Pin it
Want that perfect burger? Smash Burgers are your answer. They nail the sweet spot between crispy outer edges and a succulent, tasty center by flattening thin patties onto a sizzling grill. Add some crunchy bacon, sweet soft onions, and gooey cheddar cheese on top, and you've got a tasty treat for any meal. These will be the star of your next family dinner or backyard barbecue—everyone will ask for your secret.
Every time I whip up these Smash Burgers, folks can't stop raving about them. There's just something magical about those crisp edges mixed with melted cheese and those tasty toppings.
Essential Elements That Make It Work
- 80/20 Ground Beef: This mix has just enough fat to keep burgers juicy and packed with flavor.
- Bacon: Brings that smoky crunch that makes beef taste even better.
- Sweet Cooked Onions: They add a gentle sweetness and rich flavor that lifts the whole burger.
- Cheddar Cheese: Gets all gooey on the hot patties and adds that sharp, creamy taste.
- BBQ Sauce: Gives that sweet and zingy kick that pulls everything together.
- Flavor Mix: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoky paprika come together to make every bite pop.
Building Amazing Smash Burgers
Mix Your Spices
Grab a small bowl and throw in some salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoky paprika. This mix will pump up the taste of your meat and onions.
Form Your Meat
Take your beef and split it into eight 3-ounce balls. This amount makes perfect double-decker burgers.
Get Bacon Ready
Turn your grill or pan to medium and cook that bacon till it's nice and crispy—about 8-10 minutes should do it. Put it on some paper towels to soak up the extra grease.
Cook Those Onions
Drop some butter on the grill and let it melt. Throw in your thin-sliced onions and sprinkle them with some of your spice mix. Stir them around until they turn soft and golden—usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Set them aside when they're done.
Flatten The Burgers
Crank up the heat and brush some oil on the grill. Drop your beef balls down, seasoned side first. Grab some parchment paper and a heavy spatula, then push down hard to make them super thin. Don't forget to push the edges out to get those crispy bits. Sprinkle some seasoning on top.
Flip And Top
Let them cook about 2 minutes till the edges turn brown and crunchy. Use a scraper to flip them over. Brush some BBQ sauce on the cooked side and quickly put a slice of cheddar on top. Give them 2 more minutes so the cheese gets all melty.
Put It All Together
Stack two patties on top of each other if you want that double-burger goodness. Serve them right away on warm toasted buns with your bacon and sweet onions on top.
Pin it
I always add a big blob of spicy mayo or extra BBQ sauce to mine for some zing. My kids practically beg for these at dinner—they always want more!
Ways To Serve
Old School
Put your burgers on toasted buns with fresh lettuce, tomato slices, some pickles, and a good squirt of BBQ sauce.
With Potatoes
These go great with regular or sweet potato fries for a full meal deal.
Backyard Party
These shine at outdoor get-togethers. Set up different toppings like sliced avocado, hot peppers, and various cheese options.
Kid-Friendly
Leave off the spicy stuff and go with ketchup instead. Add some fruit or veggie sticks on the side.
Fun Twists To Try
Heat It Up
Toss on some sliced jalapeños or swap in pepper jack cheese for extra kick.
For Mushroom Fans
Top your burger with some buttery cooked mushrooms for an earthy flavor boost.
Morning Style
Pop a runny egg and ham slice on top for a tasty breakfast-dinner mashup.
Plant-Based Version
Switch to veggie ground and non-dairy cheese for a meatless option that still hits the spot.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Saving Extra Burgers
Wrap each cooked patty in foil or plastic, then stick them in a sealed container in your fridge for up to 3 days.
Warming Them Up
Heat leftover patties in a hot pan or on the grill to bring back their crunch. Don't use the microwave—they'll just get soggy.
For Later Use
Freeze your raw beef balls on a tray, then move them to a freezer bag. Let them thaw in the fridge before cooking.
Nothing beats Smash Burgers when you want real comfort food. They're crispy, juicy, and loaded with amazing flavors. You can make them in no time, change them up however you want, and they work for any occasion. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, these will knock your socks off. Get your grill hot, grab your favorite toppings, and get ready for burger bliss!
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap the beef for something else?
- Sure, ground turkey or chicken works! But remember, the taste and feel will change.
- → How do I make these gluten-free?
- Use buns that are gluten-free and double-check your seasonings and sauces.
- → What's the best way to store leftovers?
- Keep patties and toppings in separate containers in the fridge for up to 48 hours. Warm up patties on a pan.
- → Can I smash these on a regular grill?
- You can, but a skillet or flat-top surface gives the best results!
- → What if I don't have BBQ sauce?
- Switch it out for ketchup, mustard, or even DIY your own sauce!