The Ultimate Backyard Smash Burger

Craving the perfect smash burger recipe? This super easy version delivers thin, crispy patties packed with flavour. A backyard BBQ staple! Get the simple recipe now.

Right then, let's dive into the world of ridiculously good burgers. you know, the ones that make you go "oh my gosh!" after the first bite? we're talking about the smash burger recipe , the kind that’ll have you ditching those thick patties forever.

Get Ready to Smash! Your Ultimate Burger Guide

Ever wondered why some burgers taste like a proper diner experience? the secret's in the smash . this ain't just grilling; it's about creating maximum surface area on a screaming hot griddle.

That means maximum flavour!

Think of it as a celebration of simple ingredients and perfect technique. it is a piece of american culinary history, born out of a need for fast, delicious food.

This smash burger recipe is super easy. honestly, if you can make toast, you can smash a burger. we're talking about 25 minutes, tops, from prep to plate.

This recipe makes four glorious burgers.

Why Smash Burgers Are the Bee's Knees

Beyond the amazing flavour, there's another reason to love smash burgers. they cook fast! this means you’re not stuck slaving over a hot stove all day.

Smash burgers are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue with mates. plus, that crispy, caramelised crust? it's a game changer.

Now, let's move onto those all-important ingredients, yeah? and if you're really in the mood for comfort food, why not whip up an easy rice pudding recipe to follow? it's a classic, and everyone loves a good homemade rice pudding .

Okay, let's dive into the heart of our smash burger recipe – the ingredients and equipment! I'm going to keep it real simple, like chatting over a pint down at the pub.

Ingredients & Equipment: Smash Burger Bliss

Seriously, it’s all about simplicity and quality. No need to overthink it.

Main Ingredients: What You'll Need

For those juicy patties (makes 4):

• Ground Beef: 1 lb (450g) of 80/20 blend. Honestly, don’t skimp here. Go for the good stuff. You can tell it’s good if it's a vibrant red colour with flecks of white fat.
• Kosher Salt: 1 tsp (5g) . That’s it.
• Black Pepper: ½ tsp (2.5g) . Freshly ground is always best, innit?

Buns and Toppings, the Best Bits!:

• Brioche Buns: 4 . Buttery, soft, perfect.
• Butter: 2 tbsp (30ml) , softened.
• American Cheese: 4 slices . Melts like a dream.
• Iceberg Lettuce: ½ cup (50g) , shredded.
• Tomato: ½ medium , sliced.
• Red Onion: ¼ medium , thinly sliced.
• Dill Pickle Chips: 4 tbsp . A must-have!

Optional Sauce:

• Mayonnaise: ¼ cup
• Ketchup: 1 tbsp
• Yellow Mustard: 1 tsp
• Dill Pickle Brine: ½ tsp
• Garlic Powder: ⅛ tsp
• Onion Powder: ⅛ tsp

Seasoning Notes: Keep It Simple

We're not reinventing the wheel, yeah? just a bit of salt and pepper to let the beef shine. you can add a pinch of garlic powder if you fancy, but i think it's best to keep it classic.

For flavour enhancers? Seriously, the quality of the beef does all the work. No need for anything fancy.

Looking to substitute? Get some Cooked Rice Recipes and start on some Easy Rice Pudding .

Equipment Needed: The Bare Necessities

You don't need a fancy kitchen! Just the essentials to create the Creamiest Rice Pudding Recipe.

• Cast Iron Skillet or Griddle: This is key. It needs to get screaming hot.
• Heavy Spatula: Metal, thin edge preferred.
• Parchment Paper Squares: 4-5 inch squares. Crucial for smashing.
• Small Bowl: For the sauce.
• Toaster: Optional, for the buns.

Honestly, you can even use a heavy frying pan if you haven't got a griddle. Improvise! That’s what cooking is all about, yeah? Think of a Rice Pudding Recipe Easy

So, there you have it. Simple ingredients, simple equipment. Now let's get smashing! If rice pudding isn't your fancy, why not start your journey with a Best Rice Pudding ?

Right, let's dive headfirst into the wonderful world of smash burgers ! honestly, once you get the hang of this, you'll never look at a regular burger the same way.

It's all about that crispy, flavour-packed crust, innit?

Prep Like a Pro: Your Smash Burger Mise en Place

First things first, get your ducks in a row. essential mise en place is key. that just means having everything prepped and ready to go before you even think about turning on the hob.

Chop your ½ medium tomato , slice ¼ medium red onion nice and thin, and shred that ½ cup (50g) shredded iceberg lettuce .

Get those 4 dill pickle chips ready too.

Time-saving tip? Soften the 2 tbsp (30ml) unsalted butter for your buns while you're doing all the chopping. A little soft butter makes a big difference. It'll toast perfectly!

Safety-wise, just a gentle nudge: remember to wash your hands! We don't want any nasties interfering with our burger bliss.

Smash Time: The Step-by-Step Smash Burger Recipe

Okay, here's where the magic happens. Get your 1 lb (450g) ground beef ready.

1. Patty Prep: Gently form your beef into four loose balls. About 4 oz (113g) each.
2. Spice is Nice: Season each ball generously with 1 tsp (5g) kosher salt and ½ tsp (2.5g) freshly ground black pepper .
3. Toast 'Em Buns: Butter those 4 brioche burger buns . Toast them until golden, you know?
4. Heat It Up: Get your cast iron skillet screaming hot . Place a ball of beef.
5. Smash Time: Cover with parchment paper. Smash hard with your spatula. Aim for ¼ inch thick .
6. Crispy Goodness: Cook for 2- 3 minutes . Scrape, then flip the patty.
7. Cheese Please: Add your 4 slices American cheese . Cook until melted.
8. Stack It High: Bottom bun, patty, toppings, and top bun. Done.

Pro Tips for a Cracking Smash Burger

• Hot is really Key: Seriously, the pan needs to be smoking hot for that crust.
• Don't Overwork: Gentle, gentle! Overworked beef means a tough burger. No one wants that!
• Crispy is King: The more crust, the better. Don't be scared to scrape those crispy bits!

Alternatives and other Recipes

Now, if you want a sweet treat after that banging burger, why not try a comforting bowl of easy rice pudding ? it's the perfect homemade rice pudding way to end things.

Or, if you're feeling lazy, a crockpot rice pudding can do the trick. you really can't go wrong with a creamy best rice pudding recipe , so why not give it a go? you could also try other cooked rice recipes using the same method!

So there you have it! Go forth and smash!

Alright, let's dive into some extra bits and bobs that'll make your smash burger recipe even better! we're talking serving suggestions, storage, variations, and a little peek at the nutritional side of things.

Honestly, it's all about making this smash burger recipe work for you .

Recipe Notes That'll Level Up Your Burger Game

Serving Suggestions Fit for a King (or Queen!)

So, you've got this incredible smash burger recipe nailed. How do you present it? Think like a proper chef!

• Plating and presentation ideas: Honestly, sometimes simple is best. A wooden board lined with greaseproof paper? Bang on! A rustic plate with a side of chunky chips? Winner! Make it look inviting.
• Complementary sides or beverages: You know, proper chips (thick-cut, obviously!), onion rings are a great match, or coleslaw. As for drinks? A classic coke or a pint of your favorite brew is hard to beat. If you wanna be all fancy, try an ice-cold homemade lemonade.

Storing Like a Pro

Let's face it, sometimes you make too many. Here's how to keep things shipshape:

• Refrigeration guidelines: Cooked patties will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days, stored in an airtight container. Honestly, though, they're best eaten fresh.
• Freezing options (if applicable): While technically you can freeze cooked patties, they lose a bit of their magic. Texture can be a bit naff after thawing. Freeze uncooked patties separated by parchment paper for up to 2 months.
• Reheating instructions: For refrigerated patties, a quick blast in a pan or microwave does the trick. Make sure they're piping hot. If you froze them, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations: Because Variety is the Spice of Life!

Fancy a change? Here are a couple of tweaks:

• Dietary adaptations: For a gluten-free smash burger recipe , simply swap the brioche buns for gluten-free ones. Easy peasy!
• Seasonal ingredient swaps: In the summer, try adding some grilled peppers or courgettes. Come autumn, caramelised onions are an absolute delight.

Nutrition Basics: Knowledge is Power!

Alright, let's get real. This smash burger recipe is a treat, not a health food. But here's the lowdown:

• Simplified nutrition information: A smash burger packs a good punch of protein from the beef. It’s also got a good dose of fat, especially if you're using that 80/20 blend (which you should!).
• Key health benefits: Beef gives you iron and B vitamins. Lettuce and tomato add a tiny bit of vitamins, but let's be honest, you're not eating this for the salad.

Look, making a smash burger recipe does not have to be complicated. it's all about practice, trying new things, and seeing what gets you the best rice pudding recipe , but remember keep an easy rice pudding recipe at hand, for all these cooked rice recipes make for the creamiest rice pudding recipe .

Right, now go and get smashing! you've got this! honestly, there is a homemade rice pudding , and you can start with an easy rice pudding .

I have seen people doing wonders with a crockpot rice pudding . all these easy rice pudding methods will lead to a rice pudding recipe easy .

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the big deal about smash burgers anyway? Why all the fuss?

Smash burgers are all about that delicious, crispy crust! By smashing the patty thin on a hot griddle, you maximize the Maillard reaction, which is basically the science of browning and flavour. It's a quick and easy way to get a burger with incredible texture and taste, just like you'd find at a classic American diner, innit?

What kind of ground beef is best for this smash burger recipe? Do I need to be fancy?

You don't need to break the bank! An 80/20 ground beef blend is ideal for smash burgers. That higher fat content (20%) renders down nicely on the hot griddle, creating that beautiful crispy crust and keeping the patty juicy. Leaner beef might dry out, and nobody wants a dry burger – that's just not cricket!

My smash burgers always stick to the griddle. What am I doing wrong?

Ah, the dreaded sticking! Firstly, make sure your griddle or cast iron skillet is screaming hot before you start – we're talking properly hot! Secondly, don't be tempted to move the patty too early. Let that crust form for a good 2-3 minutes before you scrape under it with a thin, sturdy spatula. A little oil on the griddle can also help, but the heat is the most crucial thing!

Can I make these smash burgers ahead of time? What's the best way to store them?

Ideally, smash burgers are best served fresh off the griddle for that optimal crispy-juicy experience. However, if you need to prep ahead, you can cook the patties and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet or microwave before assembling your burgers. Just be aware that they might lose a bit of their crispiness. Also, avoid assembling the burgers ahead of time, as the bun can get soggy!

I'm watching my waistline. Are there any healthier variations I can make to this smash burger recipe?

Absolutely! You can use leaner ground beef or even ground turkey for the patties (just be careful not to overcook turkey). Whole wheat buns are a good shout, and load up on veggies like lettuce, tomato, and onion. You can also skip the cheese or use a lower-fat cheese option and swap the burger sauce for a lighter sauce like a Greek yogurt-based sauce with herbs. Every little helps!

I'm having a BBQ - can I do this smash burger recipe on my grill?

You certainly can! You'll need a cast iron griddle or a flat-top grill insert to get that smash burger effect. Just make sure your grill is scorching hot. Grills tend to lose heat more quickly, so you may need to adjust cooking times. Otherwise, the process is exactly the same - smash, sizzle, and enjoy! Just imagine the delicious smoky flavour!

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