10+ Smash Hamburger Recipes That Will Elevate Your Grill Game
Smash hamburgers are a fun and delicious twist on traditional burgers. They are made by pressing thin beef patties onto a hot grill or skillet, creating a great crust while keeping the inside juicy. These recipes are simple and rewarding, whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner.
In this article, you’ll discover various smash hamburger recipes that cater to different tastes and styles. You’ll learn how to prepare these burgers using basic ingredients and get tips on cooking techniques to elevate your grilling game. So grab your apron and get ready to enjoy some mouthwatering smash burgers!
Classic Smash Beef Burger
Making a classic smash beef burger is simple and fun. You start with high-quality ground beef. Aim for 80/20 beef for a juicy burger. This fat content gives your burger great flavor.
Form the beef into balls, about 2 ounces each.
Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat, around 375°F (190°C).
Place the beef balls in the skillet, leaving space between each.
Next, use a spatula to smash each ball down to about a ¼-inch thickness. This gives you the crispy edges you want. Season with salt and pepper while they cook.
Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the edges brown. Flip the patties and add cheese if you like. Cook for another minute for melted goodness.
Serve on toasted buns with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, and burger sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20)
- Salt and pepper
- Cheese (optional)
- Buns
- Toppings (lettuce, tomato, sauce)
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat skillet to 375°F (190°C).
- Form beef into balls.
- Place beef balls in skillet.
- Smash each ball to ¼-inch thickness.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, then flip.
- Add cheese if desired and cook for 1 more minute.
- Serve on toasted buns.
2) Cheddar Jalapeño Smash
The Cheddar Jalapeño Smash burger is tasty and packed with flavor. You can make it by starting with high-quality ground beef. Aim for a mix that is about 80% lean for the best flavor and juiciness.
To add a spicy kick, incorporate fresh jalapeño slices. They give the burger a nice heat without being overpowering. You can also mix in cheddar cheese to melt on top.
When cooking, smash the patties down to create a crust. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on one side before flipping. After flipping, place cheddar on top so it melts as the burger finishes cooking.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
- 1-2 fresh jalapeños, sliced
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Burger buns
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
- Form the ground beef into balls.
- Place the balls on the grill and smash them down.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Flip the patties and add cheese and jalapeño slices.
- Cook until cheese is melted.
- Serve on buns with your favorite toppings.
3) Smokey BBQ Smasher
For a delicious Smokey BBQ Smasher, you’ll want to start with quality ground beef. An 80/20 blend is great for juicy burgers that hold together well.
To add a smoky flavor, fire up your smoker. Preheat it to 250°F (121°C). Shape the beef into balls about ¼ pound each.
Once your smoker is ready, place the meat balls on the grates. Smoke them for about 30 minutes. This will infuse the burgers with a wonderful wood flavor.
After smoking, place the balls on a hot griddle or skillet. Smash them down for a crispy exterior. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side.
Add your favorite BBQ sauce and a slice of cheese before serving. Toast your buns on the grill for extra flavor. Enjoy your Smokey BBQ Smasher!
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
- BBQ sauce
- Slices of cheese (optional)
- Burger buns
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the smoker to 250°F (121°C).
- Shape ground beef into ¼ pound balls.
- Smoke burgers for 30 minutes.
- Heat a griddle or skillet.
- Smash burgers and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Add BBQ sauce and cheese, if desired.
- Toast buns and assemble your burger.
4) Mushroom Swiss Smash
A Mushroom Swiss Smash burger is a tasty twist on the classic burger. The juicy beef patty pairs perfectly with savory sautéed mushrooms and gooey Swiss cheese.
To prepare, start by cooking fresh mushrooms in a skillet. Add a bit of butter until they become tender and golden. This will enhance their flavor and make your burgers even better.
While the mushrooms are cooking, form your beef into loose mounds. Be gentle with the meat to keep the burgers tender.
Use a hot skillet or grill to smash the mounds down, creating a nice crust on each side.
Once the burgers are cooked through, top them with the sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese. Let the cheese melt just right.
Enjoy your Mushroom Swiss Smash burger on a toasted bun for a delicious meal!
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Fresh mushrooms
- Swiss cheese
- Butter
- Salt
- Worcestershire sauce
- Burger buns
Cooking Instructions
- Sauté mushrooms in butter until golden.
- Form ground beef into loose mounds.
- Heat skillet and smash mounds to cook.
- Top cooked burgers with mushrooms and cheese.
- Serve on toasted buns.
5) Spicy Chipotle Smash
For a flavorful twist on classic smash burgers, try the Spicy Chipotle Smash. This recipe adds a kick with chipotle flavors, making each bite exciting.
You will start with fresh ground beef. Form it into balls, about 4 ounces each.
Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle to medium-high heat, around 375°F (190°C).
Once hot, place your beef balls on the skillet. Use a spatula to smash each ball flat. Cook for about one minute until juices bubble up, then flip and cook for another 30 seconds.
To amp up the flavor, spread chipotle mayo on the bun. Layer the cooked patties, fresh lettuce, and sliced onion. Enjoy your burger with a side of fries or a salad.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 tablespoons chipotle mayo
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- Lettuce leaves
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the skillet or griddle to 375°F (190°C).
- Form beef into 4-ounce balls.
- Place balls in skillet and smash with a spatula.
- Cook for 1 minute, then flip and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Assemble your burger with chipotle mayo, beef patty, onions, and lettuce.
6) Bacon Lover’s Smash Burger
If you’re a bacon enthusiast, this smash burger is perfect for you. It combines a juicy patty with plenty of crispy bacon for a rich flavor. The key is using high-quality ingredients for the best taste.
Start by forming ground beef into balls. When you place them on a hot griddle, press down to create that signature crispy crust. Cooking bacon alongside makes it easy to add on top.
Top your burger with your favorite cheese and some homemade bacon aioli for an extra kick. Simple toppings like lettuce and tomato work well too.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 6 strips of bacon
- 4 slices of cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 4 burger buns
- Lettuce and tomato (optional)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon bacon fat (from cooked bacon)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, keep some bacon fat.
- Form ground beef into 4 balls.
- Heat the skillet over medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
- Place balls in the skillet and smash them down.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes, then flip and add cheese.
- Toast the buns on the skillet if desired.
- Assemble the burger with bacon, cheese, and any extra toppings you like. Enjoy!
7) Truffle Smash Delight
For a gourmet twist on the classic smash burger, try making a Truffle Smash Delight. This recipe blends rich flavors and simple steps for a delicious meal.
Start by shaping your ground beef into patties. Season them with garlic salt and black pepper. The seasoning is key to enhancing the burger’s flavor.
Cook the patties on a medium-high grill for about 4 to 5 minutes. Flip them and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, making sure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Add Swiss cheese during the last minute of cooking. Let the burgers rest briefly before serving. This helps keep them juicy.
Top your burger with truffle sauce for a rich finish. You can also add sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- Truffle sauce
- Sautéed mushrooms (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Shape ground beef into patties.
- Season with garlic salt and black pepper.
- Cook on a medium-high grill for 4-5 minutes.
- Flip burgers and cook for another 4-5 minutes.
- Add Swiss cheese in the last minute.
- Let burgers rest before serving.
- Top with truffle sauce and sautéed mushrooms if desired.
8) Blue Cheese Smash Surprise
The Blue Cheese Smash Surprise is perfect for you if you love a rich and tangy flavor in your burgers. This recipe brings together juicy beef patties with creamy blue cheese for a delightful taste.
Start with high-quality ground beef. Form it into balls and season with salt and pepper.
Next, smash the balls down on a hot skillet or griddle to create crispy edges. As the burgers cook, add a generous amount of blue cheese on top. Let it melt into the patty for a creamy texture.
You can add your favorite toppings. Consider crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and sliced tomatoes for extra flavor. Serve it on a toasted bun and enjoy the yummy surprise!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 ounces (113g) blue cheese
- Hamburger buns
- Optional toppings: bacon, lettuce, tomato
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat your skillet to medium-high heat (375°F/190°C).
- Form ground beef into 4 equal balls.
- Season balls with salt and pepper.
- Smash each ball onto the skillet, cooking for about 3 minutes.
- Add blue cheese and cook until melted.
- Serve on toasted buns with desired toppings.
9) Avocado Smash Burger
The Avocado Smash Burger is a delicious twist on the classic burger. It adds creamy avocado for extra flavor and healthy fats. You’re going to love how easy it is to make.
To start, cook your burger patties on a grill or skillet. Aim for a temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safe cooking.
While the patties are cooking, prepare your avocado. Simply mash it with a fork and season with salt and pepper. Once your burgers are ready, place the avocado on top of each patty.
You can also add cheese, sliced tomatoes, or your favorite salsa for extra taste. Toasted buns will make it even better!
Enjoy the fresh flavors of the Avocado Smash Burger with crispy sides like fries or a salad.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- Salt and pepper
- Burger buns
- Optional toppings: cheese, tomatoes, salsa
Cooking Instructions
- Cook burger patties to 160°F (71°C).
- Mash avocado with salt and pepper.
- Place avocado on cooked patties.
- Add optional toppings and serve on toasted buns.
Garlic Aioli Smash Special
For a delicious twist on the classic smash burger, try the Garlic Aioli Smash Special. This recipe combines a savory garlic aioli that adds rich flavor to your burger.
To make the garlic aioli, mix mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. This creamy sauce will enhance every bite of your burger.
Use 1 pound of lean ground beef, forming it into small balls. Cook in a hot skillet until browned. Smash the balls down with a spatula for a crispy exterior.
Once the burgers are done, spread a generous amount of garlic aioli on your bun. Then, add toppings like lettuce, tomato, or pickles for extra freshness.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Burger buns
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, pickles
Cooking Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, and salt to make garlic aioli.
- Form ground beef into small balls.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
- Cook beef balls for 2-3 minutes, then smash them down.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes until browned.
- Serve on buns with garlic aioli and toppings.