Description
A crispy, juicy smashed burger with caramelized edges, melted cheddar cheese, and fresh toppings layered inside a toasted brioche bun. Fast, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20 ratio, divided into 4 equal balls
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 brioche buns
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 lettuce leaves
- 8 tomato slices
- 12 pickle slices
- 1/4 cup burger sauce
Instructions
- Preheat a cast iron skillet or griddle over high heat for about 5 minutes until very hot.
- Gently divide the ground beef into 4 loose balls without compacting. Do not mix in salt yet.
- Lightly butter the cut sides of the brioche buns and toast them in the skillet until golden, then set aside.
- Place one beef ball onto the hot skillet. Immediately press it down firmly with a spatula using parchment paper between the meat and spatula. Smash thin and season with salt and pepper. Repeat with remaining balls.
- Cook the patties undisturbed for about 2 minutes until the edges are deeply browned. Flip once, add a slice of cheddar cheese to each patty, and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes.
- Spread burger sauce on the toasted buns. Add lettuce, tomato, and pickles. Stack two patties per burger.
- Close the buns, press gently, and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use high heat to achieve a crispy caramelized crust.
- Smash the patties immediately after placing them in the skillet for best browning.
- Prepare all toppings in advance since the patties cook quickly.
- Toast the buns to prevent sogginess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: smashed burger, crispy burger, diner style burger, homemade burger, cast iron burger