Classic Diner-Style Smash Burgers

The smash burger is all about technique. Instead of forming a thick patty, you place a loose ball of ground beef onto a scorching hot skillet and smash it down into a thin patty. This creates maximum contact with the hot surface, resulting in an incredibly savory, crispy, browned crust (the Maillard reaction) while the inside stays juicy. It’s a fast, simple, and arguably perfect burger.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef, 80/20 fat content is ideal
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 slices of American cheese (or cheddar)
• 4 soft burger buns, like potato rolls or brioche
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• For the Simple Burger Sauce:
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
• For Topping:
  • Thinly sliced onion (white or red)
  • Shredded iceberg lettuce
  • Sliced tomatoes
  • Pickles

Instructions:

1. Prepare Toppings and Sauce: In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, ketchup, and pickle relish to make the burger sauce. Set aside. Prepare all your other toppings (slicing onions, tomatoes, etc.) so they are ready to go, as the burgers cook very quickly.
2. Prepare the Meat: Gently divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (4 ounces / 113g each). Loosely roll each portion into a ball. Do not pack them tightly. Set them on a plate.
3. Toast the Buns: Spread the softened butter on the cut sides of the burger buns. Place them cut-side down on a skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until golden brown and toasted. Set aside.
4. Get the Skillet Screaming Hot: Heat a large cast-iron skillet or a flat-top griddle over high heat. You want it to be very, very hot. Do not add any oil.
5. Smash the Burgers: Place two of the beef balls onto the hot skillet, leaving plenty of space between them. Using a large, sturdy metal spatula, immediately smash each ball down firmly into a thin patty (about ½-inch thick). Press down for about 10 seconds to create the crust.
6. Season and Cook: Season the tops of the smashed patties generously with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, until a deep brown crust has formed on the bottom and the edges are crispy.
7. Flip and Add Cheese: Scrape under the patties with your spatula (making sure to get all the crispy bits) and flip them. Immediately place a slice of cheese on top of each patty. Cook for another 1 minute, just until the cheese is melted and the burger is cooked through.
8. Assemble: Remove the cheeseburgers from the skillet and place them on the toasted buns. Repeat the process with the remaining two beef balls. Build your burgers with a smear of the special sauce and your desired toppings. Serve immediately.