Cheesy Smash Burgers

The sizzle of juicy beef hitting a hot skillet fills the air, promising a mouthwatering experience. Cheesy Smash Burgers are a fun take on traditional burgers, offering a perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and fresh in every bite. This recipe takes only about 30 minutes and utilizes a smash technique that ensures a delicious crust while keeping the inside perfectly juicy.

This recipe is perfect for burger lovers and is ideal for casual weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts. You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days to save time on cooking day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The smash technique creates a wonderfully crispy texture on the outside.
• Melty cheese adds a rich layer of flavor with each bite.
• Quick cooking time means you can enjoy burgers in just 30 minutes.
• Versatile toppings let you customize each burger to your liking.

What You’ll Need

Gather the following ingredients to create your delicious smash burgers.

For the Burgers

• 1 lb ground beef, 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 4 slices American cheese, cheddar or preferred melting cheese may be substituted
• 4 hamburger buns
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, for toasting buns

For the Toppings

• Dill pickle slices, to taste
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced into rings
• 4 leaves iceberg or butter lettuce
• 4 slices ripe tomato

For the Burger Sauce

• 3 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp yellow mustard
• 1 tsp pickle relish
• Pinch of smoked paprika

Note: Cheddar cheese can be used instead of American cheese.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Ground beef can be swapped with ground turkey.
• Any type of bread roll works for buns.
• Use any preferred cheese for melting.
• Omit mayo or use vegan mayonnaise for a lighter option.

How to Make It

Follow these steps to create your perfect Cheesy Smash Burgers.

Preheat skillet

Set a cast-iron skillet or flat griddle over high heat until the surface is shimmering hot, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.

Prepare beef

Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and roll each into a loose ball. Avoid packing the meat tightly and do not season at this stage.

Toast buns

Spread butter on the cut sides of each bun. Place them buttered-side down in the skillet and toast until golden brown, about 30 seconds per side. Remove and set aside.

Smash patties

Place the beef balls onto the hot skillet. Immediately press each ball flat using a sturdy metal spatula and a sheet of parchment paper, achieving a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Season the top surface generously with salt and pepper.

Cook burgers

Cook the patties for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes until deep golden crust forms on the bottom and juices begin pooling on top. Flip each patty and immediately lay one slice of cheese on top.

Melt cheese

Continue cooking for 1 additional minute until the cheese is fully melted and the patty is cooked through.

Make sauce

While the patties cook, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle relish, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. Stir until well blended.

Assemble burgers

Spread the burger sauce on the bottom halves of the toasted buns. Layer each with lettuce, a tomato slice, pickles, and onion rings. Place a cheesy patty on top and cap with the bun. Serve immediately while hot.

How to Store It

Fridge: 3 to 4 days in an airtight container
Freezer: Yes, freeze uncooked patties for later
Reheat: Microwave on medium for 1-2 minutes

Tips for Best Results

• Use high-fat ground beef for juicier burgers.
• Don’t be afraid to season generously with salt and pepper.
• For extra crispy edges, press down firmly when smashing the patties.
• Prepare all toppings and sauce before cooking for a smoother workflow.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with crispy fries for a traditional meal.
• Serve with a side salad for a lighter option.
• Enjoy at cookouts or outdoor gatherings for a crowd-pleaser.