Smash Burgers
As you may or may not know I grew up in the family burger business. My parents opened their restaurant when I was around 10 years old and believe me, I learned how to make a good burger! So I THINK you guys should kinda love this one!! :) Plus, they are so quick to throw together and can feed a crowd!
I have strong feelings towards burgers and although my parents sold nice big juicy burgers, I feel like smash burgers are just much easier to accomplish at home and plus, they’re juicy and crispy. Best of both worlds!
There are a few things that go into the most perfect burger and number one is the meat! Don’t go trying to make a delicious juicy burger with 94/6% meat. You need a nice 80% lean/20% fat ratio! Second, grab some nice buns! I like a butter bread or a fluffy brioche bun for this! Third, season well with salt and pepper. Lastly, smash it once it hits the pan and then leave it alone! No more smashing or it will not be juicy/crispy perfection. Extra points if you have a cast iron pan!
Oh and most importantly, American cheese! I am not a fan of this cheese on much but a burger has to have American. Obviously, if you must, cheddar will do! We’re also pairing this with some jalapeño, bacon cheese fries because if were going all out we need cheese fries!
I use a frozen fry because who are we? It’s weeknight after all. Toss them in the oven according to package instructions and then we can add the cheesy magic! PS. I added my oven fry recipe incase you want to make your own and leave out the cheese. *not recommended* but it will work. Ok, I know were all salivating, so, lets get to it!
Serves 6 (1/3 lb double burgers)
Tools:
Cast Iron Skillet or Griddle or Large Skillet
Sheet pan lined with foil
Sheet pan or plate to keep buns and patties warm
2 small bowls
Two spatulas
Ingredients:
for the burgers:
2 lbs ground beef 80/20
1 package of hamburger buns (brioche or butter)
12 slices of American Cheese
1 yellow onion (sliced into thin half rounds)
Salt and Pepper
for the burger sauce:
1/4 cup mayo
1-2 tbsp ketchup
1-2 tbsp mustard
1 dill pickle (chopped finely)
dash of Worcestershire (optional)
for the cheese fries:
1 bag frozen fries (I like Alexia brand, any will do)
1 bag cheddar cheese (thin shreds)
1 jalapeno (sliced thin) or 8-10 pickled jalapenos
5 slices of bacon
homemade ranch (optional)
1 cup mayo
1/4-1/2 cup buttermilk
1 ranch seasoning packet
**OVEN FRIES IN INGREDIENT SWAP SECTION**
Directions:
Start by preheating your oven for the fries! (Check the bag)
Cook your 5 slices of bacon in the same skillet you will be cooking your burgers. Turn heat to medium/low and cook until crispy. Remove from skillet, crumble and set aside.
Slice your 1 yellow onion and throw in the skillet with about 1 tbsp of the reserved bacon grease. Cook about 5 minutes or until grilled to your liking!
While your onions are cooking, make your burger sauce & ranch! Chop 1 pickle into small dices, add in your 1/4 cup mayo, 1 tbsp mustard, 1 tbsp ketchup, and a dash of Worcestershire. Mix and set aside.
If you’re really going for it, let’s make a quick ranch! Mix 1 packet of ranch dressing mix, 1 cup of mayo and 1/2 cup buttermilk! Stir until it reaches your ideal consistency. Need it thicker? add more mayo. thinner? add more buttermilk!
Remove onions once they are nice and lightly caramelized. Start forming your balls. Make 12 even sized balls (6 patties from each 1 lb of meat! Burgers will be double patties.) Salt and pepper the balls really well. I don’t measure this just sprinkle all over!
Toast your buns in the dry hot skillet for about 30 seconds each!
This step isn’t necessary but it does make less soggy buns! Remove buns and set on a plate or a sheet pan.
Next, let’s throw in your frozen fries! (Cook according to package instructions.)
While your fries are cooking lets make our burgers. Turn your skillet up to medium/high. Once your pan is nice and hot add in 4 balls into the pan. Smash down with your hand or spatulas until they are nice and thin! Thinner than you think because they will puff up a bit while cooking!
Do not smash down after about 30 seconds! Try and do this quickly so we can keep all those nice juices in!
Cook on side one for about 3-4 minutes or until nice and seared on first side. Flip and then add one slice of American cheese! Cook about 1-2 more minutes. Remove and set aside. Finish with the rest of the patties! Set in oven with buns to keep warm!
Once all patties are cooked, leave in oven or tent with foil to keep warm! Remove your fries from the oven and lets add the cheese!
Add on about 1/2 cup of cheese and toss with the fries. We want all the fries to be coated! Mound your fries up a bit and then top with more cheese. Lots and lots of cheese! Top with crumbled bacon and jalapenos. Place under the broiler for about 3-5 minutes, watching closely so they do not burn! Cook until all the cheese is melted!
Serve burgers with burger sauce, grilled onions, two juicy patties (extra topping of your choice), a side of cheese fries and lots of that ranch!
Ingredient Swaps
I’ll do them, because I’m nice, but if I’m being honest I wouldn’t swap anything! :) I would add toppings if you choose but other than that, realize when were making swaps to this, it’s not going to be the same! ;)
Ground beef: You could swap this for ground turkey but why :( It really would not be the same! I suggest you just go big or go home on this one!
American Cheese: I’ve already discussed this! It melts so nicely and really is just classic but if you have to swap it use a good cheddar cheese!
Onion: If you don’t like grilled onion you can leave these out! I guess you could swap for mushrooms, but not the same :)
Hamburger Buns: Like I said, go big or go home, but if you feel like trying to lighten it up, sure use some lettuce wraps!
Mayo: You could use Greek yogurt here! I actually do like this swap! So if you want to make something healthier the burger sauce and ranch could be fine with Greek yogurt!
Cheese fries: You could leave off the jalapeno and/or bacon if you’d like! Or just like a classic fry? The burgers are fab with just a crispy fry too!
Bacon: Can use bacon bits if you’d like but the fresh bacon is best.
Frozen Fries: Alexia brand is the cleanest if you care about that! But really any brand works!
If you’re an absolute no on the frozen fries (why?) still no? here’s my oven fry recipe!
Cut 3 large russet potatoes into fries. Cut each end off the potato followed by each side. Making a naked rectangle! Cut each of those into about 1/2 inch thick rectangles and then again to create a fry. YouTube has great videos!
Toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt and pepper. Spread evenly on a cookie sheet and bake at 400 for about 15 minutes. Flip and cook another 15 minutes, or until crispy.
These wont be as crisp as a fried French fry but they’re still delicious!
Please leave a comment or a like below! Don’t forget to follow me @brookslately on Instagram for more tips and tricks about this recipe! I hope you all enjoy!
XOXO,
Caroline