Smash Cheeseburger
Experience the ultimate diner-style smash burger with a perfectly caramelized, crispy crust and juicy center.
Ingredients
- •1.5 lbs (680g) ground beef (80/20 fat ratio)
- •4 high-quality hamburger buns
- •1 tablespoon neutral oil (such as grapeseed or avocado oil)
- •1 teaspoon kosher salt
- •1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- •1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
- •4 large leaves of iceberg lettuce
- •2 vine-ripened tomatoes, sliced
- •4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- •2 tablespoons ketchup
- •1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- •2 kosher dill pickles, sliced
Instructions
- 1
Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions, roughly 6 ounces each, and gently roll them into loose balls without overworking the meat.
- 2
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard to create a classic burger sauce.
- 3
Heat a heavy-duty cast iron skillet or flat-top griddle over medium-high heat until it is smoking slightly.
- 4
Lightly toast the cut sides of the buns in the pan until golden brown, then set aside.
- 5
Place the beef balls into the hot, dry skillet, leaving plenty of space between them.
- 6
Using a heavy metal spatula or a dedicated burger press, firmly smash each ball flat until it is about 1/2 inch thick.
- 7
Season the top of each patty generously with salt and pepper.
- 8
Cook for 2 to 3 minutes without moving the meat, allowing a deep, dark brown crust to form.
- 9
Flip the patties carefully, scraping the crust off the pan to ensure it stays attached to the burger, and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes.
- 10
Assemble the burgers by spreading the sauce on the buns, then layering the lettuce, tomato, patty, onions, and pickles.
💡 Chef tips
- Keep the meat very cold until the moment it hits the pan; the temperature contrast helps create a better crust.
- Do not press down on the burger after the initial smash, as this will squeeze out the flavorful juices.
- If you want extra flavor, sauté the onions in the pan drippings for 5 minutes before cooking the burgers.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished burger should feature a deeply browned, crispy-edged patty that is incredibly juicy, served on a toasted bun with a tangy sauce and fresh, crunchy vegetables.