Best-Ever Smash Burgers | Crispy, Juicy & Easy to Make at Home

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is lower in fat, while ground pork is often less expensive.

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: American cheese

Reduced-fat cheese saves calories, while American cheese is often cheaper.

burger buns

🥗Healthier: whole grain buns

💰Cheaper: white bread

Whole grain buns add fiber, while white bread can be more affordable.

pickles

🥗Healthier: cucumber slices

💰Cheaper: no pickles

Cucumber slices provide freshness without the added sodium of pickles.

Butter the burger buns and toast them on a hot griddle until golden brown.

Prepare the smash burger sauce by mixing 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon pickle brine, 1 tablespoon ketchup, and a few dashes of hot sauce.

Use 3 ounces of ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat) for each patty, loosely packed into balls.

Heat the griddle until screeching hot and add a tablespoon of oil to the surface.

Place the beef balls on the hot griddle and smash them down with a spatula to flatten.

Cook the patties for 2-3 minutes until browned and crispy on the bottom.

Flip the patties and immediately place a slice of cheese on top (not specified in the transcript).

Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the burger is cooked through.

Assemble the burgers by spreading the smash burger sauce on the bottom bun, adding the patty, and topping with additional sauce if desired.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens