At a Glance:
- Using a hot skillet ensures a perfect sear and crispy edges.
- Press down on the beef ball as soon as it hits the skillet.
- Cover the patties to melt the American cheese quickly.
- Butter and toast the buns for extra flavour and texture.
- Add your favourite condiments and toppings for a personalised touch.
A smash burger is a delicious, juicy, and crispy delight that can easily become your go-to meal. While it is known for its signature crispy edges and mouth-watering flavour, the smash burger offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes that food lovers adore. With its simple preparation and quick cooking time, it’s an ideal choice for both casual dinners and special occasions. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make a smash burger with American cheese that will leave you and your guests craving more.
Ingredients Needed
Before you start, gather all the necessary ingredients. To cook a delicious, mouth-watering smash cheeseburger here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat)
- Salt and pepper
- American cheese slices
- Burger buns
- Butter
- Pickles, lettuce, tomato, and onions (optional)
- Ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise (optional)
Preparation Steps
Form the Beef Patties: Divide your ground beef into equal portions, typically 3 to 4 ounces each. Roll them into loose balls without packing them too tightly.
Prep the Buns: Butter the insides of the burger buns and toast them on a skillet or grill until golden brown. Set them aside.
Cooking the Smash Burger
Heat the Skillet: Place a cast-iron skillet or griddle on medium-high heat until it’s smoking hot. A hot skillet ensures a good sear.
Smash the Patties: First, place a beef ball onto the skillet and use a sturdy spatula to press it down firmly, smashing it into a thin patty. Then hold the pressure for about 10 seconds. Repeat for each patty.
Season the Patties: Immediately after smashing, season the patties generously with salt and pepper.
Adding the American Cheese
Once the edges of the patties turn crispy and the juices start to bubble up through the surface, it’s time to add the cheese:
Melt the Cheese: Place a slice of American cheese on each patty. Cover the skillet with a lid or a large metal bowl to trap the steam and help melt the cheese quickly.
Finish Cooking: Allow the cheese to melt completely while the patties finish cooking. The melting process usually takes about 1-2 minutes. For exceptional melting, you can use variations of American cheese slices like hi-melt burger cheese slices.
Assembling the Burger
Prepare the Base: Spread your preferred condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise) on the bottom half of the toasted buns.
Add the Patties: Place the cheesy patties on top of the bun.
Optional Toppings: Add pickles, lettuce, tomato, and onions if desired.
Top It Off: Place the top half of the bun over the toppings.
Serving Suggestions
Your smash burger with American cheese is now ready to be enjoyed! But before you take the first bite, know this – accompanying your burgers with the right pair will enhance your overall cheeseburger experience by many folds. Here are some serving suggestions:
Sides: Serve with any side dish of your choice, such as crispy fries, onion rings, or a simple side salad.
Drinks: Pair with a cold soda, milkshake, or chilled beer for a perfect meal.
Customisations: Experiment with different toppings and sauces to create your unique smash burger experience.
Making a smash burger with American cheese is simple and rewarding. With its crispy edges, juicy centre, and gooey cheese, this burger is sure to impress your taste buds and those of anyone you serve it to.
