World’s Best Smash Burger – Crispy, Juicy & Better Than Takeout
The World’s Best Smash Burger delivers everything you love in a burger—thin, crispy-edged patties with a juicy center, melted cheese, and a soft, buttery bun all topped with a crave-worthy burger sauce. This iconic diner-style classic is made with just a few ingredients, cooked hot and fast, and stacked high for maximum flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself, this burger is unforgettable and surprisingly easy to master at home.
🛒 Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for ideal juiciness)
4 burger buns (brioche, potato, or classic sesame)
4 slices American cheese or cheddar
Salt and pepper to taste
Butter for toasting buns
Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, sliced tomato, thin red onion, pickles
Burger Sauce
¼ cup mayo
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon pickle relish
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
🔄 Substitutions
Beef: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives
Cheese: Swiss, pepper jack, or vegan cheese all work
Buns: Try gluten-free, low-carb, or lettuce wraps
Sauce: Replace with sriracha mayo, BBQ sauce, or ranch
Relish: Use chopped pickles if you don’t have relish
👨🍳 How to
Mix all burger sauce ingredients in a small bowl and refrigerate until ready to use
Divide ground beef into 4 equal loose balls (about 4 oz each), handling gently to keep them airy
Preheat a cast iron skillet or flat griddle over high heat until smoking hot
Add beef balls to the pan and immediately smash them flat using a stiff spatula or burger press
Season with salt and pepper and cook 2–3 minutes without touching until edges are crispy
Flip, top with cheese, and cook another 1–2 minutes until cheese is melted and internal temp is 160°F
Toast buns in a separate pan or on the grill with butter until golden
Assemble: spread sauce on buns, layer in the patty, and top with lettuce, pickles, onions, or your favorite fixings
Serve hot with fries, chips, or a cold drink
🧀 Mix-ins
Crispy bacon strips
Grilled onions or sautéed mushrooms
Hot sauce or sliced jalapeños
Double patties for extra indulgence
A fried egg for a breakfast-style burger
✅ Recipe Tips
Use a high-fat ground beef blend (80/20) for best results
Smash immediately after the beef hits the pan to create a crispy crust
Avoid pressing again after flipping to retain juices
Let patties rest briefly before assembling for the juiciest bite
Use parchment paper between the meat and spatula to prevent sticking
📦 Storage
Store leftover patties in the fridge up to 3 days
Reheat in a hot skillet or air fryer for best texture
Burger sauce lasts up to 1 week in the fridge
Not ideal for freezing after cooking—freeze raw beef balls instead
🌀 Recipe Variations
Spicy Smash Burger: Add cayenne to the meat or hot sauce to the sauce
Low-Carb Burger: Serve in lettuce wraps with avocado and tomato
BBQ Smash: Swap sauce with BBQ and add crispy onion strings
California Style: Add avocado, sprouts, and pepper jack
❓ FAQs
What makes a smash burger different? It’s smashed thin on a hot surface to create a flavorful crust and crispy edges
Can I make it without a cast iron skillet? A stainless-steel pan or flat griddle will work—just get it hot
Is American cheese required? It melts the best, but any melty cheese works
Why is loose-packed meat important? It helps create those signature crispy edges and keeps the patty juicy
The World’s Best Smash Burger is crispy, juicy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible—an easy, show-stopping burger that belongs in your regular rotation.
