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Crispy Juicy Smash Burgers Recipe Easy Perfect Diner-Style Guide

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A quick and easy diner-style smash burger recipe that delivers crispy edges and juicy centers with simple ingredients and no fancy equipment.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 4 potato rolls or soft burger buns
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp vegetable or canola oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 4 slices American cheese
  • Lettuce leaves (iceberg or romaine)
  • Tomato slices
  • Dill pickles, sliced
  • Sliced red onions or caramelized onions
  • Yellow mustard
  • Ketchup

Instructions

  1. Preheat your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until screaming hot.
  2. Divide the ground beef into 4 equal balls, about 4 ounces (113 g) each, shaping gently without overworking.
  3. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet and swirl to coat evenly.
  4. Place one beef ball on the skillet and smash firmly with a sturdy spatula or burger press to about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thickness, holding pressure for 10-15 seconds. Repeat for remaining patties, cooking in batches if needed.
  5. Immediately season the patties with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  6. Cook patties without moving for 2-3 minutes until crispy edges form and juices bubble on top.
  7. Flip each patty carefully and top with a slice of American cheese. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts.
  8. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet and toast the buns cut-side down until golden and crisp, about 1 minute.
  9. Assemble the burgers by layering the bottom bun with mustard and ketchup, adding the cheesy patty, then lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onions. Cap with the toasted top bun.
  10. Serve immediately while hot and juicy.

Notes

Use an 80/20 ground beef blend for best juiciness and flavor. Press patties firmly and hold for 10-15 seconds to create a crispy crust. Avoid overcrowding the skillet to maintain heat. Toast buns in butter on the skillet for added flavor and crunch. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. For dairy-free, substitute cheese and butter with plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burgers, diner-style burgers, crispy burgers, juicy burgers, quick burger recipe, easy smash burger, cast iron skillet burger

Find it online: https://jollyfork.com/crispy-juicy-smash-burgers-recipe-easy-perfect-diner-style-guide/