Best Smash Burger Recipes
With summertime in full swing, it feels like the right time for a round-up of my Best Smash Burger Recipes. Smash burgers are all the rage – and for a good reason. These flavorful burgers are the perfect way to get the crispy bits and juiciness you crave. Here are all my favorite smash burger recipes, but if you want that thick patty, then check out my Best Burger Recipes Here! These Best Smash Burger Recipes level up your traditional burgers in ways you may not have imagined before. My flavors are often fire-spicy and never dull, so buckle up! Whether you’re grilling on a hot griddle or a cast iron pan, I’ll show you how to get the perfect sear and the juiciest burgers every time. Be sure to check out each recipe card below for the full recipe and all the juicy details. If you’re a smashburger fan but you had sliders on your mind, check out this collection of epic slider recipes: The Best Slider Recipes. Table of Contents Why You’ll Love Each Smash Burger RecipeCooking Tips for the Best BurgersBeef Patty Basicsgo the extra mileMy Favorite Smash Burger RecipesWhat to Serve with the Perfect Smash BurgerLeftovers & Reheating Smash BurgersFAQs for Smash Burger RecipesFlavor X Fire & FOOD X Fire Why You’ll Love Each Smash Burger Recipe Cooking Tips for the Best Burgers Beef Patty Basicsgo the extra mile Beef Patty Basics go the extra mile My Favorite Smash Burger Recipes What to Serve with the Perfect Smash Burger Leftovers & Reheating Smash Burgers FAQs for Smash Burger Recipes Flavor X Fire & FOOD X Fire Why You’ll Love Each Smash Burger Recipe Smash burgers are not just another way to cook a burger. They’re, by far, the best way to achieve the perfect sear that makes every bite unforgettable. By pressing the burger patties thin on a hot surface, you maximize the surface area in contact with the cast iron skillet. The result? Browned bits and succulent, crispy edges that will blow your taste buds away. Plus, with a slice of cheese melting over the top and a dollop of special smash sauce, you’ll feel like you’re dining at your favorite burger joint. Did you know you can also make smash burger style tacos? Yeah… It’s as good as it sounds. Check out my Surf and Turf Smashburger Tacos and Chorizo Smash Tacos to see what the hype is all about. Cooking Tips for the Best Burgers Beef Patty Basics Choose the Right Meat: Start with the best beef – a pound of ground beef can make about 3 double patty burgers. I like to use lean ground beef. I’ve found it actually holds together better than a fattier blend. Equal portions is key; divide it into equal-sized tight meatballs for even cooking. Preheat Your Skillet: Whether you’re using a cast-iron skillet, cast-iron griddle or a non-stick skillet, make sure it’s scorching hot before adding your burger meat. Medium-high heat is perfect for achieving that crispy sear. Smash It Right: Use a sturdy spatula or a burger press to smash the balls of beef into thin patties on the hot surface. You can use the handle of a second spatula to apply extra pressure. Smash for 1-2 minutes for those perfect crispy edges. Season Generously: Of course, season the patties with one of my signature seasonings (in the killer beer cans). Or, keep it simple with some black pepper, garlic powder, kosher salt and then a small amount of yellow mustard for that classic burger flavor. Invest in Parchment Paper: Importantly, use a sheet of parchment paper between the meat and your spatula or press to prevent sticking and to help in the smashing process. Choose the Right Meat: Start with the best beef – a pound of ground beef can make about 3 double patty burgers. I like to use lean ground beef. I’ve found it actually holds together better than a fattier blend. Equal portions is key; divide it into equal-sized tight meatballs for even cooking. Preheat Your Skillet: Whether you’re using a cast-iron skillet, cast-iron griddle or a non-stick skillet, make sure it’s scorching hot before adding your burger meat. Medium-high heat is perfect for achieving that crispy sear. Smash It Right: Use a sturdy spatula or a burger press to smash the balls of beef into thin patties on the hot surface. You can use the handle of a second spatula to apply extra pressure. Smash for 1-2 minutes for those perfect crispy edges. Season Generously: Of course, season the patties with one of my signature seasonings (in the killer beer cans). Or, keep it simple with some black pepper, garlic powder, kosher salt and then a small amount of yellow mustard for that classic burger flavor. Invest in Parchment Paper: Importantly, use a sheet of parchment paper between the meat and your spatula or press to prevent sticking and to help in the smashing process. Add flavor to everything you’re cooking shop over the fire spice lines Cheese, Please: Place a slice of cheese on top of each patty while they’re still sizzling on the grill. Melted American cheese is always a great option for that gooey goodness. Make a Special Sauce: While ketchup and mustard are classic, a special sauce is a must-have condiment. If you want to stick to simple ingredients, mix a homemade smash sauce in a small bowl—equal parts mayonnaise, ketchup, and a dash of pickle juice—to spread on your toasted buns. Don’t Forget the Buns: The right choice of burger bun can make all the difference to your finished burger. Brioche buns, pretzel buns or potato buns are my personal favorites—they hold up well to the juicy burger patty. Cheese, Please: Place a slice of cheese on top of each patty while they’re still sizzling on the grill. Melted American cheese is always a great option for that gooey goodness. Make a Special Sauce: While ketchup and mustard are classic, a special sauce is a must-have condiment. If you want to stick to simple ingredients, mix a homemade smash sauce in a small bowl—equal parts mayonnaise, ketchup, and a dash of pickle juice—to spread on your toasted buns. Don’t Forget the Buns: The right choice of burger bun can make all the difference to your finished burger. Brioche buns, pretzel buns or potato buns are my personal favorites—they hold up well to the juicy burger patty. My Favorite Smash Burger Recipes Cheesy Onion Smash Burgers Thin, crispy beef patties topped with caramelized onions and melted cheese deliver a savory and mouthwatering burger experience. View Recipe Animal Style Burger Animal Style Burger for an In-N-Out experience right at home. View Recipe Grilled Cheese BBQ Cheeseburger Another burger inspired by Five Guys, you get the best of a grilled cheese and a cheese burger all in one. View Recipe BBQ Bacon Burger This BBQ bacon burger recipe takes the dish to new levels with Sam Adams beer-battered onion rings, making for a delicious summertime dinner. View Recipe Chili Cheese Smash Burger Juicy beef patties with spicy chili and melted cheese, creating a robust and flavorful burger that's perfect for chili lovers. View Recipe Jalapeño Popper Smash Burgers Spicy jalapenos, creamy cheese and juicy beef patties help create a deliciously fiery and savory burger experience. View Recipe Oklahoma Onion Burger Thin, crispy beef patties smashed with sweet caramelized onions create a perfect blend of savory and sweet in every bite. View Recipe Cowboy Candy Smash Burger Cowboy candy is a freakin' delicious way to turn fresh jalapeño peppers into a savory, sweet treat that is perfect for topping burgers. View Recipe Beer Cheese Smash Burgers Juicy beef patties topped with rich, creamy beer cheese and crispy bacon, deliver a hearty and indulgent burger experience. View Recipe Peanut Butter and Jelly Smash Burgers Peanut Butter and Jelly Smash Burgers View Recipe Elvis Smash Burger For a unique Elvis-inspired twist, this burger recipe pairs juicy beef patties with creamy peanut butter, crispy bacon and caramelized bananas. View Recipe Steakhouse Smash Burgers Juicy beef patties, a tangy steak sauce and crispy onions create a rich and savory gourmet burger. View Recipe Western BBQ Burger This Western BBQ Burger is a crispy beef patty on a bun topped with cheese, bacon, beer-battered onion rings, pulled pork, and BBQ sauce. View Recipe Flying Dutchman Smashburger This recipe features juicy beef patties with crispy edges, melted cheese and a tangy homemade sauce, offering a bold and flavorful twist on the classic smash burger. View Recipe Twisted & Smashed Bacon Cheeseburger Juicy beef patties, crispy bacon and a twist of spicy jalapenos are topped with melted cheese for a bold and flavorful burger. View Recipe Chorizo Smashburgers Spicy chorizo with juicy beef patties, topped with melted cheese and zesty salsa delivers a smash burger packed with bold, vibrant flavors. View Recipe Poutine Burger The Poutine Burger, when burgers, fries and gravy come together as one. View Recipe Surf and Turf Butter Burger Recipe Surf and Turf Butter Burger Recipe for a fist full of deliciousness! View Recipe McRib Burger The McRib Burger is here and we're giving those two golden arches a run for their money! View Recipe Chimichurri Burger Get ready for an over-the-top juicy burger layered with steak, a farm-fresh egg and some gooey American cheese. View Recipe Wagyu Smash Burger With a garlic aioli, melted American cheese, and pickles, the Wagyu Smash Burger has everything your taste buds crave from comfort food and more! View Recipe Bacon Jam Burgers Jalapeno Bacon Jam Burgers are a fun twist on the classic smashburger featuring Omaha Steaks Smashburger Patties. Caramelized onions, smoky jalapeños, crispy bacon, and a touch of maple and brown sugar bring big flavor! View Recipe Garlic Butter Burger Garlic lovers, fire up your Breeo, because this Garlic Butter Burger recipe inspired by Steak and Shake is the ultimate bite. View Recipe Pizza Smashburger With this pizza smashburger, we're taking two of America's most popular foods and smashing them together (literally). View Recipe What to Serve with the Perfect Smash Burger No good smash burger is complete without the right toppings and sides. Serve ’em up with crispy French fries or onion rings for a traditional diner experience. Top your burgers with dill pickles, red onion slices and then more of your favorite toppings for that ultimate burger experience. Leftovers & Reheating Smash Burgers If you somehow manage to have leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is unlikely), store your leftover patties and buns separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat them, preheat a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat, add a small amount of oil and then reheat the patties for about 1-2 minutes on each side. This helps maintain that crispy texture. FAQs for Smash Burger Recipes What is the best type of meat to use for smash burgers? For the best smash burgers, use ground beef with a lower fat content, such as an 90/10 blend. This ratio ensures the burgers remain juicy and flavorful while also staying intact and achieving those delicious browned bits that are essential for a great smash burger. How do I prevent my smash burgers from sticking to the pan? To prevent sticking, make sure your skillet or griddle is preheated to a scorching hot temperature before adding the meat. Additionally, a small amount of beef tallow can be added to the pan for extra non-stick assurance. Can I make smash burgers without a cast-iron skillet? Yes, you can make smash burgers without a cast-iron skillet. While cast iron is preferred for its excellent heat retention and ability to create a crispy sear, a heavy-bottomed non-stick skillet or a stainless steel pan can also be used. Just make sure the pan is preheated well to then ensure the best results. Happy grilling and let me know in the comments which smashburger recipe is your favorite! Get The Cookbooks! Flavor X Fire & FOOD X Fire By Derek Wolf All the major tastes—salty, sour, sweet, bitter, and umami—are explored in depth, along with an investigation of other components you should consider when it comes to flavor, such as aroma, heat, and texture. Derek Wolf Derek is the driving force behind Over the Fire Cooking. He started cooking with live fire in 2016 and decided to start a social media page so his friends and family could follow the journey. Fast forward to today and Over the Fire Cooking has spread across multiple platforms with millions now following Derek's fire cooking journey. He's a southern fellow who enjoys everything from classic BBQ to Central and South American inspired dishes. Whatever he's cooking up, it's guaranteed to be so freakin' delicious!