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
• To reheat the burger buns, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the buns in aluminum foil and place them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• If you prefer a toaster oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the burger patties and buns on a baking tray. Heat for 5-10 minutes until everything is hot and the buns are slightly crispy.
• For a stovetop method, use a double boiler. Fill a pot with water and bring it to a simmer. Place a heatproof bowl over the pot, ensuring it doesn't touch the water. Place the burger patties in the bowl and cover. Steam for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.

• Cast iron skillet: Essential for achieving the perfect sear and crispy edges on your smash burgers.

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

• Pan: Needed for toasting the burger buns with butter to add a nice golden-brown texture.

• Oven: An alternative option for toasting the buns if you prefer not to use a pan.

• Knife: Useful for slicing the cheese if you're not using pre-sliced cheese.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for rolling the ground beef into balls and slicing cheese.

• Measuring spoons: Helps measure the butter for toasting the buns accurately.

• Plate: For assembling the burgers and serving them hot.

• Tongs: Handy for handling the hot buns and patties without burning yourself.

Preheat the skillet: Preheat your cast iron skillet while you prepare the ground beef to save time.

Divide and roll: Divide the ground beef into balls ahead of time and keep them ready to smash.

Toast buns simultaneously: Toast the burger buns in another pan or oven while the burgers cook to streamline the process.

Use a heavy spatula: Use a heavy-duty spatula to quickly and evenly smash the beef patties.

Prep toppings in advance: Have your cheese slices and any other toppings ready to go before you start cooking.