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Crispy Smash Burger Recipe Easy Perfect Melted Cheese for Cookout

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A quick and easy smash burger recipe delivering crispy edges, juicy inside, and perfectly melted cheese, ideal for cookouts and weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 slices American cheese (or cheddar, pepper jack, Swiss)
  • 4 soft potato buns or brioche buns, lightly toasted
  • 2 tbsp softened butter
  • Lettuce leaves, crisp
  • Thinly sliced red onion
  • Tomato slices
  • Pickles
  • Ketchup, mustard, or favorite burger sauce
  • Optional: splash of neutral cooking oil (canola or vegetable)
  • Optional: garlic powder or onion powder

Instructions

  1. Divide the ground beef into 4 equal balls, about 4 oz (115g) each, handling gently.
  2. Preheat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until smoking hot.
  3. Spread softened butter on the cut sides of the buns and toast butter-side down on the skillet until golden and crisp, about 1-2 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  4. Add a teaspoon of neutral oil to the pan and swirl to coat.
  5. Place the beef balls onto the skillet, leaving space between them.
  6. Using a sturdy spatula or burger press, firmly press down each ball into a thin patty about 1/4 inch (6mm) thick. Hold pressure for about 10 seconds.
  7. Immediately season each patty with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  8. Cook the patties undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until edges are browned and crispy.
  9. Flip the patties carefully using the spatula.
  10. Place a slice of cheese on each patty right after flipping.
  11. Cover the pan with a lid or inverted large plate and let the cheese melt and burgers finish cooking for another 1-2 minutes.
  12. Assemble the burger by placing the patty on the toasted bun bottom, adding preferred toppings and condiments.
  13. Top with the bun top, press lightly, and serve immediately.

Notes

Use cold ground beef but not frozen solid to hold shape. Do not overwork the meat to avoid tough burgers. Press firmly and quickly for a thin, even patty. Season immediately after smashing. Cover patties after adding cheese to melt evenly. Toast buns while patties cook to save time. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if needed. If skillet smokes too much, lower heat slightly.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, crispy burger, cheeseburger, cookout recipe, easy burger, quick dinner, melted cheese burger

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/crispy-smash-burger-recipe-easy-perfect-melted-cheese-for-cookout/