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Close up of a Smash Burger on a white plate showing textured beef patties and gooey cheese.

Smash Burger Recipe with Crispy Lacy Edges and Secret Sauce

Master the art of the Smash Burger with this professional guide. Featuring deeply browned lacy edges, gooey melted American cheese, and a tangy secret sauce on a toasted brioche bun.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2 burgers
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 740
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Components
  • 1 lb Ground Beef 80/20 chuck blend
  • 4 slices Yellow American Cheese For that classic melt
  • 2 Brioche Buns Split and buttered
  • 8 slices Dill Pickles Thin and ridged
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise Base for secret sauce
  • 1 tbsp Yellow Mustard
  • 1 tbsp Ketchup
  • 1 tsp Pickle Juice For acidity

Equipment

  • 1 Cast Iron Skillet Or flat-top griddle
  • 1 Heavy Metal Spatula With a sharp edge for scraping
  • 1 Burger Press Optional but recommended

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, and pickle juice until it becomes a smooth, pale orange sauce.
  2. Divide cold 80/20 beef into 4 equal portions (4oz each). Gently roll into loose balls without overworking.
Cooking
  1. In a hot cast iron skillet, toast buttered brioche buns until glossy and golden-brown. Set aside.
  2. Increase heat to high. Place beef balls in the dry pan. Use a heavy spatula to press them completely flat. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Once edges are dark brown and lacy (about 2 mins), scrape under the patty and flip. Add American cheese and stack patties once melted.

Notes

Use 80/20 beef for the best results.
Ensure the skillet is smoking hot before adding the meat.