Smash burgers are the ultimate quick indulgence, delivering bold flavors and satisfying textures in just 10 minutes. The crispy, caramelized edges of the patty contrast perfectly with the soft, toasted bun, while melted cheese adds a creamy richness. Each bite is a harmony of savory beef, tangy pickles, and zesty sauce, making it impossible to stop at just one.
With only 5 minutes of prep and 5 minutes of cooking, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous cravings. The juicy patty, combined with fresh toppings, creates a burger that’s unapologetically delicious and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, these smash burgers are guaranteed to hit the spot every time.
Ingredients for Smash Burgers
- For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup (60 g) mayonnaise
- 1 Tablespoon (17 g) ketchup
- 1 Tablespoon (20 g) sweet relish
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- For the Burgers:
- 1 teaspoon cooking oil (avocado, canola, vegetable, or olive oil)
- 1 lb (453 g) 80-85% ground beef
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 Tablespoon salted butter
- 4 burger buns
- Sliced cheese (optional)
- Toppings (optional): Lettuce, tomato slices, onion slices, pickle chips, or other desired toppings
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet relish, and smoked paprika until well combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Prepare the Patties: Line a plate with wax paper. Divide the ground beef into four equal portions (about 4 oz/113 g each). Gently form each portion into a loose ball without overworking the meat. Place the balls on the lined plate and season the tops with salt and pepper. Chill in the fridge or freezer while preheating the pan.
- Heat the Pan: Drizzle 1 teaspoon of oil into a cast iron pan and use a paper towel to spread it evenly. Heat the pan over medium-high until it begins to smoke.
- Smash the Burgers: Place one beef ball in the pan. Immediately press it firmly with a burger press or spatula (use a mallet for extra pressure if needed) to flatten it into a patty. Cook for about 1 minute until a crust forms. Avoid flipping or pressing again. Sprinkle with more salt and pepper while cooking.
- Flip and Add Cheese: Use a spatula to scrape up the burger, ensuring you get all the caramelized crust. Flip the burger and add a slice of cheese if desired. Cook for another 45 seconds or until done. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil.
- Toast the Buns: Add 1 Tablespoon of butter to the hot pan. Once melted, turn off the heat and place the burger buns cut-side down in the pan. Toast briefly until warm and golden.
- Assemble the Burgers: Spread the prepared sauce on the toasted buns. Add the cooked patties and any desired toppings. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Creative Sauce and Topping Ideas
Take your smash burgers to the next level with unique sauce and topping combinations! Try adding a spicy kick by mixing sriracha into the mayo-based sauce or swap sweet relish for dill pickle relish for a tangier flavor. For toppings, caramelized onions, crispy bacon, or a fried egg can add extra richness and texture. Don’t forget to experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack, blue cheese, or smoked gouda for a flavorful twist!
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
Smash burgers pair wonderfully with classic sides like crispy fries, onion rings, or a fresh garden salad. For a lighter option, serve with a side of coleslaw or pickled vegetables. If you’re hosting a casual gathering, consider setting up a burger bar with a variety of toppings and sauces so everyone can customize their own masterpiece. Don’t forget a cold beverage like a craft beer or homemade lemonade to complete the meal!
Quick Tips for Smashing Success
To ensure your smash burgers turn out perfectly, keep the meat cold until it hits the hot pan—this helps create a crispy crust. Use a sturdy spatula or burger press and press firmly to flatten the patties evenly. Avoid flipping too early; let the crust form for maximum flavor. If you’re cooking multiple burgers, work in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan, which can lower the temperature and affect the sear.
Storage and Reheating Made Easy
If you have leftover burgers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the patties in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the burgers soggy. For the buns, toast them briefly in a toaster or skillet to bring back their warmth and crunch.
Equipment Essentials for Smash Burgers
A cast iron skillet is ideal for achieving that perfect sear, but any heavy-bottomed pan will work. A sturdy spatula or burger press is essential for smashing the patties evenly. If you don’t have a press, use a flat-bottomed object like a small skillet or mallet. Parchment paper can help prevent the meat from sticking to your tools, making the process smoother and cleaner.
Smash Burgers
Ingredients
Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (60 g)
- 1 Tablespoons ketchup (17 g)
- 1 Tablespoons sweet relish (20 g)
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
For burgers
- 1 teaspoon cooking oil avocado, canola, vegetable, or even olive oil
- 1 lb 80-85% ground beef (453 g)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 Tablespoon salted butter
- 4 burger buns
- Sliced cheese if desired
- Toppings Lettuce tomato slices, onion slices, pickle chips, and/or other desired toppings
Instructions
- For the Sauce: Whisk together mayo, ketchup, relish, and smoked paprika until well-combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use for burgers.
- Burgers: Prepare the patties: Line a plate with wax paper. Divide beef into four equal (4oz/113g) pieces. Use your hands to loosely form each into a round ball. Do not overwork the meat, just gently form it into a ball.
- Season and chill: Place meatballs on a wax paper lined plate and sprinkle the tops with salt and pepper. Keep cold in fridge or freezer while you preheat your pan.
- Prepare the pan: Drizzle a teaspoon of oil over a cast iron pan and use a paper towel to smear it evenly over the surface. Turn heat to medium-high and heat until pan is smoking.
- Smash the burgers: Add a ball of meat to the pan. Immediately use your burger press or large spatula to firmly press straight down on the burger and smash it flat (if using a spatula, grip a mallet and use that to help you press into the burger, see photo in post for visual if needed). If meat sticks to the press, you may place a square of parchment paper over it before flattening.
- Cook for approximately 1 minute, until a crust has formed on the burger (avoid the temptation to re-squish the burger or flip it early!). Sprinkle with more salt and pepper while it cooks.
- Flip. Use spatula to scrape up the burger (you want to be sure to scrape up all the caramelized crust and not leave anything behind), flip, and add a slice of cheese if desired. Cook through (approximately 45 seconds longer). Transfer burgers to a clean plate and cover with foil while you toast the buns.
- Toast the buns: Immediately add butter to the hot pan. Once melted, turn off pan and place burger buns cut-side down on the skillet and cook briefly, until warm and toasted on the bottom.
- Assemble & enjoy: Spread burger sauce onto toasted buns, top with burgers and any additional desired toppings and enjoy immediately.