Irresistible Smashed Burgers: A Backyard BBQ Delight

There’s something absolutely magical about the way a smashed burger sizzles on the grill. The sound of meat meeting heat, the aroma wafting through the air, and that perfect crispy edge—it’s enough to make anyone weak in the knees. Smashed burgers are not just food; they are an experience that dances on your taste buds and brings back those glorious memories of backyard barbecues with friends and family.

I remember the first time I tried making smashed burgers. I had a few buddies over for a casual Sunday cookout, and let me tell you, they were skeptical at first. But once they took that first juicy bite, their faces lit up like it was Christmas morning! That moment sparked my passion for perfecting this recipe, and now I can’t wait for you to share in the joy of these flavor-packed delights.

I vividly recall my friend Dave taking his first bite and declaring it a “religious experience.” The laughter and satisfaction that followed made my heart swell. These burgers bring people together and create unforgettable moments around the grill.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for that perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.

• Burger Buns: Choose fresh, soft buns that will hold up against all the deliciousness.

• Cheese: Go for American cheese for its meltiness or cheddar for a sharper taste that complements the beef.

• Salt and Pepper: Simple yet essential seasoning to enhance overall flavors; don’t skip these!

• Toppings: Customize with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles—whatever tickles your fancy!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Smashed Burgers

Prepare Your Grill or Pan: Preheat your grill or cast-iron skillet to medium-high heat until it’s nice and hot. You want that sizzling sound when you add the burgers.

Form Your Patties: Grab about 4 ounces of ground beef per burger; gently form into loose balls without compacting too much. Remember, we’re smashing here!

Sear Those Burgers!: Place each ball onto the grill or skillet, then use a heavy spatula to smash down firmly until they’re about half an inch thick. Cook for 3-4 minutes until browned and crispy.

Add Cheese: When you flip the burgers after searing one side, place a slice of cheese on top. Cover with a lid for about one minute to melt it beautifully.

Toast Your Buns: While your burgers finish cooking, toss those buns cut-side down on the grill or skillet until golden brown—this adds another layer of crunch!

Assemble Your Masterpiece!: Layer your toppings of choice onto each bun base followed by your luscious cheeseburger patty. Top it off with another bun half and prepare yourself for burger bliss.

Now you’re ready to dig into these smashed burgers! They’re not just food; they’re a celebration of flavors that vividly bring back childhood memories or create new ones with family and friends gathered around good food and laughter. Enjoy every bit!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Once hot, shape your beef into balls, then smash them down immediately to create that signature crust. Flip after three minutes for the best results.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to experiment with toppings! Try spicy jalapeños, creamy avocado, or tangy pickles to enhance your smashed burgers. You can also swap regular cheese for pepper jack for an extra kick.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover smashed burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat until warmed through; this keeps the crust crispy.

Sharing my first smashed burger experience brings back memories of my friends’ reactions when they took their first bite. The smiles said it all—pure joy wrapped in crispy edges and juicy goodness!

FAQ

What type of meat is best for smashed burgers?

Use high-fat ground beef, like 80/20, for juicy and flavorful results.

Can I make smashed burgers ahead of time?

You can prepare patties ahead, but cook them fresh for best texture.

How do I achieve that perfect crust on my burgers?

Ensure the pan is hot enough before smashing the patties onto it for optimal browning.

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Smashed Burgers

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Smashed burgers are the ultimate grilling experience, combining juicy beef with a perfectly crispy crust. These flavor-packed delights are quick to prepare, making them perfect for any gathering. With endless topping options and a satisfying crunch, they’re sure to impress your friends and family at your next cookout. Dive into the joy of backyard barbecues and create unforgettable memories with every bite.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Makes 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb 80/20 ground beef
• 4 burger buns
• 4 slices American or cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• Toppings: lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles (as desired)

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill or cast-iron skillet to medium-high heat.
2. Form the ground beef into loose balls (about 4 ounces each).
3. Place the balls on the grill/skillet and smash down firmly with a spatula until about half an inch thick.
4. Cook for 3-4 minutes until browned; flip burgers and add cheese on top. Cover for 1 minute to melt.
5. Toast buns cut-side down on the grill/skillet until golden brown.
6. Assemble by adding toppings to the bun base, placing the cheeseburger patty on top, and finishing with the other half of the bun.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 burger (200g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Use high-fat ground beef (80/20) for juiciness. Experiment with toppings like spicy jalapeños or creamy avocado for added flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat in a skillet over low heat.