Griddle Smash Burgers

Some might say heaven on Earth, a smashburger isn’t your typical burger. Smashburgers are just that- ground beef smashed onto a griddle.

angle close up of a greasy smash burger


 

Oh, but they are so much more. The type of burger that requires a brown paper wrapping to keep all the goodness contained. The type that demands to be held after the first bite because even though it is snuggly wrapped, your fingers are a mess and now you are in it for the long haul.

You can’t put it down. You must devour the whole burger before wiping (or licking) your fingers clean and eating another morsel of food.

These are the type of burgers my husband grew up on in Rochester, NY. An ode to Bill Gray’s and Schaller’s with a slight nod to the greasy onion mash from another famous burger that I once ate (and can’t remember the name of).

two smashburgers on a wood cutting board

What is a Smash Burger?

The best way to describe a smash burger is a thin, buttery burger with crunchy lacey edges on a buttered and somewhat limp bun. They are what you think of when you imagine a fast food burger.

The epitome of that, actually. But they are also cravable and delicious in their own right.

double stacked burger with cheese

But don’t be fooled, I am not trying to copycat Smashburger here- there are many smash burgers out there, they did NOT invent them. In fact, others have been making a fortune off these bad boys for a long time.

It is the polar opposite of what people generally want in their burgers– big, juicy and tender ground beef on a fluffy roll. But I promise, you’ll like them.

close up of double stack smash burger

Smashburger, unlike Gettysburger, is an actual hamburger joint too. They’ve made quite an empire on these crispy, greasy burgers. It’s the type of thing you crave and love, but wouldn’t want to admit to anyone.

How To Make a Smashburger

The concept is quite simple and much easier than a traditional burger after you wrap your mind around the concept and have the tools.

  1. You take a lump of unseasoned ground beef (but not too big, about 2-3 ounces) and then using a flat spatula, you smash it onto a hot cooking surface (discussed below). The meat will be super thin- like a piece of paper thin. Don’t use any grease- just the fat from the beef. This creates more contact points which also means more crust!
  2. Do not move it around, wait until your thin and uneven edges start to crisp up and brown. Then flip it. This takes less than 1 minute- FOR REAL!
  3. You are aiming for medium-well here, no rare, juicy burgers here!
  4. Simuntioualy, you will be sauteing onions, which is a quick saute (opposed to caramelized onions). The onions can be omitted, but in my opinion they are what really make the flavor. Season with just a small sprinkle of Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  5. When the burger has formed a nice crust, it is done. Spoon sauteed onions over top and then drape with a slice of cheese.
  6. For the buns, generously butter both sides of a classic potato roll or sesame seed bun, then toast the buttered part on your cooking surface will the burger rests.
  7. You want all the beef juices and fats to help toast and flavor the bun.
  8. Now add any condiments you’d like. However, since the crust and browned beef are really the star, I caution you from adding more than pickles and small amount of ketchup or mustard.

Many folks like to double up on the patties since they are so thin. That is fine- double the patties means double the crust! The buttered roll and cheese will be enough to keep everything from tasting dry.

overhead of two smash burgers with onions rings, fries and pickles

Now how to cook your Smashburger… like the actual heating element.

Blackstone Griddle Recipes

The first way to make is a smashed burger (and the most authentic) is using a griddle. The most popular one these days, and yes I am using the name, is the Blackstone griddle. These are also known as outdoor flat top grills.

smashed burger on flat top grill

They seem to be all the rage this summer with everyone and their brother posting a pic of breakfast, lunch and dinner on the deck with a blackstone in the background. I also love using mine for griddle corn cakes and a family favorite- at home hibachi!

While they are trendy right now, smaller, foldable griddles have been used for a long time for camping and other portable cooking experiences.

You can also use:

  • Electric Griddle– like the one your mom lugged out to make pancakes on Sunday morning.
  • Indoor Gas Griddle– usually an option on high end ranges and stoves and heated by propane or natural gas.

Cast Iron Pan

The next way, and just as respectable, is a cast iron pan. Well seasoned, this will have plenty of heat as well as flavor for your lacey burger.

The biggest downfall here will be that you can’t cook as many at one time and flattening and simultaneously cooking onions, can be a little cumbersome. It is doable, but awkward.

Burger Smasher- Flattening

While this seems like the most basic of the process, it can actually be the most challenging: the smash burger press.

It isn’t that I don’t think you can flatten a burger, it is finding a utensil that is strong enough, flat enough and the right size for your cooking vessel.

Meaning that you are using a cast iron skillet, a large hamburger flipper, won’t even fit. You might even need another tool to help press down to get maximum pressure. You’ll need that to create the Maillard reaction which is what creates the unique flavor.

smash burger press

I don’t suggest using a spatula with holes or openings because the meat will just press through like PlayDoh- use something continuously flat. If you don’t have an actual flipper, try one of these.

  • Scraper– used for pastry and chopping, a bench scraper can be used and then use something else, like the bottom of a glass to press down firmly.
  • Plastering Trowel (Food Lab suggestion)- yes, this isn’t typically used in the kitchen, but comes highly recommended for the amount of control you get from the flat surface and handle.

Smashed Burger Toppings

You can put anything on a smashed burger that you would put on a regular burger, but as I mentioned above, I’d caution against that. Here, simplicity is key. You can even omit my beloved onions, if you want.

American cheese and salt and pepper are the most popular. And also burger sauce.

I like using a basic sesame burger bun or potato bun, but you can get fancy using brioche or other artisan buns. The main point is to toast the bun.

onions on smash burger

But here is a list of the most popular toppings:

smash burger for pinterest

More Burger Recipes

While these aren’t smashburgers, here are a few more of our favorite burgers.

A Garlic Truffle Burger is the perfect way to make a gourmet burger at home. Truffle Aioli, sautéed mushrooms, Swiss cheese and a juicy burger patty on a buttery brioche roll. #gourmetburgers #truffleburgers www.savoryexperiments.com

Garlic Truffle Burgers

4.77 from 17 votes
A Garlic Truffle Burger is the perfect way to make a gourmet burger at home. Truffle Aioli, sautéed mushrooms, Swiss cheese and a juicy burger patty on a buttery brioche roll.
See The Recipe!
juicy lucy burger with cheese

Juicy Lucy Burgers

4.50 from 6 votes
EASY Juicy Lucy Burgers are great for a quick weeknight meal. Seasoned beef oozing with melted cheese, you will never want regular cheeseburgers again!
See The Recipe!
ranch burger on a plate with fries

Juicy Ranch Burgers

4.75 from 55 votes
No time for boring burgers after you've tried this Ranch Burgers recipe! Only 3 ingredients, plus your favorite burger toppings!
See The Recipe!
Caprese Burger Recipe - an easy sun dried tomato pesto, fresh basil and mozzarella cheese with your choice of caramelized onions and balsamic reduction. This is the best burger ever! www.savoryexperiments.com

Caprese Burgers

5 from 3 votes
Caprese Burgers are smothered with a red pesto, fresh mozzarella and basil all on a flame-grilled burger. The best gourmet burger out there! 
See The Recipe!
head-on view of a prepared skillet hamburger

Best Burger Recipe in the Skillet

4.40 from 41 votes
Ready to make the BEST hamburgers at home without a grill? These easy Skillet Hamburgers are simple to put together and ready in less than 30 minutes for the perfect diner-style meal at home.
See The Recipe!
close up of smash burger for pinterest
smash burger on a wood board

Smash Burger Recipe

4.39 from 13 votes
A smash burger is a thin, buttery burger with crunchy lacey edges on a buttered and somewhat limp bun. DELICIOUSNESS!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Butter each burger bun with softened butter, set aside.
  • Heat your griddle to very high heat.
  • Coat a small area with cooking spray and add onions, moving around until soft and opaque, with a little char, about 2-3 minutes. Move to side or off the griddle entirely.
  • Divide ground beef into 8 2-ounce balls.
  • Working in batches (unless you have a large griddle), place 4 balls onto the hot surface and immediately smash with a strong, flat spatula. Do not move, just let them sizzle. Cook for about 30-45 seconds. Season from 12 inches above with Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper.
  • Using the spatula, scrape up the patties and flip. Top with cheese sauteed onions and one slice of cheese, cooking for another 30 seconds.
  • Remove to a plate.
  • Immediately, place buttered burger buns down on the hot griddle to char for about 1 minute or until browned. I actually do this to both sides to get the butter effect all over, but that is up to you.
  • Remove and assemble burgers, 2 patties per burger bun.
  • Add any desired condiments.
  • If you’ve tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or ratings.

Notes

Do not use lean ground beef. You need a good amount of fat to prevent sticking and get the browned and crispy crust. 

Nutrition

Calories: 550 kcal, Carbohydrates: 23 g, Protein: 31 g, Fat: 36 g, Saturated Fat: 17 g, Cholesterol: 117 mg, Sodium: 490 mg, Potassium: 403 mg, Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 3 g, Vitamin A: 368 IU, Vitamin C: 1 mg, Calcium: 297 mg, Iron: 4 mg
Author: Jessica Formicola
Calories: 550
Course: Main Course, Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: smash burger, smashburger
Did you make this recipe?I’d love to see your recipes – snap a picture and mention @savoryexperiments or tag #savoryexperiments!
Jessica Formicola in her ktichen

About the Author

Jessica Formicola

Jessica the mom, wife and food lover behind Savory Experiments. She is obsessed with butter, salt and bacon and spends all her time in the kitchen and behind a camera. Jessica is a contributor to PopKitchen by Parade, Better Homes & Gardens, The Daily Meal Food + Travel and more!

Read More About Jessica

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Questions and Reviews

  1. 5 stars
    Just finished devouring your Griddle Smash Burgers recipe, and it was a delightful experience! The burgers were perfectly juicy with a crispy exterior, thanks to the griddle technique. The simplicity of the recipe made it easy to follow, and the flavor was spot on. A definite winner for any burger lover!

  2. 5 stars
    Perfect option for when the weather is bad and I can’t grill outside. Besides these are way better too! They cook more evenly. Thank you!

  3. 5 stars
    These smash burgers are so delicious- we are hooked on them! Making these for dinner again next week and I cam’t wait. Served these with some homemade fries and it was the best meal 🙂

  4. 5 stars
    Delicious! We haven’t been eating out lately so this was the perfect way to get our burger fix. Yum!