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Smash Burgers Made Perfectly at Home
Emily

Perfect Home-Style Smash Burgers

Achieve restaurant-quality results at home with this foolproof smash burger recipe. By focusing on the Maillard reaction and using high-heat searing, you will create a deeply caramelized, crispy crust on the outside while keeping the inside succulent and juicy. This quick, family-friendly dinner is fully customizable and perfect for weeknights when you want a gourmet meal fast.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs 80/20 ground beef
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp yellow mustard
  • 4 brioche buns
  • 2 cups iceberg lettuce, shredded
  • 1 large tomato, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced into rings
  • 2 whole dill pickles, sliced into 12 coins
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions and roll into loose balls; keep chilled until use.
  2. Prepare lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles.
  3. Butter the brioche buns and toast in a pan over medium heat until golden brown.
  4. Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet or griddle over high heat until smoking hot.
  5. Place beef balls on the surface and smash firmly with a heavy spatula to create a thin patty.
  6. Season heavily with salt and pepper.
  7. Cook for 2 minutes undisturbed to develop a deep dark crust.
  8. Flip the patties, top with cheese slices, and cook for 1 minute until melted.
  9. Assemble the burgers with toasted buns, sauce, patties, and prepared toppings.

Notes

Keep the beef cold until the last possible second to ensure the fat renders correctly during the fast smash process. Use a heavy, flat-bottomed object like a bacon press or a small stainless steel pan if a heavy spatula is unavailable to achieve the perfect thin smash.