How to Make Crispy, Juicy Smash Burgers at Home
Smash burgers are all about two things: contact and heat. When you press a ball of 80/20 ground beef onto a ripping-hot surface, you get an instant, edge-to-edge sear, ultra-crispy lacy edges, and a tender, juicy center that's impossible to achieve with a regular burger.
To get that perfect crust at home, you need a heavy-duty steel surface that can store and deliver intense heat. Our Baking Steel Skinny Griddle and Mini Griddle are engineered for exactly this—delivering a more consistent and powerful sear than cast iron, and they fit perfectly on a single burner. You can even use your Baking Steel Original on an outdoor grill for the ultimate backyard smash burger experience.
Why This Recipe Works
More surface area equals more flavor. Smashing the beef thin maximizes contact with the hot steel, triggering the Maillard reaction—the chemical process that creates that deep, savory, browned flavor we all crave.
The high-carbon mass of the Baking Steel stores a massive amount of thermal energy, so your first burger and your fourth get the same incredible edge-to-edge crust without the temperature dropping.
Smashing burgers on the Mini Griddle for perfect contact and crust
Smash Burger vs. Regular Burger
| Feature | Smash Burger | Regular Burger |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 1/4" (very thin) | 3/4"-1" (thick) |
| Cooking Method | Smashed on a hot griddle | Grilled or pan-fried |
| Cooking Time | 60-90 seconds per side | 3-4 minutes per side |
| Crust | Crispy, lacy, browned edges | Minimal crust |
| Texture | Crispy outside, juicy inside | Uniformly cooked texture |
| Best Beef Ratio | 80/20 (higher fat) | 85/15 or 90/10 |
The Only Smash Burger Recipe You Need
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef, 80/20 is essential
- 4 slices American or cheddar cheese
- 4 soft buns (brioche or potato work best)
- Kosher salt & fresh black pepper
- Optional: thinly sliced onion, pickles, shredded lettuce, burger sauce
Equipment
- The Baking Steel Skinny Griddle (perfect for 2-3 burgers at a time) or the Mini Griddle (ideal for 1-2 burgers)
- A stiff metal spatula or burger press
- A bench scraper for easy flipping
Instructions
- Preheat the Griddle. Place your Baking Steel Skinny Griddle or Mini Griddle over a single burner on high heat. Let it preheat for 10-15 minutes until it's ripping hot (around 500-550°F).
- Portion the Beef. Gently divide the ground beef into 4 x 4 oz (115g) balls. Do not overwork the meat; just form it into a loose ball.
- Smash It. Place 1–2 beef balls onto the hot griddle. Immediately smash them very thin (about 1/4 inch) with a stiff spatula or press. To prevent sticking, you can place a small piece of parchment paper between the meat and the spatula.
- Season. Season the smashed patties generously with kosher salt and fresh black pepper.
- Sear. Cook for 60-90 seconds. You'll see the edges turn a deep, crispy brown. That's the magic happening.
- Scrape and Flip. Use a bench scraper or stiff spatula to get under the patty, ensuring you scrape up all the crispy, browned bits. Flip it over.
- Add Cheese. Immediately place a slice of cheese on the flipped patty.
- Finish. Cook for another 30-45 seconds to melt the cheese.
- Toast the Buns. Briefly toast your buns on a cooler part of the griddle for 15-20 seconds.
- Build and Serve. Assemble your burger and serve immediately.
Cheese melting perfectly on the Mini Griddle
Outdoor Smash Burgers: Use Your Baking Steel on the Grill
Want to take your smash burger game outside? Place your Baking Steel Original directly on your outdoor grill grates. Preheat the grill and steel for 15-20 minutes on high heat, then smash your burgers right on the steel. You get the same incredible crust with the added benefit of outdoor cooking and that subtle smoky flavor from the grill.
Perfect smash burgers made on the Baking Steel Original on an outdoor grill
This method is perfect for summer cookouts, tailgating, or anytime you want to keep the heat outside. The Baking Steel turns your grill into a professional flat-top.
Which Baking Steel is Right for You?
The Skinny Griddle (14" x 10.5") is perfect for making 2-3 smash burgers at once on your stovetop. It fits on a single burner and is ideal for families or burger night with friends.
The Mini Griddle (9" round) is compact and perfect for 1-2 burgers. It's great for small kitchens, apartments, or solo cooking.
The Original Baking Steel (16" x 14") is your multi-purpose champion. Use it in the oven for pizza, or take it outside and place it on your grill for smash burgers, steaks, and more.
All three deliver the same restaurant-quality sear that makes smash burgers legendary. Choose based on where and how you want to cook.
Pro Tip: 60-Second Special Sauce
Equal parts: ketchup, yellow mustard, and mayo. Stir until smooth.
For a creamier sauce: Go 2 parts mayo, 1 part ketchup, 1 part mustard.
Optional boosts: 1 tsp sweet relish, 1 tsp pickle brine, a pinch of garlic powder, or a tiny dash of smoked paprika.
Approximate Nutrition (Double Smash)
- Calories: ~685
- Protein: ~38g
- Fat: ~45g
- Carbs: ~28g
- Sodium: ~700–800mg
(Estimates based on two 2-oz patties, 1 bun, 1 slice cheese, and standard toppings.)
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best griddle for smash burgers?
A compact, heavy-duty griddle with high heat retention is essential. The Baking Steel Skinny Griddle and Mini Griddle are ideal because their high-carbon steel stores and delivers heat more effectively than cast iron, ensuring a consistent, edge-to-edge crust on every single burger. They fit perfectly on a single burner and are the secret weapon for restaurant-quality smash burgers at home.
Can I make smash burgers on an outdoor grill?
Yes! Place your Baking Steel Original directly on your grill grates, preheat for 15-20 minutes on high, and smash your burgers right on the steel. You get the same incredible crust with the added benefit of outdoor cooking and subtle smoky flavor.
What temperature should I cook smash burgers?
Cook smash burgers at 500-550°F on a preheated griddle or steel. This high heat is crucial for creating the Maillard reaction, which gives smash burgers their signature crispy, lacy edges and deep flavor.
How long do you cook smash burgers on each side?
Cook smash burgers for 60-90 seconds on the first side, until the edges are deeply browned and crispy. Flip, add cheese, and cook for another 30-45 seconds to melt the cheese and finish cooking.
What's the best beef ratio for smash burgers?
80/20 ground beef is the best ratio for smash burgers. The 20% fat content is essential for creating a juicy burger and crispy edges. Leaner beef will result in a drier, less flavorful burger.
How do you get crispy edges on smash burgers?
Crispy edges come from three things: (1) high heat (500-550°F), (2) 80/20 beef (the fat renders and fries the edges), and (3) smashing the burger very thin to maximize contact with the griddle.
Can you make smash burgers in the oven?
No, you can't make true smash burgers in the oven. The technique requires direct, high heat from a griddle to create the signature crust. You can bake burgers in the oven, but they won't be smash burgers.
What cheese is best for smash burgers?
American cheese is the classic choice for smash burgers because it melts perfectly and has a creamy texture. Cheddar, Swiss, and provolone are also great options.
How thin should smash burgers be?
Smash burgers should be smashed to about 1/4 inch thick. This maximizes surface area for browning and creates the signature crispy edges.
Do you season smash burgers before or after smashing?
Season smash burgers immediately after smashing them on the griddle. This allows the salt and pepper to adhere to the meat and form a flavorful crust.
Can I use the Baking Steel Griddle for other things besides burgers?
Absolutely! The Skinny Griddle and Mini Griddle are incredibly versatile. Use them for pancakes, bacon, eggs, grilled cheese, quesadillas, seared steaks, and more. They're a true workhorse in the kitchen.
About the Author
Andris Lagsdin is the founder of Baking Steel. When he's not making legendary pizza on the original Baking Steel, you can find him in his home kitchen making smash burgers for his family on the Baking Steel Skinny Griddle. It's a versatile tool that's become a staple for everything from morning pancakes to evening burgers.
