There’s something undeniably satisfying about a perfectly made griddle smash burger—the crispy, lacy edges, the juicy interior, and the way the cheese melts into every crevice. This recipe captures the classic diner-style smash burger experience right at home, using simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Whether you're cooking on a flat-top griddle, cast-iron pan, or dedicated outdoor griddle, this smash burger delivers big flavor, impressive texture, and that nostalgic, all-American bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners, backyard cookouts, or when you need the ultimate comfort food.
Duration / Prep Time
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 4 burgers (or 8 patties if making double-stack smash burgers)
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 is ideal for juiciness)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 slices American cheese (or your preferred melting cheese)
- 4 brioche or potato buns, toasted
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil for the griddle
- Optional toppings: sliced pickles, thinly sliced onions, shredded lettuce, tomato slices
- Optional sauces: classic burger sauce, mayo, ketchup, mustard
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the griddle
Heat your griddle to medium-high or about 400–450°F. A properly heated cooking surface is essential—it creates that signature crispy, caramelized crust. Lightly grease the griddle with oil or butter.
Step 2: Divide and shape the beef
Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (or 8 smaller ones if you want double-stack burgers). Roll each portion gently into a loose ball—don’t pack them tightly, which can make the patties tough.
Step 3: Smash the patties
Place a beef ball on the hot griddle, top it with a piece of parchment paper, and firmly press down using a heavy spatula or burger press. Smash until the patty is about ¼-inch thick.
Tip: Smash only once—pressing again after cooking begins will squeeze out juices.
Step 4: Season and sear
Immediately sprinkle the patties with salt and pepper. Let them cook undisturbed for 1½–2 minutes until the edges turn brown and crispy.
Step 5: Flip and melt the cheese
Using a metal spatula, scrape underneath the patty to lift it with the crust intact. Flip and cook for 30–60 seconds more. Add a slice of American cheese to each patty so it melts beautifully as it finishes cooking.
Step 6: Toast the buns
While the patties finish, toast the buns on the griddle until golden brown. This prevents sogginess and adds flavor.
Step 7: Build your burgers
Layer each toasted bun with your favorite sauce, top with a cheesy patty (or stack two patties for classic smash burger vibes), and finish with pickles, onions, or your favorite toppings.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated values
- Calories: 610
- Total Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
- Sodium: 820mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 38g
(Nutrition will vary depending on bun type, cheese selection, and toppings.)
Pro Tip:
If you’ve never used a griddle before, this recipe is the perfect excuse to add one to your kitchen—or upgrade to a sturdier, more evenly heated model. A quality griddle gives you the ultra-hot, flat cooking surface needed to build that iconic smash-burger crust while keeping the patties juicy inside. It also opens the door to endless possibilities: breakfasts, stir-fries, searing steaks, and more. For the best results and truly effortless cooking, consider investing in a reliable griddle. Ready to browse top-rated options? Just click the button below to check out highly reviewed griddles on Amazon.
Conclusion
Griddle smash burgers are the perfect example of how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. With just a hot surface, quality beef, and a few essential toppings, you can craft a restaurant-quality burger at home in under 20 minutes. The key lies in the smash, the crust, and the melt—each step building that irresistible combination of crisp edges and juicy tenderness. Whether you keep it classic or load it up with toppings, this smash burger recipe is sure to become a weeknight favorite and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy every crispy, melty, perfectly smashed bite!
