Get ready to elevate your burger game with these mouthwatering smash burger recipes that will transform your kitchen into the hottest burger joint in town.
These thin, crispy-edged patties with their perfectly caramelized crust will make you forget about traditional thick burgers forever.
We’ve curated 10 incredible smash burger variations that range from classic American cheese versions to gourmet creations topped with caramelized onions, special sauces, and premium ingredients.
Whether you’re a burger purist or an adventurous foodie, these recipes will help you master the art of the perfect smash burger right on your own griddle or cast-iron skillet.
Classic All-Beef Double Smash Burger with American Cheese

Get ready to create the ultimate Double Smash Burger that will rival your favorite burger joint.
This classic recipe features two thin, crispy-edged beef patties with perfectly melted American cheese, all nestled in a toasted bun with fresh toppings.
The secret lies in the smashing technique, which creates a deliciously caramelized crust while keeping the inside juicy.
Ingredients:
• 1 pound 80/20 ground beef, divided into 4 (4-oz) balls
• 4 slices American cheese
• 2 potato buns
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Fresh lettuce leaves
• Sliced tomatoes
• Sliced onions
• Dill pickle slices
• Your favorite burger sauce
Step 1: Let your beef balls come to room temperature and heat a large cast-iron skillet or flat-top griddle over high heat until very hot.
Step 2: Split and butter your buns, then toast them until golden brown. Set aside.
Step 3: Place two beef balls in your hot skillet and immediately smash them thin (about ¼ inch) using a sturdy spatula and parchment paper.
Step 4: Season generously with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes until edges are crispy.
Step 5: Flip patties and immediately add cheese to each. Cook for 1 minute more.
Step 6: Stack your patties and assemble your burger with desired toppings.
Pro Tip: Never press down on your patties after the initial smash – you’ll lose precious juices. Also, make sure your cooking surface is screaming hot before smashing the meat to achieve that perfect crust.
Caramelized Onion and Swiss Smash Burger

Elevate your burger game with this mouthwatering Caramelized Onion and Swiss Smash Burger.
This recipe combines the rich, sweet flavors of perfectly caramelized onions with melty Swiss cheese and a juicy smashed patty that creates an irresistible crust on the outside while staying tender inside.
Ingredients:
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 4 potato burger buns
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon sugar (for onions)
Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and sugar. Cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown and caramelized.
Step 2: Divide ground beef into 4 loose balls (4 oz each). Don’t overwork the meat.
Step 3: Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat. Add remaining oil.
Step 4: Place beef balls on the hot surface and immediately smash them thin with a spatula or burger press.
Step 5: Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until crispy edges form.
Step 6: Flip patties, add Swiss cheese, and cook for 1-2 minutes more.
Step 7: Toast buns with butter until golden brown.
Step 8: Assemble burgers by placing patties on buns and topping with caramelized onions.
Pro Tip: For the best crust on your patties, make sure your cooking surface is screaming hot before smashing the burgers. Also, only flip your burgers once – this ensures the perfect crust while keeping the inside juicy.
Jalapeño Popper Smash Burger with Cream Cheese

The Jalapeño Popper Smash Burger takes your regular burger to the next level by combining the creamy, spicy goodness of jalapeño poppers with a perfectly smashed beef patty.
This indulgent creation features a crispy-edged burger topped with cream cheese, fresh jalapeños, and melted cheddar that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Ingredients:
• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
• 4 brioche burger buns
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 4 fresh jalapeños, sliced
• 8 slices cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Optional: lettuce and tomato for serving
Step 1: Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions and form loose balls. Season each with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 2: Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat until very hot. Add oil.
Step 3: Place beef balls on the hot surface and immediately smash them thin using a spatula or burger press.
Step 4: Cook for 2-3 minutes until edges are crispy, then flip and add cheddar cheese on top.
Step 5: Spread softened cream cheese on both sides of toasted buns.
Step 6: Layer fresh jalapeño slices on the bottom bun.
Step 7: Once cheese melts, place burgers on prepared buns and add optional toppings.
Pro Tip: For the perfect smash burger, use a heavy-duty spatula and press firmly in one quick motion – this creates those sought-after crispy edges. Make sure your cooking surface is screaming hot before smashing the patties to achieve the ideal crust.
Mushroom and Gruyere Ultimate Smash

Get ready to elevate your burger game with this mouthwatering Mushroom and Gruyere Ultimate Smash.
This gourmet burger combines the rich, earthy flavors of sautéed mushrooms with the nutty, melted goodness of Gruyere cheese, all wrapped in a perfectly crusty, smashed patty that will make your taste buds dance.
Ingredients:
• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
• 8 oz mixed mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, or button), sliced
• 4 oz Gruyere cheese, sliced
• 4 brioche burger buns
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
Step 1: Divide ground beef into 4 loose balls, each about 4 oz. Don’t compress them.
Step 2: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp butter and mushrooms. Sauté until golden brown, add garlic, and season. Set aside.
Step 3: Heat the same skillet to high. Add a touch of oil.
Step 4: Place one beef ball on the hot surface and immediately smash it thin with a spatula.
Step 5: Season with salt and pepper, cook for 2 minutes until crusty.
Step 6: Flip, top with Gruyere and mushrooms, cover and cook 1 minute more.
Step 7: Toast buns with remaining butter until golden.
Step 8: Assemble burgers and serve immediately.
Pro Tip: For the best crust, make sure your skillet is screaming hot before smashing the patty. Never press down on the burger after the initial smash – this will release those precious juices you want to keep inside.
Southwest Avocado and Pepper Jack Smash Burger

Get ready to elevate your burger game with this mouthwatering Southwest-inspired smash burger.
The combination of creamy avocado, spicy pepper jack cheese, and perfectly smashed patties creates an explosion of flavors that will transport your taste buds to the American Southwest.
Ingredients:
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
• 2 ripe avocados
• 4 slices pepper jack cheese
• 4 brioche burger buns
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons Southwest seasoning
• 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Optional: lettuce, tomato, jalapeños
Step 1: Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions and form loose balls.
Step 2: Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat.
Step 3: Place beef balls on the hot surface and immediately smash them thin with a spatula.
Step 4: Season with Southwest seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Step 5: Cook for 2-3 minutes until crispy edges form.
Step 6: Flip patties and add cheese slices.
Step 7: Mash avocados with lime juice and salt.
Step 8: Toast burger buns until golden brown.
Step 9: Assemble burgers: bottom bun, patty with cheese, mashed avocado, onions, optional toppings, top bun.
Pro Tip: For the best smash burger results, make sure your cooking surface is screaming hot before adding the meat. Don’t move the patties until they’re ready to flip – this ensures you’ll get those crispy, caramelized edges that make smash burgers irresistible.
BBQ Ranch Crispy Onion Smash

Transform your regular burger into an explosion of flavors with this mouthwatering BBQ Ranch Crispy Onion Smash Burger.
This recipe combines the savory goodness of smashed beef patties with crispy fried onions, tangy BBQ sauce, and creamy ranch dressing for an unforgettable burger experience.
Ingredients:
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
• 4 brioche burger buns
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing
• 4 slices cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Lettuce and tomato for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions and form loose balls. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Dip sliced onions in buttermilk, then coat with flour. Fry in oil at 350°F until golden brown (2-3 minutes).
Step 3: Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat. Place beef balls and smash them thin with a spatula.
Step 4: Cook for 2-3 minutes until crispy, flip, add cheese, and cook for another minute.
Step 5: Toast buns and assemble: bottom bun, lettuce, patty with cheese, crispy onions, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, tomato, top bun.
Pro Tip: For the perfect smash burger, use a heavy spatula and press firmly when smashing the patty. Make sure your cooking surface is screaming hot before adding the meat to achieve that desired crispy crust.
Mediterranean Feta and Olive Smash Burger

Transform your regular burger into a Mediterranean delight with this flavorful smash burger recipe.
The combination of salty feta cheese, tangy Kalamata olives, and aromatic herbs creates a burst of Mediterranean flavors that will transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Greece.
Ingredients:
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped Kalamata olives
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 4 brioche burger buns
• 1 sliced red onion
• 2 cups fresh arugula
• 1/4 cup tzatziki sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking
Step 1: Divide your ground beef into four equal portions and form loose balls.
Step 2: Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
Step 3: Place each beef ball on the hot surface and smash it with a spatula until thin.
Step 4: Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Flip the patties and top with feta cheese and olives. Cook for another 2 minutes.
Step 6: Toast your buns until golden brown.
Step 7: Assemble your burger with tzatziki sauce, arugula, and red onion.
Pro Tip: For the best results, don’t mix the feta and olives into the meat beforehand – add them during cooking to maintain their distinct flavors and textures. Make sure your cooking surface is extremely hot before smashing the burgers to achieve that perfect crispy crust.
Buffalo Blue Cheese Smash Burger Supreme

Get ready to elevate your burger game with this mouthwatering Buffalo Blue Cheese Smash Burger Supreme.
This recipe combines the bold flavors of buffalo sauce and tangy blue cheese with the perfect crispy-edged smashed patty technique, creating a burger that’s sure to become your new favorite.
Ingredients:
• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
• 4 brioche burger buns
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 2 cups lettuce, shredded
• 2 tomatoes, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 slices American cheese (optional)
Step 1: Divide your ground beef into 4 equal portions and form them into loose balls.
Step 2: Heat your griddle or cast-iron skillet over high heat until very hot.
Step 3: Place each beef ball on the hot surface and immediately smash it down with a spatula until very thin (about 1/4 inch).
Step 4: Season with salt and pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes until edges are crispy.
Step 5: Flip the patties and add American cheese if desired. Cook for 1-2 minutes more.
Step 6: Toast your buns with butter until golden brown.
Step 7: Assemble your burger: bottom bun, lettuce, tomato, patty, buffalo sauce, blue cheese, onions, and top bun.
Pro Tip: For the perfect smash burger, use two pieces of parchment paper and a flat spatula to smash the patty. Never press down on your burger after the initial smash, as this will release precious juices and result in a dry burger.
Green Chile and Queso Smash Burger

Green Chile and Queso Smash Burger combines the classic smashed burger technique with zesty green chilies and creamy melted queso for a Southwestern twist.
This mouthwatering burger delivers a perfect blend of heat, cheese, and juicy meat that will elevate your burger game to new heights.
Ingredients:
• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
• 4 hamburger buns
• 8 oz queso blanco (Mexican white cheese)
• 1 cup roasted, diced green chilies
• 1 white onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Butter for toasting buns
• Optional: lettuce, tomato, pickled jalapeños
Step 1: Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions and form loose balls. Don’t overwork the meat.
Step 2: Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat until very hot.
Step 3: Place beef balls on the hot surface and immediately smash them thin with a spatula or burger press.
Step 4: Season generously with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes until crispy edges form.
Step 5: Flip burgers and top with queso blanco and green chilies. Cook for 1-2 minutes more.
Step 6: Meanwhile, butter and toast your buns until golden brown.
Step 7: Assemble burgers with caramelized onions and additional toppings of your choice.
Pro Tip: For the best smash burger results, use two pieces of parchment paper when smashing the patty to prevent sticking. Also, don’t flip the burger until you see the edges getting crispy and brown – this ensures maximum flavor development.
Truffle Mayo and Aged Cheddar Smash

Elevate your burger game with this indulgent Truffle Mayo and Aged Cheddar Smash Burger.
This gourmet twist on a classic combines the earthy luxury of truffles with sharp aged cheddar, creating a mouthwatering masterpiece that’s surprisingly simple to make at home.
Ingredients:
• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
• 4 brioche buns
• 8 slices aged cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tsp truffle oil
• 1 tsp black truffle paste (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp butter for toasting buns
• Lettuce leaves
• Sliced tomatoes
Instructions:
Step 1: Mix mayonnaise with truffle oil and truffle paste (if using). Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
Step 2: Divide ground beef into 4 loose balls, each about 4 oz.
Step 3: Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat until very hot.
Step 4: Place each beef ball on the hot surface and immediately smash down with a spatula until very thin (about 1/4 inch).
Step 5: Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes.
Step 6: Flip patties and add two slices of aged cheddar to each. Cook for 1 minute more.
Step 7: Meanwhile, butter and toast your brioche buns.
Step 8: Assemble burgers with truffle mayo, lettuce, tomato, and the cheesy patty.
Pro Tip: For the perfect smash burger, use a solid metal spatula and press firmly when smashing – the thinner the patty, the better the crispy edges. Don’t move the patty until ready to flip, as this ensures maximum caramelization and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a smash burger different from a regular hamburger?
A smash burger gets pressed flat on a hot griddle, creating crispy, lacy edges and maximizing surface contact. This technique develops a flavorful crust while keeping the inside juicy.
What is the ideal meat-to-fat ratio for making smash burgers?
Use ground beef with an 80/20 meat-to-fat ratio for the best results. This proportion ensures your burgers stay juicy and develop the signature crispy edges when smashed.
How hot should your cooking surface be for perfect smash burgers?
Heat your griddle or cast-iron skillet to 400-450°F before cooking. The high temperature creates the essential Maillard reaction for a perfectly browned, crispy exterior.
What tools do you need to make restaurant-quality smash burgers at home?
You’ll need a flat metal spatula, heavy-duty griddle or cast-iron skillet, and a burger press or sturdy metal turner. These tools help achieve the perfect smash and crust.
How long should you cook each side of a smash burger?
Cook your smashed patty for about 2-3 minutes on the first side until crispy, then flip and cook for 1-2 minutes more. Avoid pressing the burger after the initial smash.
Final Thoughts
Making the perfect smash burger doesn’t require fancy equipment or professional training – just attention to detail and the right technique.
Remember to keep your beef cold, season generously, and smash quickly for those crispy, lacy edges everyone loves.
Whether you choose American cheese, sharp cheddar, or go cheese-free, focus on quality ingredients and proper heat management.
Don’t forget to toast your buns and prep your toppings in advance.
With these recipes and techniques in your arsenal, you’ll be serving restaurant-quality smash burgers right from your own kitchen.