Every once in a while you just have to have good burger, the kind that is juicy but has thin crispy edges. Shake Shake has perfected the smash burger but we don’t have one so I have to create my own. I’ve never actually eaten at a Shake Shake, when I’m in NY or DC there are so many other restaurants to choose from, but the girls always find time to stop in, even if it’s just for their shakes. So after coming back from NY recently, I decided to work on my own Smash Burger. I wanted a thin but juicy and flavorful burger with crispy edges, and I wanted a thousand island type special sauce. After a few attempts, all my taste testers agree that these are amazing!
While I love a good burger, to be worth the calories, I want to serve it on the best bread around. After trying a few different buns, I think Smash Burgers are best on either a potato bun or a Hawaiian bun. If you really like bread like I do, then you’ll want to make sliders instead of full size burgers, that way you can eat two.
What do you need to make a really good Smash Burger
How to make a Smash Burger
What’s in Special Sauce
Why type of bun is best for Smash Burgers
By using 80% ground chuck, the burgers have enough fat to keep them juicy. Cooking them quickly on a very hot skillet gives them the crispy edges, and the special sauce is just the right combination of mayonnaise and catsup. If you have access to a grill, placing an iron skillet or grill pan directly on the grill is the easiest way to make Smash Burgers. Your kitchen doesn’t get smokey or hot and all the mess stays outside. If it’s the middle of winter then it’s nice to know that these work just as well in a skillet on the stove.
Smash Burgers are so delicious by themselves you don’t really need anything with them, but of course, I always have to have a side. I would try fresh corn on the cob if it’s available. Iff you want to go a little fancier, try some Roasted Potato Salad, or go lighter with Zucchini Caprese Salad or you can’t go wrong with Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing.
If you make Smash Burgers be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to also tag me on Instagram! I would love to see your creation.
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Smash Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 onion diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb Ground chuck 80%
- 1 tablespoon Worcesteshire sauce
- salt and pepper
- American Cheese
- Potato rolls
SPECIAL SAUCE
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons catsup
- 1 tablespoon onion finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Special sauce:
- Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix until combined.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and add onions, cooking until soft and slightly brown. Add to a large bowl. Add hamburger and Worcestshire sauce. Combine with a large spoon. Separate into 4 regular size burgers or 6-8 smaller burgers if making sliders. Do not form into balls.
- Heat iron skillet or grill pan to medium-high. Butter buns and place face down in pan. Cook just until lightly toasted and remove.
- Salt and peppers burgers and place in a hot skillet. Immediately take a solid metal spatula and press down until they are 1/4 inch thick. Let cook for 1-2 minutes until browned. Turn and add cheese, cook an additional 1-2 minutes. Remove and place on toasted bun with special sauce and additional toppings.
Notes
Nutrition
They are absolutely wonderful. Love the crispy edges and the fact that I can make lots of them quickly for a family gathering. I use the Hawaiian sweet slider buns and your sauce. Which by the way makes a great tartar sauce for shrimp. It’s the only tartar my picky husband will eat. Thanks so much for all your recipes…all great.
I will definitely try using the sauce for tartar sauce, great idea.