These Easy Homemade Smash Burgers Are Better Than Restaurant Burgers! Recipe

Treat your taste buds to a game-changing smash burger. Enjoy a Smash Burger Recipe that boasts thin-pressed, caramelized patties rich with flavor and a tangy, homemade sauce that electrifies every bite. Ideal for an evening delight with friends and family, this recipe promises an irresistible taste journey to explore tonight.

I gotta tell ya, nothing beats these homemade smash burgers that come out better than any restaurant version I’ve ever had. I’ve been perfecting this smash burger recipe for years and trust me, the secret is all in the technique and the ingredients.

I start with 1 lb of 80/20 ground beef, seasoned well with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Then I smash them right on the griddle to get that serious caramelization that makes these burgers so irresistible.

I layer on 4 soft burger buns and top them off with my homemade burger sauce made of 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish, 1/4 teaspoon each garlic powder and onion powder, plus 1 teaspoon white vinegar. And if you’re up for it, toss on a slice of American cheese, along with some sliced pickles, lettuce, tomato, and red onion.

This is hands down one of the best burger recipes out there for a quick gourmet dinner. Enjoy!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s super simple to make but still packs a punch in flavor. There’s something about getting that perfect crispy, caramelized edge on a thin patty that just makes every bite awesome.

I also really love that the homemade sauce is both tangy and sweet; it adds this extra layer of flavor that makes the burger memorable.

Another thing is that I can customize it with whatever toppings I want, so sometimes I throw on extra pickles or a bit more tomato, and it feels like a totally different meal each time.

Finally, I like that it doesn’t take forever to prepare so it’s perfect for when I want something really tasty without spending all day in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Ground beef provides protein and fat, giving the burger juiciness and rich, meaty flavor.
• Mayonnaise adds a creamy richness and moisture, but its high fat makes it an indulgence.
• Ketchup gives a tangy sweetness thanks to sugar, balancing savory meat with a zesty burst.
• Yellow mustard contributes a sharp tang and mild spice, refreshing every bite of the burger.
• Sweet pickle relish brings a tangy-sweet crunch that enhances flavor and texture in every bite.
• Optional fresh toppings like pickles, lettuce, tomato, and red onion offer fiber, vitamins, and crunch.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 mix)
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 4 soft burger buns
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 4 slices American cheese (optional)
• Sliced pickles, lettuce, tomato, and red onion (optional toppings)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your griddle to medium-high heat and get it nice and hot.

2. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, garlic powder, onion powder and white vinegar to make the burger sauce.

3. Divide the ground beef into four equal balls and form them gently; don’t overwork the meat.

4. Place each beef ball on the hot griddle. Using a sturdy spatula, press down firmly to smash the burger into a thin patty.

5. Season each patty with salt and freshly ground black pepper as soon as they hit the griddle.

6. Let the patties cook for about 2-3 minutes or until the edges are well caramelized, then if you’re using American cheese, place a slice on top of each patty so it melts.

7. While the burgers are finishing, butter the inside of the soft burger buns and toast them on the griddle until they’re golden.

8. Assemble your burger by spreading a generous amount of your homemade sauce on the bun, then add the burger patty.

9. Top with sliced pickles, lettuce, tomato, and red onion if you like.

10. Serve your smash burgers immediately while they’re hot and juicy, and enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Griddle (make sure its hot and large enough so you can cook patties and toast buns at the same time)
2. Small bowl (for mixing up your burger sauce real quick)
3. Measuring spoons (to help you get all those little amounts of garlic powder, onion powder, and vinegar just right)
4. Sturdy spatula (for smashing down the meat and flipping your patties)
5. Butter knife (to spread the butter on the buns and add extra sauce if needed)
6. Plate or tray (for assembling and serving your smash burgers)

FAQ

These Easy Homemade Smash Burgers Are Better Than Restaurant Burgers! Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you dont have ground beef, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner twist—though it might change the flavor a bit.
• If you dont like regular burger buns, try swapping them with brioche or pretzel buns for a unique flavor boost.
• If you’re out of mayo, Greek yogurt mixed with a little lemon juice can work as a creamy substitute.
• Instead of ketchup, you can mix tomato paste with a pinch of sugar to create a thick, tangy sauce.
• If you’re missing onion powder, a light sprinkle of Italian seasoning along with extra garlic powder can fill in nicely.

Pro Tips

1. Try to keep the meat a little chilled before you shape it into balls so it doesn’t fall apart when you smash it; a slightly colder meat holds together way better.

2. When you press down to form the patties on the griddle, go easy; if you press too hard it can become too thin and lose that juicy feel, so a firm but gentle smash is the trick.

3. Don’t forget to really toast the buns with butter until they’re just golden, it adds extra crunch and flavor which can make all the difference.

4. Let your patties rest for a minute after they come off the heat, so the cheese and juices have a chance to settle in before you pile on the toppings.