How to Make the Best Smash Burger + Topping Ideas
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How to Make the Best Smash Burger + Topping Ideas
Ready to make the juiciest, crispiest smash burger ever? I’ll show you how to nail the perfect patty, plus give you a bunch of topping ideas to mix things up. Whether you’re into the classic combos or want to get creative, I’ve got you covered to make your smash burger totally amazing!
What Is a Smash Burger?
A smash burger is a type of burger where you take a ball of ground beef (or your preferred meat, I love using turkey) and smash it flat onto a hot griddle or skillet. This gives you a thin patty with a crispy exterior and a juicy inside. It's cooked fast at high heat, so it's all about getting that delicious caramelization on the meat. I love it for its simplicity, speed + intense flavor!
Jump to:
- What Is a Smash Burger?
- How to Make the Best Smash Burger (No Matter the Protein)
- Best Toppings For Smash Burgers
- Don't Forget The Importance of the Buns & Bread
- Commonly Asked Smash Burger Q+A's
- That’s a Wrap on How To Make The Best Smash Burger
- Must-Try Burger + Sandwich Recipes
- DID THIS HELP IN ANY WAY?
How to Make the Best Smash Burger (No Matter the Protein)
Whether you're using beef, chicken, turkey or a plant-based patty (see my veggie burger recipe), the core principles of making a smash burger remain the same. It’s all about that crispy edge, juicy center, and those delicious toppings. Plus for extra flavor use my Best Burger Seasoning! Here’s how to nail the process:
Use the Right Protein For Your Smash Burger
For that juicy, mouth-watering smash burger, the protein you choose matters. If you're going with beef, stick to 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. For chicken or turkey, pick ground meat with a little more fat to keep it moist, or add a splash of olive oil to the mix. For veggie or plant-based patties, go for something hearty and sturdy that can stand up to the smash without falling apart. Trust me, it makes all the difference!
Shape the Patties
The secret to a great smash burger starts with how you form your patties. Roll your meat into balls—about the size of a golf ball. And here's the key: don’t overwork it! Overhandling the meat will make it tough, and we’re going for tender and juicy here. A gentle touch goes a long way!
Hot Griddle or Pan
Now, this is crucial: you need a hot surface to get that perfect crispy edge! Heat up your griddle or skillet until it’s nice and sizzling—trust me, you’ll hear that sizzle as soon as the patty hits the pan. That’s how you know you're in business. A hot pan is what gives your smash burger that irresistible crunch!
Smash It Down
Here’s where the magic happens—smash it! Once the patty hits the pan, press it down with a spatula to flatten it out and get that signature crispy crust. Don’t be shy! Let it sit for a minute or two on each side to build up that perfect golden crunch. The more you press, the more delicious crispy bits you’ll get.
If Your Adding Cheese
Add the cheese to your smash burger about 1 minute before it's done cooking. Once the patty has that perfect crispy edge, place a slice of cheese on top and cover with a lid or foil to help it melt quickly. This ensures a gooey, cheesy finish without overcooking the patty!
Cook Time
Smash burgers cook fast—like, really fast. A couple of minutes on each side is all it takes to get that crispy, juicy goodness. Keep an eye on it, but don’t overthink it! Let the heat do its thing, and you’ll have the perfect burger in no time. Quick and delicious—what more could you want?
Now that you’ve got the basic technique down, let’s dive into some topping ideas that work for every type of patty!
Best Toppings For Smash Burgers
Everyone is different when it comes to burger/slider toppings in general, which is why I love using a variety of ingredients! Here are some of my favorite toppings for smash burgers:
- Smoky & sweet. Candied bacon, bacon jam + grilled pineapple + BBQ sauce
- Spicy & fresh: Roasted poblano peppers + jalapeños + cilantro
- Classic comfort. Caramelized onions + cheddar cheese + sour cream
- Tropical vibes. Grilled pineapple + herb-roasted tomatoes + spicy jalapeño mayo
- Creamy & crunchy. Avocado slices + slaw + fresh onion slices
- Pesto perfectio.: Fresh mozzarella, pesto sauce, roasted tomatoes + fresh basil
- Simple + spicy. Creamy Chipotle Sauce + green tomato
- Classic BBQ vibes. Bread & butter pickles, cheddar cheese, BBQ mayo, + bacon jam.
- Jamaican smash burger. Add jerk seasoning to your patty, grilled pineapple, avocado, cilantro + jalapenos or for extra spicy try Scotch Bonnet Pepper Sauce
- Mediterranean smash: Tzatziki, feta, cucumber, and fresh dill.
My go-to recipes are this Chipotle Turkey Smash Burger and BBQ Ranch Turkey Smash Burger!
Don't Forget The Importance of the Buns & Bread
You can’t have a smash burger without the right buns. While a classic soft brioche bun is a crowd-pleaser, consider alternatives like a classic sesame seed bun, pretzel buns, potato buns, or even lettuce wraps for a lighter option.
MY FAVORITE SPECIAL BURGER SAUCES
- Ketchup
- Easy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- BBQ sauce
- In-N-Out Sauce
- Creamy Avocado Pesto Mayo Sauce
- Green Goddess Dressing
- Vegan Ranch Sauce
- Creamy Lemon Garlic Dressing
- Chili Sauce
- Jalapeno Ranch Sauce
- Honey Mustard
- Tartar Sauce
- Creamy Chipotle Dressing/Sauce!
Commonly Asked Smash Burger Q+A's
Absolutely! A smash burger is all about getting that crispy edge, so as long as your veggie patty is sturdy enough, you can totally smash it. Just make sure it’s firm enough to hold its shape when pressed down.
While a hot griddle or skillet is ideal for creating those crispy edges, you can also use a grill! Just make sure it’s nice and hot before you add your patties to get that satisfying sear.
Smash burgers cook quickly, so you’ll know it’s done when the edges are crispy and golden brown. You can check the inside with a meat thermometer: for beef, it should reach 160°F for well-done. For chicken and turkey, aim for 165°F.
Smash burgers are best served fresh, but you can prep the patties ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just be sure to cook them right before serving for that crispy texture.
The key to a juicy smash burger is to not overwork the meat when forming the patties and to cook them on a hot surface so they sear quickly and lock in all those flavorful juices.
That’s a Wrap on How To Make The Best Smash Burger
And that’s a wrap on making the best smash burger! Whether you stick to classic beef or mix it up with fun toppings, it’s all about getting that crispy, juicy goodness. Time to smash, top, and enjoy!
Must-Try Burger + Sandwich Recipes
If you're a fan of Smash Burgers, be sure to explore some of my other favorite recipes!
- BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich
- Jerk Turkey Burgers
- Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
- Baked BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
- Everything Chicken Tomato Grilled Cheese
- BBQ Jerk Pulled Pork Sandwiches
DID THIS HELP IN ANY WAY?
If you've given any recipes a try in this Smash Burgers + toppings guide, or given any recipes on my website a go, I'd truly appreciate it if you could share your experience by leaving a ⭐ star rating and dropping your thoughts in the 📝 comments below. Your feedback means a lot, and I love hearing from you on your wellness journey!
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