The Classic Smash Burger from Smashburger features a juicy, hand-pressed beef patty, melted American cheese, fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, pickles, and Smash sauce, all nestled in a soft, toasted bun, delivering a flavorful and satisfying bite with a perfect blend of savory and tangy tastes.
Equipments
- Grill or flat-top griddle
- Spatula (burger smasher)
- Cheese slicer (optional)
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Toaster or skillet (for buns)
- Mixing bowl (for Smash sauce)
- Spoon or whisk (for Smash sauce)
- Plate or tray (for assembling burgers)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 large tomato
- 1/2 cup sliced pickles
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon finely diced pickles (for sauce)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Unsalted butter (for toasting buns)
Using an 80/20 blend of ground beef ensures a juicy, flavorful patty with the right balance of fat and meat. Fresh ingredients like shredded lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and sliced pickles provide essential texture and taste contrasts. The Smash sauce combines mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, diced pickles, garlic powder, and onion powder, creating a tangy, savory flavor that complements the beef. Toasting the buns with unsalted butter enhances the overall mouthfeel and prevents sogginess. You can recreate the Classic Smash Burger from Smashburger at home by carefully balancing these ingredients for an authentic, satisfying bite.
Instructions
- Preheat grill or flat-top griddle to high heat.
- Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions and roll into loose balls.
- Slice tomato, shred lettuce, and set aside with pickles.
- Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, finely diced pickles, garlic powder, onion powder in mixing bowl to make Smash sauce.
- Season beef balls with salt and black pepper.
- Butter and toast hamburger buns on toaster or skillet until golden brown.
- Place beef balls on hot griddle and smash flat using spatula.
- Cook patties for 2-3 minutes until edges are crispy.
- Flip patties, immediately top each with a slice of American cheese, and cook additional 1-2 minutes.
- Remove patties and let rest briefly.
- Spread Smash sauce on bottom buns.
- Layer lettuce, tomato slices, pickles on bottom buns.
- Place cheese-topped patties on top of toppings.
- Cap with top buns.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Classic Smash Burger from Smashburger copycat menu calls for an 80/20 blend ground beef to achieve optimal juiciness and flavor in the hand-pressed patty. You can substitute American cheese with cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack to customize the melt and taste profile. If fresh lettuce or tomatoes are unavailable, crisp romaine and sun-dried tomatoes provide tasty alternatives that maintain texture and flavor. When toasting buns, unsalted butter enhances golden crispiness, but olive oil works well for a dairy-free option. The Smash sauce can be adjusted by swapping yellow mustard with Dijon for a sharper tang or adding pickle relish instead of finely diced pickles for added sweetness.
Tips
Use an 80/20 ground beef blend for optimal juiciness and flavor in your Smash burger patties. When smashing the beef balls on a hot griddle, apply firm, even pressure with your spatula to create crispy edges without losing the patty's shape. Toast the buns with unsalted butter until golden brown to add a rich flavor and prevent sogginess from the toppings and Smash sauce. Remember to let the cooked patties rest briefly before assembling to retain their juices for a satisfying bite.
Nutritions
The Classic Smash Burger provides approximately 600-700 calories per serving, largely from the 80/20 ground beef blend, which offers around 20 grams of protein and 18 grams of fat. American cheese contributes additional fat and calcium, while fresh vegetables like lettuce and tomatoes add fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. The homemade Smash sauce, combining mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard, adds flavor but also increases sodium and calorie content. You can balance indulgence with nutrition by pairing this burger with a side of vegetables or a light salad.
Storage
Store leftover Classic Smash Burgers wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. Place wrapped burgers in an airtight container or resealable bag, then refrigerate for up to 2 days to ensure freshness and food safety. For reheating, use a skillet or oven to warm evenly, keeping the bun toasted and the cheese melted.
Variation or Alternatives
Swap the American cheese for pepper jack or smoked gouda to introduce a smoky, spicy twist to your Classic Smash Burger. Instead of using mayonnaise-based Smash sauce, try a tangy Greek yogurt and sriracha blend for a lighter yet flavorful alternative. For buns, brioche or pretzel rolls can enhance texture and richness, complementing the savory beef patty. You can also experiment with cooking the patties on a cast-iron skillet if a flat-top griddle is unavailable, ensuring a crispy crust while sealing in juiciness.
Allergies
Your Classic Smash Burger contains common allergens such as dairy from the American cheese and mayonnaise, gluten from the hamburger buns, and possible traces of mustard and garlic. Individuals with allergies to any of these ingredients should exercise caution or consider suitable substitutes. Cross-contamination risks may also exist if prepared in shared kitchen environments.
Why this recipe?
The Classic Smash Burger from Smashburger features a perfectly seared, juicy beef patty that delivers rich, smoky flavors with every bite. Its signature smash technique ensures a crispy, caramelized crust while maintaining a tender interior, creating an irresistible texture contrast. You will appreciate the fresh, high-quality toppings and artisan bun that elevate the overall taste experience. Replicating this recipe at home lets you enjoy a gourmet burger with bold American flavors, tailored exactly to your preferences.