Smash burgers are a quick and easy way to enjoy a juicy, flavorful burger with a delectable crust. This recipe features buttery brioche buns, seasoned beef patties, melted American cheese, and dill pickle slices for a classic taste. Perfect for feeding a crowd or a simple family dinner.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1½ lbs 80/20 ground beef
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
2 tablespoons butter, softened
8 brioche buns (or buns of choice)
8 slices American cheese
Dill pickle slices

Directions

Divide the ground beef into 8 equal-sized balls (approximately 3 ounces each).
Season each beef ball with kosher salt and black pepper.
Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat until hot.
Place the beef balls onto the hot skillet. Using a metal spatula or meat press, smash each ball flat.
Cook until the bottom develops a crust, about 2 minutes. Flip the patties and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Add a slice of American cheese to each patty. Cover with a lid or melting dome to melt the cheese.
Remove the patties from the skillet and let them rest on a platter for 5 minutes.
Butter the brioche buns and place them on the hot skillet to toast, about 2-3 minutes.
Assemble the burgers by placing the cheesy patties on the toasted buns and adding dill pickle slices.

Nutritional Facts

Per serving:

Calories: 358 kcal
Carbohydrates: 27 g
Protein: 12 g
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 13 g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 1 g
Cholesterol: 121 mg
Sodium: 973 mg
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 5 g

History and Evolution of Smash Burgers

The smash burger technique originated in the Midwest United States, with its roots tracing back to regional burger joints that began to pop up in the early 20th century. While the technique has gained a lot of attention in recent years, it’s believed that the method was made famous by the popular fast-casual restaurant chain, Smashburger, which was founded in 2007. The idea behind smashing the patty into the cooking surface was to create a crispy, caramelized exterior while maintaining a juicy interior.

The technique involves pressing a ball of ground beef onto a hot griddle or skillet, which results in the signature crispy edges of the patty. This cooking method helps lock in the beef’s natural juices, giving the burger an amazing flavor and texture. Smash burgers are usually cooked quickly, which makes them ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.

The Perfect Beef Patty: Why the Meat Matters

When it comes to making the perfect smash burger, the beef patty is the star of the show. The choice of meat is crucial to achieving the right texture and flavor. Most traditional smash burgers are made with 80/20 ground beef, meaning the beef contains 80% lean meat and 20% fat. This fat content is key because it helps keep the burger juicy while also allowing the patty to crisp up beautifully when it hits the hot griddle.

The fat in the beef is rendered as the patty cooks, creating those deliciously crispy edges that define a smash burger. Using leaner beef will result in a drier burger, so it’s important not to skimp on the fat content. However, it’s also essential to avoid overly fatty meat, as too much fat can result in greasy burgers. The 80/20 ratio strikes the perfect balance.

Brioche Buns: The Ideal Partner for Smash Burgers

While the beef patty is undeniably the star of the show, the bun is just as important in creating the perfect smash burger experience. Brioche buns, with their soft and slightly sweet flavor, are the perfect choice for this type of burger. The richness of the brioche pairs wonderfully with the savory beef, and the soft texture provides a pleasant contrast to the crispy patty.

Brioche buns are also sturdy enough to hold up to the juicy beef patty without becoming soggy, which is essential when making smash burgers that tend to release a lot of juice during cooking. Additionally, buttering and lightly toasting the buns before assembly adds an extra layer of flavor and texture.

If you prefer, you can opt for other types of buns, such as sesame seed buns or potato buns. However, brioche is often the go-to choice for smash burgers due to its perfect balance of softness and richness.

The Importance of Cheese in Smash Burgers

No burger is complete without cheese, and when it comes to smash burgers, American cheese is the top contender. American cheese, with its smooth, melty texture, is ideal for smash burgers because it melts quickly and perfectly envelops the patty. Its mild, creamy flavor complements the crispy, juicy patty without overpowering it.

Cheese should be added to the patty shortly before it’s done cooking to allow it to melt and become gooey. A lid or dome can be placed over the burger to help the cheese melt evenly and faster. While American cheese is the classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses such as cheddar, Swiss, or even pepper jack for a more adventurous flavor.

Pickles and Other Toppings

When it comes to toppings, simplicity is key in creating a delicious smash burger. Traditional smash burgers often feature a few basic additions that enhance the overall flavor profile without complicating the burger. Dill pickle slices are a classic topping, providing a tangy crunch that contrasts nicely with the rich beef and melted cheese.

Other popular toppings include lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and ketchup or mustard. The toppings you choose are entirely up to personal preference, but it’s best to keep them fresh and crisp to complement the texture of the burger. If you’re feeling creative, you can also try adding specialty condiments like aioli or a spicy sriracha mayo to elevate the flavor.

Cooking Smash Burgers: Tips and Tricks

While smash burgers are easy to make, there are a few key tips and tricks to ensure they turn out perfectly every time.

Use a Cast-Iron Skillet or Griddle: A heavy, flat cooking surface is essential for achieving that crispy crust. Cast-iron skillets or griddles are ideal because they retain and distribute heat evenly, ensuring the burger cooks properly on both sides.
Preheat Your Cooking Surface: The skillet or griddle should be very hot before you add the beef balls. This high heat is crucial for creating the crispy exterior. A hot cooking surface will also prevent the patties from sticking, allowing them to cook evenly.
Don’t Overwork the Beef: When forming the beef balls, avoid overworking the meat. Over-mixing can lead to tough, dense burgers. Instead, gently form the meat into balls and season them just before cooking.
Smash the Patties with a Heavy Spatula: To get that signature crispy crust, you’ll need to press down on the beef ball firmly with a spatula. This creates more surface area for the meat to caramelize and develop flavor.
Let the Patties Rest: After cooking, it’s important to let the patties rest for a few minutes before assembling the burger. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier, more flavorful burger.

Variations of Smash Burgers

While the classic smash burger is delicious on its own, you can easily add your own flair to the recipe. Here are a few variations to consider:

Cheddar Bacon Smash Burger: Add crispy bacon strips and a slice of sharp cheddar for an extra layer of flavor.
Mushroom Swiss Smash Burger: Sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese make for a savory, earthy variation.
BBQ Smash Burger: Top with barbecue sauce, onion rings, and cheddar for a smoky, sweet twist.
Spicy Smash Burger: Add jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and spicy aioli for a kick.

The beauty of smash burgers lies in their versatility. You can easily customize them with different toppings, sauces, and cheeses to suit your personal taste.

Serving Smash Burgers

Smash burgers are typically served with a side of crispy fries or a simple salad. You can also pair them with onion rings or coleslaw for a more filling meal. When serving smash burgers at a gathering, it’s best to set up a burger bar with a variety of toppings and condiments so guests can customize their burgers to their liking.

If you’re looking for a more indulgent experience, consider serving your smash burger with a side of loaded fries or onion rings for the ultimate comfort food feast.

Conclusion

Smash burgers are the perfect way to enjoy a burger with a crispy exterior and a juicy interior. With their simple yet flavorful ingredients, they are easy to prepare and customize to your liking. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving a delicious meal at home, smash burgers are an excellent choice.

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