Smash Burgers Recipe

Ground beef: The 80/20 blend provides the perfect balance of fat and meat for juicy, flavorful burgers.

Burger buns: Choose sturdy buns that can hold up to the juicy patties without falling apart.

American or cheddar cheese: These cheeses melt beautifully over the hot patties, adding a creamy texture.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the beef.

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

Butter: Used for toasting the buns to a golden brown perfection.

When smashing the ground beef on the griddle, use a sturdy metal spatula and press down firmly to ensure the patties are thin and even. This technique helps to create a crispy, caramelized crust on the burger, enhancing the overall flavor and texture.

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

• burger buns - Substitute with lettuce wraps: Lettuce wraps offer a low-carb alternative while still providing a satisfying crunch.

• american cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone cheese melts well and adds a slightly different but delicious flavor profile.

• cheddar cheese - Substitute with Swiss cheese: Swiss cheese has a mild, nutty flavor that complements the burger well.

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

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

• butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier fat option and can still toast the buns nicely.

• Allow the burger patties to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the burgers soggy.
• Wrap each burger patty individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps maintain their shape and prevents freezer burn.
• Place the wrapped patties in a freezer-safe container or zip-top freezer bag. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• Store the burger buns separately. You can keep them in their original packaging or transfer them to a zip-top bag. If freezing, wrap each bun in plastic wrap before placing them in the bag.
• To reheat, thaw the burger patties in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker option, use the microwave on a defrost setting.
• Reheat the patties on a griddle or skillet over medium heat until warmed through. This helps retain their crispy edges.
• Toast the buns on the griddle or in a toaster until golden brown.
• Assemble the smash burgers with your favorite toppings and serve hot.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Wrap each burger patty in aluminum foil to retain moisture.
  3. Place the wrapped patties on a baking sheet.
  4. Heat in the oven for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
  5. For the burger buns, wrap them in foil and place them in the oven for the last 5 minutes of reheating.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Place the burger patties in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until heated through.
  5. Toast the burger buns in the same skillet for a minute or two until they are warm and slightly crispy.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the burger patties on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover the patties with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds to ensure they are heated through.
  4. For the burger buns, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15-20 seconds.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the burger patties in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for about 3-5 minutes or until warmed through.
  4. For the burger buns, place them in the air fryer for the last 1-2 minutes of reheating.

• Griddle Method:

  1. Preheat your griddle over medium heat.
  2. Place the burger patties on the griddle and cover with a lid or foil.
  3. Heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until warmed through.
  4. Toast the burger buns on the griddle for a minute or two until they are warm and slightly crispy.

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

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

• Butter knife: Ideal for spreading butter on the buns before toasting.

• Measuring spoon: Ensures you use the right amount of butter for toasting the buns.

• Tongs: Handy for handling the hot buns and assembling the burgers.

• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface to prepare and assemble the burger ingredients.

• Knife: Useful for slicing any additional toppings you might want to add to your burgers.

• Plate: For serving the assembled burgers hot and fresh.

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

Divide and roll in advance: Divide the ground beef into portions and roll them into balls ahead of time.

Seasoning station: Set up a seasoning station with salt and pepper for quick access.

Cheese ready: Have your cheese slices unwrapped and ready to go.

Butter the buns: Butter the burger buns before you start cooking so they're ready to toast immediately.

Assemble quickly: Lay out all your ingredients and tools for quick assembly once the patties are cooked.