Crispy Smash Burgers Recipe Easy Juicy Melted Cheddar Guide
This recipe delivers quick, tasty, and crowd-pleasing crispy smash burgers with juicy, melted cheddar cheese, perfect for weeknights or backyard barbecues.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 slices sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 soft burger buns, lightly toasted (brioche recommended)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for toasting buns
- Pickles, sliced (optional)
- Condiments: ketchup, mustard, or mayo (to taste)
- Onion, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until smoking hot, about 5 minutes.
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal balls, about 4 ounces (113 g) each, keeping the meat loose.
- Spread butter on the insides of the buns and toast them butter-side down on a separate pan or skillet edge until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Set aside.
- Lightly season the tops of each beef ball with salt and pepper just before cooking.
- Place a beef ball on the hot skillet and immediately press down firmly with a spatula dipped in water to prevent sticking, smashing the patty to about 1/4-inch (6 mm) thickness. Hold pressure for 10 seconds.
- Cook the patty undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until edges are deep brown and crispy.
- Flip the patty gently, place a slice of cheddar cheese on top, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and burger is cooked through. Cover skillet with a lid or bowl to speed melting if desired.
- Assemble the burgers by placing each patty on a toasted bun and adding pickles, onions, and condiments as desired. Top with the bun crown and serve immediately.
Notes
Use room temperature beef for easier smashing and better crust. Do not press patties after flipping to keep them juicy. Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan. For gluten-free, substitute buns with lettuce wraps or gluten-free bread. Cheese variations include pepper jack or Swiss. Rest patties briefly before assembling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger with bun an
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 35
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Protein: 30
Keywords: smash burgers, crispy burgers, cheddar burgers, easy burger recipe, juicy burgers, backyard barbecue, quick dinner