Smash Burgers Recipe

Ground beef: An 80/20 blend is recommended for optimal juiciness and flavor.

Cheese: American or cheddar cheese slices melt perfectly over the patties.

Burger buns: Soft buns that toast well in the skillet.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the beef.

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

When smashing the ground beef balls, use a sturdy metal spatula and press down firmly to ensure the patties are thin and evenly cooked. This technique helps achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy. For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a small piece of parchment paper between the spatula and the beef to prevent sticking and to help distribute the pressure more evenly.

• 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.

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

• american cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone cheese melts well and offers a mild, creamy flavor similar to American cheese.

• cheddar cheese - Substitute with Swiss cheese: Swiss cheese provides a nutty flavor and melts beautifully, making it a good alternative to cheddar.

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

• burger buns - Substitute with lettuce wraps: For a low-carb option, lettuce wraps can replace burger buns while adding a fresh crunch.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory, umami flavor to the meat, reducing the need for additional salt.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add a bit of heat and complexity to the flavor profile of the burger.

• Allow the burger patties to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
• Wrap each burger patty individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This helps maintain their shape and keeps them from sticking together.
• Place the wrapped patties in an airtight container or freezer bag. If using a freezer bag, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.
• Label the container or bag with the date. This ensures you use the burgers within a safe timeframe.
• Store the burger buns separately to prevent them from becoming soggy. You can keep them in their original packaging or in a bread box.
• For freezing, place the wrapped patties in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the burger patties in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even reheating and maintains the texture.
• Reheat the patties in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Add a slice of cheese during the last minute of reheating to melt it perfectly.
• Toast the burger buns in the skillet or oven just before serving to restore their crispiness.
• Assemble the smash burgers with your favorite toppings and enjoy them as if they were freshly made.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F. 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 on medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter 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.
• Microwave method: Place the burger patties on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
• For the burger buns, lightly toast them in a toaster or in a skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until they are warm and slightly crispy.
• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F. Place the burger patties in the air fryer basket and heat for 3-5 minutes until hot.

• Cast iron skillet: A heavy-duty skillet that retains heat well and provides an even cooking surface, perfect for achieving a crispy crust on the burgers.

• Spatula: A flat utensil used to smash the beef balls into thin patties and to flip them during cooking.

• Tongs: Handy for flipping the burger buns and ensuring they get evenly toasted.

• Meat thermometer: Optional but useful for checking the internal temperature of the burgers to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

• Cutting board: A sturdy surface to form the ground beef into balls and to prepare any additional toppings or condiments.

• Knife: Essential for slicing any additional toppings like onions, tomatoes, or lettuce.

• Cheese slicer: Optional but helpful if you are slicing cheese from a block rather than using pre-sliced cheese.

• Plate: To hold the cooked patties and toasted buns before assembling the burgers.

• Paper towels: Useful for blotting any excess grease from the patties or for cleaning up spills.

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

Pre-portion the beef: Form the ground beef into balls ahead of time and store them in the fridge.

Use pre-sliced cheese: Opt for pre-sliced cheese to save the hassle of slicing it yourself.

Toast buns together: Toast all burger buns in the skillet simultaneously to save time.

Prep toppings in advance: Have all your burger toppings ready before you start cooking.