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  3. Grilled Smash Burgers
Double smash burgers with crispy edges and melted cheese

Thin, crispy-edged smash burgers on a griddle or grill

Grilled Smash Burgers

Grilled Smash Burgers

18 minEasy

Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

8 min

Total Time

18 min

Servings

4

4 double burgers

Difficulty

Easy

Cost

Budget

$

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Grilled Smash Burgers

Thin, crispy-edged smash burgers on a griddle or grill

Beef balls smashed paper-thin on a screaming hot surface for maximum crust and crispy, lacy edges. The ultimate fast-food-style burger made at home.

10m

Prep Time

8m

Cook Time

18m

Total Time

4

Servings

Easy

Difficulty

Budget $

Cost

Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen

March 30, 2023(Updated April 13, 2026)

Smash burgers trade thick, steakhouse-style patties for thin, crispy-edged masterpieces with an incredibly high crust-to-meat ratio. A cast-iron press and blazing heat are all you need.

Why This Recipe Works

Smashing increases the surface area of the patty in contact with the hot surface, maximizing the Maillard reaction for a deeply flavored crust. Thin patties cook in under 2 minutes per side.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 4 slices American cheese
  • 4 brioche burger buns
  • Kosher salt and black pepper
  • Dill pickles and sliced onion
  • Ketchup, mustard, and special sauce
PrecisionUtility

Test Kitchen Pick

Thermometer

Helpful Tool

Why a thermometer helps here

This is the kind of recipe where doneness changes the result fast. A quick thermometer helps you pull it at the right moment instead of guessing.

The easiest upgrade here is accuracy, not another pan.

  • Makes doneness more repeatable
  • Helps avoid dry or overcooked protein

If you cook meat or fish regularly, an instant-read thermometer gets used constantly.

Shop thermometer options for this recipe

Instructions

  1. 1

    Divide beef into 8 balls (3 oz each). Do not season or shape them yet.

  2. 2

    Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle on the grill to the highest temperature possible.

  3. 3

    Place a ball on the surface and immediately smash flat with a press or spatula. Season with salt and pepper.

  4. 4

    Cook 90 seconds until the edges are crispy and lacy, then flip. Place cheese on 4 patties, stack another on top, and cook 1 more minute.

  5. 5

    Toast buns and assemble with pickles, onion, and your favorite sauces.

Serving Suggestions

Ways to Serve This Dish

  • Serve with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal

  • Pair with your favorite grain or bread on the side

  • Garnish with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation

Substitutions

American cheeseCheddar or pepper jack

Different flavors, slightly less melty

Brioche bunsPotato buns

Softer and squishier—the classic smash burger bun

Tips & Storage

Pro Tips

  • Only smash once—pressing again squeezes out juices. Smash immediately before the meat sets.

  • Use 80/20 ground beef—leaner blends will not get crispy edges.

Storage

Cooked patties keep for 2 days. Best eaten fresh.

Reheating

Reheat in a hot skillet for 1 minute per side. Do not microwave.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (95mg) · 4 servings

Calories520
LowModerateHigh

A hearty, energy-rich serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet

Protein32g
Carbohydrates34g
Fat24g
Fiber680mg
Sugar1g
Sodium4g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a griddle?
A cast-iron skillet on the grill works perfectly. A flat-top griddle is ideal.
Why American cheese?
Its low melting point creates the gooey, melty texture that defines a smash burger.

Explore More

More Main CourseGrill Recipes
Sarah Chen

About Sarah Chen

Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.

View all recipes →

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