Smash Burgers Recipe

80/20 blend ground beef: This specific blend has 80% lean meat and 20% fat, which ensures the burgers are juicy and flavorful.

American or cheddar cheese: These cheese slices melt perfectly over the hot patties, adding a creamy texture and rich taste.

Toasted burger buns: Toasting the buns on the griddle adds a nice crunch and prevents them from getting soggy.

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 on the griddle, use a sturdy, flat spatula and apply even pressure to ensure the patties are thin and cook evenly. This technique helps to create a crispy, caramelized crust on the burger patties, enhancing the overall flavor and texture.

• 80/20 blend ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is leaner and can be a healthier option while still providing a similar texture.

• 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 melts well and has a mild flavor that complements the burger.

• american cheese - Substitute with swiss cheese: Swiss cheese adds a slightly nutty flavor and melts beautifully over the burger.

• toasted burger buns - Substitute with lettuce wraps: For a low-carb option, use large lettuce leaves to wrap the burger.

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

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

• salt - Substitute with garlic salt: Garlic salt adds an extra layer of flavor along with the saltiness.

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

• pepper - Substitute with paprika: Paprika provides a mild, smoky flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the burger.

• Allow the burger patties to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the burgers soggy.
• Wrap each burger patty individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This ensures they stay fresh and prevents freezer burn.
• Place the wrapped patties in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours. This flash-freezing method keeps them from sticking together.
• Once the patties are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Label with the date to keep track of their freshness.
• Store the burger buns separately. For best results, wrap each bun in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. This prevents them from drying out.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the burger patties in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat on a griddle or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
• Toast the burger buns on the griddle or in a toaster until golden brown and crisp.
• Assemble the 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 for about 10-15 minutes, or until the burger is warmed through.
  5. For the burger buns, wrap them in foil and heat for the last 5 minutes.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Preheat 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. Heat for about 3-4 minutes per side, until warmed through.
  5. Toast the burger buns in the same skillet for a minute or two.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the burger patties on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover the patties with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway 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. Toast the burger buns in the air fryer for the last 1-2 minutes.

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

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

• Tongs: Handy for handling the burger buns while toasting them on the griddle.

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

• Mixing bowl: Used to hold and divide the ground beef into equal portions.

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

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing any additional toppings.

• Plate: To assemble and serve the finished burgers.

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

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

Prep ingredients ahead: Divide and roll the ground beef into balls in advance and store them in the fridge.

Use a burger press: A burger press can help you quickly and evenly smash the beef balls.

Melt cheese faster: Cover the patties with a lid after adding cheese to speed up melting.

Toast buns simultaneously: Toast the burger buns on the griddle while the patties cook.