Craving a juicy, crispy-edged smash burger? This easy recipe will give you a restaurant-style burger right from your kitchen! The secret is smashing the beef onto a hot griddle, creating a flavorful crust while keeping the inside juicy.

Ingredients (Makes 4 burgers)
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 4 burger buns (brioche or classic)
- 4 slices of cheese (American or cheddar)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for toasting buns)
- 1 tablespoon oil (for cooking)
- Burger toppings: lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, ketchup, mayo, mustard
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Beef Patties
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about ¼ lb each). Roll them into loose balls, don’t pack them too tight!
Step 2: Heat the Griddle or Pan
- Place a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat. Add a little oil to coat the surface. Let it get super hot, you want it smoking hot for the perfect crust!
Step 3: Smash the Burgers
- Place a beef ball onto the hot pan and use a heavy spatula or burger press to smash it down until it’s ¼-inch thick. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook for about 2 minutes until the edges are crispy and browned. Flip, add a slice of cheese, and cook for another 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts.
Step 4: Toast the Buns
- While the burgers cook, melt butter in another pan or directly on the griddle. Toast the burger buns until golden brown.
Step 5: Assemble the Smash Burgers
- Spread mayo, mustard, or ketchup on the toasted buns. Add the burger patty, then layer with lettuce, tomato, pickles, or onions. Top with the bun and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Smash Burger
- Use high heat – A super-hot skillet is key for crispy edges.
- Don’t press after flipping – Only smash once at the start to lock in juices.
- Double up – Want a double smash burger? Stack two patties with cheese!
Homemade Smash Burger Recipe

Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
10 minutes
Total Time:
20 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 4 burger buns (brioche or classic)
- 4 slices of cheese (American or cheddar)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for toasting buns)
- 1 tablespoon oil (for cooking)
- Burger toppings: lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, ketchup, mayo, mustard
Instructions
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about ¼ lb each). Roll them into loose balls, don’t pack them too tight!
- Place a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat. Add a little oil to coat the surface. Let it get super hot, you want it smoking hot for the perfect crust!
- Place a beef ball onto the hot pan and use a heavy spatula or burger press to smash it down until it’s ¼-inch thick. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook for about 2 minutes until the edges are crispy and browned. Flip, add a slice of cheese, and cook for another 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts.
- While the burgers cook, melt butter in another pan or directly on the griddle. Toast the burger buns until golden brown.
- Spread mayo, mustard, or ketchup on the toasted buns. Add the burger patty, then layer with lettuce, tomato, pickles, or onions. Top with the bun and enjoy!
Notes
- Use high heat – A super-hot skillet is key for crispy edges.
- Don’t press after flipping – Only smash once at the start to lock in juices.
- Double up – Want a double smash burger? Stack two patties with cheese!