How to Make Crispy Juicy Smash Burgers at Home
This smash burger recipe delivers crispy edges and juicy centers with a perfect blend of fresh toppings. Using a combination of skillet searing and pressure cooker finishing, these burgers lock in moisture and flavor for an unbeatable homemade burger experience.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef preferably 80/20
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 4 burger buns
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- for toasting butter
- 4 leaves lettuce leaves
- 4 slices tomato slices
- to taste pickles
- to taste ketchup for topping
- to taste mustard for topping
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Prepare your pressure cooker for finishing touches.
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and loosely roll each into balls, do not pack tightly.
- Place one beef ball on the hot skillet and smash it down to about a quarter inch thick using a heavy spatula or burger press.
- Season with salt and black pepper while the first side cooks. Let it cook without moving for 2-3 minutes.
- Flip the patty and immediately add a slice of cheddar cheese. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts.
- Repeat for remaining patties.
- Lightly butter your buns and toast them on the skillet until golden and slightly crunchy on both sides.
- Assemble burgers with lettuce, tomato, pickles, ketchup, and mustard to your taste.
- Use your pressure cooker's natural release after a quick steam stage to lock in extra moisture and flavor.
- Serve and enjoy your juicy, crispy smash burgers.
Notes
These smash burgers are perfect for quick weeknight dinners or weekend hangouts. Store patties wrapped individually in the fridge up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. Toast buns just before assembling for best texture.