If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate summer dinner that’s quick, easy, and loaded with flavor, the Best Homemade Smash Burgers are it! With crispy, caramelized crusts and irresistibly juicy centers, these burgers deliver the perfect crunch in every bite. Best of all, they come together in minutes—making them the ideal last-minute dinner any night of the week.
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It’s easy to see why smash burgers have become so popular, thanks to their fast cooking time and incredible flavor. By pressing the burgers into thin patties, the heat from the skillet is able to create that signature crispy, caramelized crust that sets smash burgers apart from the rest. Pair these juicy burgers with your favorite melted cheese and choice of toppings for the perfect meal!
What is a smash burger?
A smash burger is a thin beef patty that’s pressed (or "smashed") onto a hot skillet or griddle, creating a crispy, caramelized crust while locking in juicy flavor.
Round out your meal with a few more summer favorites that pair perfectly with smash burgers! Sweet, tender corn on the cob makes a classic side, while this creamy, flavorful BLT Pasta Salad adds a refreshing twist. And for dessert, Pina Colada Fluff brings a light, tropical finish to your cookout.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Full of flavor: Searing these burgers over high heat creates that rich, flavorful crust that’s bold and savory in every bite.
- Quick cooking time: Thinner patties mean less time on the skillet, which means less time waiting to dive in and enjoy!
- Restaurant flavor in your own home: This recipe brings all the amazing, classic flavors of a restaurant smash burger into your kitchen.
- Great last minute dinner recipe: With minimal prep and quick cooking time, smash burgers are the ideal recipe for when you're short on time.
Ingredients
Gather the ingredients below to make the best homemade smash burgers!
- Ground beef - You’ll want to use beef that has an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for the best taste and flavor. The fat is what keeps the burger juicy and moist as it caramelizes during cooking. Want a different spin? Try these Easy Air Fryer Burgers for another quick and tasty way to enjoy ground beef.
- Salt, onion powder, and pepper are all used to season the burger patties. Feel free to add your own favorite seasonings and customize the taste of your burgers.
- American cheese melts easily and is a classic, but you can use whatever cheese you prefer.
- Hamburger buns - Butter and toast your buns before cooking your burgers for an even crispier, mouthwatering bite! You can use brioche buns, potato buns, or any other bun variety of your choice.
See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions & Variations
- Homemade burger sauce – Spread it on the bottom bun for an extra layer of tangy flavor.
- Double-patty burgers – Stack two thin patties for even more juicy, crispy goodness.
- Cheese variations – Swap in pepper jack, sharp cheddar, Swiss, or Colby Jack.
- Grilled toppings – Add depth with grilled onions or sautéed mushrooms.
- Bun alternatives – Try brioche, pretzel buns, or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
- Spice boost – Mix cayenne pepper or smoked paprika into the beef for added heat.
- Savory toppers – Add crispy bacon or a fried egg for extra richness.
- Protein swaps – Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based patties for a new take.
How to Make Homemade Smash Burgers
Once you've gathered all your ingredients, grab a mixing bowl and follow the steps below for this delicious smash burger recipe!
- Step 1: Place beef, salt, onion powder, and pepper in a small mixing bowl. Work together just until combined.
- Step 2: Split meat mixture into 4 equal portions and roll each into a ball.
- Step 3: Heat a skillet to 375ºF and place each ball of ground beef into the preheated pan.
- Step 4: Place a piece of parchment paper over top and smash each burger with a large spatula.
- Step 5: Cook for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Step 6: Be sure to scrape the crust that has formed on the underside of each burger when flipping.
Helpful Tips
- Make sure it’s hot! – Always preheat your skillet or griddle so the patties sear and brown quickly without overcooking.
- Prepare toppings ahead of time – These cook fast, so have your cheese, lettuce, tomato, and other toppings ready to go. If you want to try melting your cheese on the burger, this melting cheese dome does a great job!
- Chill the beef – Chilling the beef balls for 10–15 minutes before cooking helps them hold together better when smashed.
- Don’t overwork the meat – Mix the seasoning in gently; overmixing can lead to dense, dry burgers.
- Use parchment paper to smash – Placing a piece of parchment between the spatula and patty prevents sticking and gives you a smooth, even press. If you don't have a spatula, try a hamburger patty press.
- Scrape and flip with confidence – Use a sturdy metal spatula to scrape under the crust and flip without tearing the patty.
- Serve immediately – Smash burgers are best hot and fresh off the griddle when the edges are still crispy and the cheese is perfectly melted.
Recipe FAQs
Smashing the patty helps it cook quickly and evenly while creating maximum contact with the hot surface for that signature crispy edge and deep flavor.
Yes—just place a cast iron griddle or flat-top pan on the grill grates to create a flat, hot surface. If you don’t have parchment paper, use wax paper briefly or lightly oil your spatula to prevent sticking.
Use ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio. The fat helps create a juicy burger and that crispy sear.
Chill the meat for 10–15 minutes before cooking and don’t overwork the beef when mixing the seasoning.
Smash burgers are best fresh, but you can prep the meat balls and toppings in advance. If you're cooking for a crowd, keep cooked burgers warm in a slow cooker with a splash of beef broth on low heat—they’ll stay juicy without drying out.
Storage & Freezing Instructions
Storage Instructions
To store leftovers, cover and keep the burger patties in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Freezing Instructions
You can cover and freeze patties without cheese for up to 3 months. Then, let thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
More Grilling Recipes You'll Love
Looking for other summer grilling recipes like this? Try these:
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Best Homemade Smash Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 hamburger buns
- Optional Toppings: (lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles)
Instructions
- Place beef, salt, onion powder, and pepper in a small mixing bowl. Work together just until combined.
- Split meat mixture into 4 equal portions and roll each into a ball.
- Heat skillet to 375ºF.
- Place each ball of ground beef in the preheated skillet.
- Place a piece of parchment paper over top and smash each burger with a large spatula.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side. Be sure to scrape the crust that has formed on the underside of each burger when flipping.
- Top with your choice of toppings and enjoy.
Notes
- Make sure it’s hot! – Always preheat your skillet or griddle so the patties sear and brown quickly without overcooking.
- Use DIY burger wraps – Wrap burgers in parchment paper or burger wrapping for a restaurant-style feel and easier cleanup.
- Prepare toppings ahead of time – These cook fast, so have your cheese, lettuce, tomato, and other toppings ready to go.
- Chill the beef – Chilling the beef balls for 10–15 minutes before cooking helps them hold together better when smashed.
- Don’t overwork the meat – Mix the seasoning in gently; overmixing can lead to dense, dry burgers.
- Use parchment paper to smash – Placing a piece of parchment between the spatula and patty prevents sticking and gives you a smooth, even press.
- Scrape and flip with confidence – Use a sturdy metal spatula to scrape under the crust and flip without tearing the patty.
- Serve immediately – Smash burgers are best hot and fresh off the griddle when the edges are still crispy and the cheese is perfectly melted.
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