Classic Garlic Smash Burgers
These classic garlic smash burgers are incredibly flavorful and quick to make. Featuring a crispy crust and juicy interior, they are perfect for a casual meal.
Equipment
- medium bowl
- heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron griddle
- sturdy spatula or burger press
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 6-8 cloves fresh garlic minced
- 1 tsp salt kosher or sea salt preferred
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder optional
- 4 hamburger buns brioche, potato, or regular
- 4 cheese American, cheddar, or provolone, optional
- 1 tbsp butter or high-heat oil like avocado or grapeseed
Optional Toppings
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Pickles, onions, special sauce
Instructions
Burger Preparation
- Gently mix ground beef, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and optional onion powder without overmixing. Form the seasoned meat into loose, golf-ball-sized spheres about 2-3 ounces each.
- Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron griddle over high heat until it's screaming hot and a wisp of smoke appears.
Cooking the Burgers
- Add a small amount of butter or oil to the hot griddle; place meat spheres leaving space between them. Immediately cover each sphere with parchment paper and press down firmly with a sturdy spatula or burger press to form thin patties (1/4 to 1/2 inch thick), holding for 10-15 seconds.
- Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until the edges are crispy and the color changes from the bottom up.
- Once a deep brown crust forms, carefully flip the burger with a thin metal spatula. If desired, immediately place a slice of cheese on top of each patty.
- Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the burger reaches desired doneness.
Assembly
- While burgers finish cooking, butter and toast the hamburger buns on the griddle for 30 seconds to a minute until lightly golden.
- Remove burgers from the griddle, place them on toasted buns, add your favorite toppings, and serve immediately.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider toasting the buns with a garlic-herb butter. Do not overcrowd the griddle when smashing the burgers to ensure a good crust. Use a metal spatula to scrape up the crispy bits for maximum flavor and easy flipping.