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This recipe will show you how to make a smash burger perfectly every time. The recipe not only ensures consistency, but you get a juicy burger with that classic smash burger crusty exterior.
A smash burger is the ultimate diner style burger, featuring loosely packed balls of ground beef smashed onto a scorching hot griddle to create deeply caramelized edges and an irresistible crust. This technique delivers the perfect contrast of crispy, savory beef and a juicy center, while a tangy dijonnaise sauce adds richness and brightness that balances every bite.
If you dig this but looking for even more flavorful burger ideas, check out this recipe for smoked burgers.
What Is A Smash Burger?
Smash burgers have been a thing forever, long before the burger restaurant chain of the same name started. Smash burger refers to the literal smashing of a ball of ground beef on the cooking surface during cook time. Smashing provides a flatter meat patty and helps ensure the entire surface area of each side of the patty gets cooked fully fast and furious.
Now getting great delicious results requires technique for the most part. So though the ingredients are super simple, definitely follow the detailed instructions on how to make proper smash burgers.
Beats and Eats (music to pair with smash burgers)
My favorite burger is from my old neighborhood spot, Wingfields. Their burgers are simply dressed, but excellently cooked. Wingfields, located in the heart of historic Oak Cliff in Dallas is iconic and legendary. This smash burger recipe is an ode to Oak Cliff’s finest.
Smash Burger Ingredient Notes
- Ground beef is the star of any smash burger, providing the rich, beefy flavor and juicy texture that make this style of burger so craveable. An 80/20 blend offers the ideal balance of fat and meat, creating crispy edges without drying out the patty. If needed, 85/15 beef can work, though the burgers will be slightly leaner. Avoid overworking the meat when forming balls, as loose packing helps create the signature craggy crust when smashed.
- Dijonnaise combines the creamy richness of mayonnaise with the sharp, tangy bite of Dijon mustard, creating a sauce that cuts through the richness of the beef while adding a subtle layer of complexity. Store bought dijonnaise works well, but making your own allows you to adjust the mustard intensity to your taste. For a different flavor profile, swap Dijon for whole grain mustard or add a splash of pickle brine for extra tang and burger joint character.
How To Make A Fast Casual Burger at Home
Make dijonnaise sauce - Mix dijon mustard and mayo in a ball with lemon juice plus spices (paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder). Set aside.
Pre-heat cast iron skillet on high heat. Skillet should be smoking before adding meat patties.
Shape patties into large meatball size. Add clarified butter (ghee) to skillet, then add one patty to the skillet. Place a piece of parchment paper on top then using a smaller heavy bottom skillet/pan smash the meat ball into a flat hamburger patty.
Sprinkle the patty with salt and pepper as it cooks. Cook for two minutes, then flip. Add a slice of cheese on top and cook another 2 minutes. Repeat for the other patties.
Serve smash burgers on toasted buns, topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, and dijonnaise.
What To Serve With Classic Smash Burgers
I like to eat my burgers with cajun fries and slaw or an okra salad with collards.
Cooking Tips and Considerations For Making Homemade Smash Burgers
Use quality ground beef. I prefer grass-fed with a decent amount of fat. Burgers that are too lean can be dry after cooking.
Use an oil. fat with a high smoke point. I prefer ghee which easily holds up to high heat cooking and helps form that nice exterior crust on th patty.
If you have a hamburger masher great, but if not don’t sweat. I’ve used everything from a skillet to a small plate to smash my burgers.
American cheese is the best for melting, so go with it.
Season just before cooking and immediately afterwards for optimal flavor.
Don’t waste time working the ground meat. Overworking leads to tough chewy meat.
Dress your burger as simply or as complex as you see fit.
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Smash Burger Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 4 Hamburger Buns
- 1 large Tomato sliced
- 4 Lettuce leaves
- 4 Cheese Slices
- 1 cup Pickles sliced
- 1 medium Red Onion sliced
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 1 tablespoon Ghee
- 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ tablespoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Method
- Mix dijon mustard and mayo in a ball with lemon juice plus spices (paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder). Set aside.
- Pre-heat cast iron skillet on high heat. Skillet should be smoking before adding meat patties.
- Shape patties into large meatball size. Add clarified butter (ghee) to skillet, then add one patty to the skillet. Place a piece of parchment paper on top then using a smaller heavy bottom skillet/pan smash the meat ball into a flat hamburger patty.
- Sprinkle the patty with salt and pepper as it cooks. Cook for two minutes, then flip. Add a slice of cheese on top and cook another 2 minutes. Repeat for the other patties.
- Serve smash burgers on toasted buns, topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, and dijonnaise.
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