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Handheld photo of a double Smash Burger with shredded lettuce and creamy orange-pink sauce on a white plate.

Smash Burger Recipe: How to Make Diner-Style Crispy Beef Patties

This Smash Burger features thin, 80/20 beef patties with jagged charred edges, melted American cheese, and a creamy signature sauce on a toasted brioche bun. Master the diner-style smash technique for the ultimate crispy, juicy burger experience.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 580
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Smash Burger Ingredients
  • 1 lb 80/20 Ground Chuck 450g, divided into 8 balls
  • 8 slices Yellow American Cheese
  • 4 Brioche Buns Split and buttered
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt 5g
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper 5g
  • 1 cup Iceberg Lettuce 70g, shredded
  • 16 slices Dill Pickles Thin-cut
  • 0.5 cup Mayonnaise 120ml
  • 2 tbsp Ketchup 30ml

Equipment

  • 1 Cast-Iron Skillet A flat griddle also works perfectly.
  • 1 Heavy Metal Spatula Must be sturdy for smashing.

Method
 

Prep and Toast
  1. Divide 1 lb (450g) of cold ground beef into 8 loose balls. Do not pack them tightly.
  2. Butter the brioche buns and toast in a skillet until golden-brown. Set aside on plates.
Smash and Cook
  1. Place beef balls on a screaming hot dry skillet. Smash flat with a heavy spatula until 1/4 inch thick.
  2. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until the edges are jagged and charred.
  3. Scrape and flip the patties. Add American cheese and cook for 30 seconds until melted.

Notes

Keep the beef balls cold until they hit the pan for the best crust.
Use a heavy metal spatula for the most effective smash.