How To Make A Smashburger

Nick's Kitchen

Video Stats

Channel: Nick's Kitchen
Host: Nick's Kitchen
Published: Jul 1, 2025
Views: 883k

Recipe Overview

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 20 min
Difficulty: Intermediate
Serves: 4

Overview

The Smash Burger is a delightful twist on the classic burger, emphasizing simplicity and technique. The key to a great Smash Burger lies in the quality of the ground beef, ideally 80/20 for that perfect balance of lean meat and fat. This recipe showcases how to create juicy, crispy-edged patties that melt in your mouth, making them a favorite among burger enthusiasts.

One of the standout features of this recipe is the special sauce, which combines pickles, mayonnaise, honey, and Dijon mustard. This sauce not only adds a burst of flavor but also complements the savory notes of the burger. The technique of toasting the buns adds an extra layer of texture, ensuring they are soft yet sturdy enough to hold all the delicious fillings.

Assembling the burger is where the fun begins. Layering the patties with cheese and adding thin pickle slices creates a mouthwatering combination that is hard to resist. The crispy edges of the patties provide a satisfying crunch, while the melted cheese brings everything together. This Smash Burger recipe is perfect for casual gatherings or a satisfying weeknight meal, and it’s sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.

Recipe Details

Steps & Tips

1
00:02

Gather high quality ground beef and other ingredients.

00:19

Tip: Use high quality ground beef for better flavor.

2
00:59

Wear gloves and shape ground beef into balls between golf ball and mandarin orange size.

01:12

Tip: Throw the beef between your hands to remove air bubbles.

3
02:01

Place shaped beef balls in the fridge while prepping other ingredients.

4
02:15

Slice pickles super thin and mint the rest into a fine relish.

02:32

Tip: Chop pickles finely for a better texture in your sauce.

5
02:41

Combine mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, ketchup, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice in a bowl.

6
03:15

Preheat cast iron pans for cooking the patties.

03:20

Tip: Use a cast iron pan for even cooking.

7
03:29

Toast the buns while the patties are cooking.

03:32

Tip: Toast buns to steam the inside for added moisture.

04:10

Tip: Oil your grill or pan to prevent sticking.

8
04:12

Oil the bottom of the burger smasher.

9
04:19

Place patties down and smash them hard.

10
04:41

Sprinkle pepper and salt on all patties.

04:50

Tip: Keep the laced pattern on the bottom of the burger for texture.

11
04:55

Flip the patties and add cheese immediately.

05:15

Tip: Don't be afraid of the heat when cooking smash burgers.

12
05:25

Layer patties on top of each other in the bun.

13
05:46

Add pickles, special sauce, mustard, and ketchup to the burger.

05:59

Tip: Assemble the burger quickly to enjoy the gooey melty cheesiness.

Ingredients

Serves: 4
American Cheese3 slices
Cheddar Cheese1 slice
Pickles1/2 cup
Mayonnaise2 tbsp
Honey1 tbsp
Dijon Mustard1 tsp
Ketchup1 tbsp
Smoked Paprika1 tsp
Onion Powder1 tsp
Garlic Powder1 tsp
Salt1 tsp
Black Pepper1 tsp
Lemon1
Allergen Alerts

Ingredient: Dairy

    → Substitution: Coconut Cream

Ingredient: Eggs

    → Substitution: Flaxseed Meal + Water

Nutrition

Calories
600
kcal per serving
Protein
30
per serving
Carbs
40
per serving

Skill Level

Skill Level Intermediate
Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Frequently asked questions

Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.

Got a Recipe Question? Ask Away!

Interesting Tidbits

  • Using 80/20 ground beef provides the perfect balance of flavor and texture for Smash Burgers.
  • Toasting the buns helps create a soft and fluffy texture while enhancing the overall burger experience.
  • The special sauce combines pickles, mayonnaise, honey, and Dijon mustard for a unique flavor.
  • Smash Burgers are known for their crispy edges, achieved by smashing the patties during cooking.