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Detailed close-up of two charred Crispy Smash Burger patties with distinctive dark-brown lacy edges on a white plate.

Crispy Smash Burger Recipe: The Ultimate Guide to Lacy, Charred Edges

Achieve restaurant-quality results with this Crispy Smash Burger. Featuring jagged lacy edges, melted American cheese, and a signature orange sauce on toasted brioche, this recipe focuses on the science of the perfect sear.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2 burgers
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 740
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Burger Components
  • 10 oz 80/20 Ground Chuck Divided into four 2.5oz balls (280g total)
  • 4 slices American Cheese Orange variety for classic look
  • 2 whole Brioche Buns Split and buttered
  • To taste Kosher Salt and Black Pepper
Sauce and Toppings
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise 120ml
  • 2 tbsp Yellow Mustard 30ml
  • 1 tbsp Ketchup 15ml
  • 6 slices Crinkle-Cut Pickles
  • 1/4 small White Onion Sliced into paper-thin slivers

Equipment

  • 1 Cast Iron Skillet Or a flat-top griddle
  • 1 Heavy Burger Press Or a stiff metal spatula
  • 1 Parchment Paper To prevent sticking during the smash

Method
 

Prep and Sauce
  1. In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, and a splash of pickle brine until a creamy orange sauce forms.
  2. Butter the interiors of the brioche buns and toast on a griddle over medium heat until golden brown.
The Smash
  1. Place cold beef balls on a smoking hot cast iron skillet. Use a press and parchment paper to smash them completely flat.
  2. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until dark-brown lacy edges form. Scrape under the patty and flip.
  3. Add a slice of American cheese to each patty. Stack them once melted and place on the prepared bun.

Notes

Use a high-smoke point oil if your pan is dry, though 80/20 beef usually provides enough fat.
Always scrape with a metal spatula to preserve the crust.