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For these tasty burgers, gather these key items: - 1 lb ground beef (80% lean - 20% fat) - 4 slices of sharp cheddar cheese - 4 brioche burger buns - 1 large onion, thinly sliced - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste These ingredients come together for a rich and juicy flavor. The beef is key for the perfect bite. The cheese adds a creamy touch that melts beautifully. The brioche buns give a soft, sweet contrast. I recommend using ground beef that is 80% lean and 20% fat. This blend keeps the burger juicy while providing great flavor. The fat helps the burger stay moist during cooking. If you use leaner meat, your burger may end up dry. You can make your smash burgers even better with these options: - Crisp lettuce - Ripe tomato slices - Tangy pickles - Ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise Feel free to mix and match these toppings based on your taste. They add a crunch and freshness that balance the rich burger. Enjoy experimenting to find your favorite combination! {{ingredient_image_2}} To make sweet caramelized onions, heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 large, thinly sliced onion. Sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt on top. This helps draw out the moisture from the onion. Stir the onions every few minutes. Cook them for about 15-20 minutes. You want them to turn a rich golden brown and smell sweet. Once done, remove them from the heat and set aside. Take 1 pound of ground beef and gently divide it into four equal parts. Each part should weigh about 4 ounces. Form each part into a loose ball. Avoid squishing the meat too much. This keeps the burgers tender and juicy. Preheat your griddle or large skillet on high heat. Make sure it’s really hot. This step is key for a nice sear. Place the beef balls on the hot surface, leaving space between them. With a spatula, press each ball down firmly to create a patty about 1/2 inch thick. Season the top sides with garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. After about 2-3 minutes, check the edges of your patties. They should be brown. Now it’s time to add cheese. Place a slice of sharp cheddar cheese on each patty. Cover the skillet with a lid for about a minute. This melts the cheese perfectly. Meanwhile, in another pan over low heat, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Slice your brioche buns in half and place them cut side down in the buttery pan. Toast until they turn golden brown. Grab the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a cheesy burger patty on top. Spoon the caramelized onions over each patty. You can add extra toppings like crisp lettuce, ripe tomato slices, and tangy pickles. Don’t forget your favorite condiments like ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise. Cap it off with the top half of the bun. Serve your Ultimate Smash Burgers right away while they’re still hot and juicy. Pair them with crispy fries or a fresh salad for a delightful meal. Enjoy every bite! To get that perfect sear on your smash burgers, start with a hot cooking surface. Heat your griddle or skillet until it’s smoking. Place the beef balls on the hot surface without crowding them. Use a spatula to press down hard. This will create a nice crust quickly. Don’t flip them too soon. Let the edges brown well for maximum flavor. For toppings, think about balance. Creamy cheese, like sharp cheddar, adds richness. Crunchy lettuce and juicy tomatoes provide freshness. Tangy pickles give a nice zing. Don’t forget your favorite condiments, like ketchup or mustard. Use what you love! Mix and match flavors to make your burger unique. When shaping your patties, handle the meat gently. Form loose balls without pressing too hard. Overworking the meat makes it tough. You want juicy burgers that melt in your mouth. Keep it simple and light for the best results. This ensures a tender bite every time. Pro Tips Choose the Right Beef: Use 80% lean ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. The fat content ensures that your burgers remain moist and packed with flavor. Don’t Overwork the Meat: When shaping your patties, handle the meat gently. Overworking can lead to dense burgers. Form them into loose balls before pressing down. Get the Griddle Hot: Preheat your cooking surface until it's very hot. This helps achieve a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings! Adding unique ingredients like avocado, crispy bacon, or different sauces can elevate your burger experience. {{image_4}} Cheese makes a burger even better. You can try many types of cheese. Sharp cheddar is a classic choice, but you can also use: - American cheese for a creamy melt - Swiss cheese for a nutty flavor - Pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick - Blue cheese for a bold taste Each cheese will give your burger a unique twist. Experiment until you find your favorite. Toppings can change the whole burger experience. Here are some fun ideas to explore: - Crispy bacon for extra crunch - Avocado slices for creaminess - Sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor - Fried egg for a breakfast-style burger - Jalapeños for heat Mix and match these toppings to create a burger that speaks to you. The options are endless! You can still enjoy a smash burger without meat. Here are some great options: - Black bean patties for a hearty base - Portobello mushrooms for a meaty texture - Chickpea patties for a protein boost - Store-bought veggie burgers for convenience Top these with your favorite cheese or vegan cheese. Add fresh veggies and sauces for a tasty, satisfying meal. Enjoy these variations and make them your own! To store leftover smash burgers, let them cool to room temperature. Place each burger in an airtight container. Keep the patties and toppings separate if possible. This helps maintain their texture. Store the container in the fridge for up to three days. If you have extra caramelized onions, store them in a separate container as well. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them for the best taste. Preheat your skillet over medium heat. Place the burger patties on the skillet for about 2-3 minutes on each side. This will warm them up and give them a nice sear. If you want to melt the cheese again, cover the skillet for a minute. For the buns, toast them in a separate pan until golden brown. If you want to save your smash burger patties, freezing is a great option. First, shape the patties as usual. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for about an hour, or until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you're ready to cook them, just thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking. The best meat for smash burgers is ground beef with an 80% lean and 20% fat ratio. This mix gives you juicy and flavorful burgers. The fat helps keep the patties moist while cooking. You can also use fresh ground beef for the best taste. Yes, you can prepare smash burgers in advance! Form the patties and keep them in the fridge for a day. You can also freeze them for later. Just make sure to separate the patties with parchment paper to avoid sticking. When ready to cook, just heat your grill or skillet and cook them fresh. To check if your burgers are done, use a meat thermometer. The safe internal temperature for ground beef is 160°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, look for a nice brown crust on the outside. The juices should run clear when you cut into one. A flat-top grill or a cast-iron skillet works best for smash burgers. These surfaces help create a nice sear on the meat. They also allow you to press the patties flat for that perfect smash. Make sure your cooking surface is very hot before adding the patties. Smash burgers can be part of a balanced diet. They use quality meat and fresh ingredients. However, they are higher in fat than leaner burger types. You can make them healthier by adding lots of veggies and using whole grain buns. Enjoy them in moderation! In this guide, we covered how to make the ultimate smash burgers. We explored key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. You learned how to prepare tasty toppings and store leftovers well. The right meat and techniques lead to juicy, flavorful burgers. Remember to experiment with toppings and variations to find your favorite. Enjoy crafting your smash burgers and impress your friends at your next cookout!

Ultimate Smash Burgers

Delicious and juicy smash burgers topped with caramelized onions and cheddar cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef (80% lean - 20% fat)
  • 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 pieces brioche burger buns
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste Kosher salt
  • to taste freshly cracked black pepper
  • optional crisp lettuce
  • optional ripe tomato slices
  • optional tangy pickles
  • optional favorite burger condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise)

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sprinkle them with a pinch of kosher salt to help draw out moisture. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes or until they turn a rich golden brown and become sweetly caramelized. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.
  • Gently divide the ground beef into four equal portions, each weighing about 4 ounces. Form each portion into a loose ball without overworking the meat, which ensures a tender burger.
  • Heat a griddle or large skillet over high heat. Make sure it's very hot—this is crucial for achieving a beautiful sear on the burgers.
  • Place the beef balls onto the hot cooking surface, ensuring there is enough space between each one. Using a spatula or a burger press, firmly press each ball down to flatten it into a patty about 1/2 inch thick. Season the top sides with garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.
  • Once the edges of the patties start to brown, which will take approximately 2-3 minutes, lay a slice of cheddar cheese atop each patty. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for an additional minute, allowing the cheese to melt beautifully.
  • Meanwhile, in a separate pan over low heat, melt the butter. Slice each brioche bun in half and place the cut sides down into the buttery pan. Toast them gently until they are a delightful golden brown hue, taking care not to burn them.
  • On the bottom half of each toasted bun, place a cheesy burger patty. Generously spoon the caramelized onions on top, and then elevate your burger with any additional toppings you desire, such as lettuce, tomato, pickles, and your favorite condiments. Finish by capping it off with the top half of the bun.
  • Serve the Ultimate Smash Burgers immediately, while they're still hot and juicy. Pair them with a side of crispy fries or a refreshing salad for a complete meal.

Notes

Serve with crispy fries or a refreshing salad.
Keyword burgers, caramelized onions, cheddar cheese, smash burgers