Craving the ultimate homemade burger with crispy edges, juicy centers, and melted cheese? This Smash Burger recipe is exactly what you need! The technique of smashing the beef patties onto a hot pan creates a beautiful crust while keeping the inside tender and flavorful.

Paired with caramelized onions, creamy burger sauce, and soft brioche buns, these smash burgers will make you forget all about takeout!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Smash technique = crispy crust + juicy center
Easy homemade burger sauce – Tangy, creamy & perfectly seasoned
Cooked in beef fat for extra flavor
No grill needed – Just a hot pan!
Better than fast food, made fresh at home!

Ingredients for Smash Burgers

(Makes 4 burgers with double patties – can be scaled up!)

For the Patties & Burgers:

• 1 kg ground beef (80/20 blend – 20% fat for juiciness)
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• 1 whole onion, thickly sliced
• 8 American cheese slices
• Pickles (for layering)
• 4 brioche buns

For the Special Sauce:

• 3 tbsp mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp tomato ketchup
• 1 tsp mustard
• 1 tbsp pickle juice
• 1 whole pickle, grated
• 1 tsp each: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, white pepper, black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Special Sauce

1. In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, white pepper, black pepper, and grated pickle.
2. Set aside in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Shape & Smash the Beef Patties

3. Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions (around 100-120g each).
4. Roll into loose balls—do not compact the meat too much!
5. Heat a non-stick or cast-iron pan over high heat until very hot.
6. Place the beef balls onto the hot pan and immediately smash them down using a spatula, burger press, or even your hands (with parchment paper on top for easy pressing).
7. Let the patties cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until a deep golden crust forms.

Step 3: Flip & Caramelize the Onions

8. Sprinkle salt & pepper on the patties, then flip them over.
9. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, pressing down slightly.
10. Add sliced onions to the pan so they cook in the beef fat and caramelize.
11. Place cheese slices on top of the patties while they finish cooking, letting them melt.

Step 4: Assemble the Burgers

12. Toast the brioche buns lightly in the pan.
13. Spread a generous amount of special sauce on the bottom bun.
14. Stack two cheese-covered patties on each bun.
15. Add caramelized onions & pickles on top.
16. Close the burger and serve immediately with crispy fries!

Pro Tips for the Perfect Smash Burger

Use 80/20 ground beef – The higher fat content keeps the patties juicy.
Smash only once – This creates a crispy crust while keeping the burger juicy.
Don’t move the patties too much – Let them develop a deep brown crust.
Use a hot pan – Cast iron or a heavy non-stick skillet works best.
Let the cheese melt naturally – Cover the pan for 10-15 seconds if needed.
Customize your toppings! – Try adding lettuce, tomato, or jalapeños for a different twist.

Smash Burgers

Craving the ultimate homemade burger with crispy edges, juicy centers, and melted cheese? This Smash Burger recipe is exactly what you need!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

For the Beef Patties:

• 1 kg ground beef 80/20 blend – 20% fat for best juiciness
• Salt & black pepper to taste

For the Special Burger Sauce:

• 3 tbsp mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp tomato ketchup
• 1 tsp mustard
• 1 tbsp pickle juice
• 1 whole pickle grated
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp white pepper
• 1 tsp black pepper

For layering:

• 1 whole onion thickly sliced
• 8 slices American cheese
• Pickles sliced for layering
• 4 brioche buns toasted

For Cooking:

• 1-2 tbsp butter or oil for toasting buns
• Parchment paper for smashing burgers

Instructions

 

• In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, grated pickle, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, white pepper, and black pepper.
• Cover and place in the fridge for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions (about 100-120g each).
• Roll into loose meatballs—do NOT compact them tightly!
• Heat a cast-iron or non-stick pan over high heat until very hot.
• Place 2-3 meatballs in the pan (don’t overcrowd).
• Immediately smash them down using a spatula or burger press. Tip: Place parchment paper between the spatula and meat for easy pressing.
• Let cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until a deep golden crust forms.Sprinkle the patties with salt & black pepper, then flip them over.
• Cook for another 2-3 minutes, pressing gently to keep the crispy edges.
• Add sliced onions to the pan, letting them cook in the beef fat until caramelized.
• Top each patty with a slice of cheese and let it melt.In a separate pan, melt butter or a drizzle of oil over medium heat.
• Place brioche buns cut-side down and toast for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.Spread a generous layer of special sauce on the bottom bun.
• Stack two cheese-covered patties on top.
• Add caramelized onions & pickles for extra flavor.
• Close the burger with the toasted top bun, press gently, and serve immediately!
• Enjoy with crispy fries, onion rings, or coleslaw for the ultimate burger experience! 😋🔥

Notes

Use 80/20 ground beef – The higher fat content ensures juiciness.

Keyword easy dinner, homemade burger, smash burger

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use leaner beef?

It’s best to use 80/20 ground beef for juicy patties. If using leaner beef, add a little butter or oil to the pan for moisture.

2. Can I grill these instead of pan-frying?

Yes! Use a flat griddle on the grill to create the crispy sear.

3. What can I use instead of American cheese?

You can use cheddar, gouda, or Monterey Jack, but American cheese melts the best!

4. Can I make the patties ahead of time?

Yes! Shape the beef into balls and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.

5. What’s the best side dish for smash burgers?

Serve with crispy fries, onion rings, or coleslaw for the perfect meal!