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Extreme macro close-up showing the fibrous meat texture and glossy melted fat of a Smash Burger Recipe.

Smash Burger Recipe: The Ultimate Crispy Diner-Style Double Cheeseburger

This Smash Burger Recipe features double-stacked beef patties with lacy, charred edges, blistered American cheese, and a toasted brioche bun. Achieve professional gastropub results at home with this high-heat, crispy, and juicy diner-style burger.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2 people
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Burger Ingredients
  • 1 lb Ground Beef 80/20 fat ratio, kept ice-cold
  • 4 slices Yellow American Cheese Deli-quality for better melt
  • 2 Brioche Buns Split and buttered
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper Coarsely ground
  • 2 tbsp Burger Sauce Mayo, mustard, and pickle base

Equipment

  • 1 Cast Iron Skillet Essential for heat retention.
  • 1 Heavy Metal Spatula or Burger Press Must be solid, not slotted.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Divide cold beef into 4 equal balls (4 oz each). Do not overwork the meat to maintain texture.
  2. Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until it begins to lightly smoke.
The Smash and Sear
  1. Place beef balls on the pan and press down firmly with a heavy spatula until paper-thin with irregular edges.
  2. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until edges are charred. Scrape and flip.
  3. Add American cheese. Cover with a dome for 30 seconds until blistered and bubbling.

Notes

Keep the meat cold until the second it touches the pan for the best crust.
Use a high-smoke point oil to avoid bitter flavors.