If you’re craving a burger that’s juicy, crispy, and packed with flavor, smash burgers on the grill are the ultimate choice.

Unlike traditional thick patties, smash burgers are thin, seared to perfection, and loaded with irresistible caramelized edges.

Best of all, they cook in just a few minutes, making them perfect for backyard barbecues, weeknight dinners, or anytime you want a restaurant-style burger at home.

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What Makes Smash Burgers Different?

Smash burgers are made by pressing ground beef onto a hot surface—whether a cast iron griddle, flat top, or grill pan—so the meat flattens into a thin patty.

This creates maximum surface area for a crispy, golden-brown crust (thanks to the Maillard reaction).

Unlike thick burgers, you don’t aim for medium-rare; instead, smash burgers are thin enough to cook through quickly while still staying juicy inside.

Smash Burgers on the Grill

Smash burgers on the grill are quick, juicy, and packed with crispy flavor, making them the ultimate backyard crowd-pleaser.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef 80/20 blend
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
4 slices American cheese
4 burger buns toasted
2 tbsp butter for toasting buns
Optional toppings: lettuce tomato, onions, pickles, bacon
Burger sauce mix 2 tbsp mayo, 1 tbsp ketchup, 1 tsp mustard

Method

Preheat grill to high heat (450–500°F). Place a cast iron skillet or flat-top griddle on the grill to heat.
Divide beef into 8 loose meat balls (about 2 oz each). Do not pack tightly.
Place a beef ball onto the hot surface. Using a heavy spatula or burger press, smash firmly until about ¼ inch thick. Hold for 10 seconds.
Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until edges are brown and crispy.
Flip, add cheese, and cook for 1 more minute until melted.
While burgers cook, butter the buns and toast lightly on the grill.
Assemble burgers by spreading sauce on buns, adding patties (double stack for classic smash burgers), and topping with your choice of lettuce, tomato, pickles, or onions.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Smash burgers taste best as double patties for the perfect meat-to-bun ratio.
Don’t smash after the first press—this releases juices.
A hot griddle is key to getting that crispy crust.

Recommended Tools for Smash Burgers (Amazon Picks):

Cast Iron Griddle – Perfect for placing on the grill to get that crispy sear.
Heavy Duty Burger Press – Makes smashing patties easier and more consistent.
Wide Stainless Steel Spatula – Helps flip burgers without breaking them.

Step-by-Step Guide: Smash Burgers on the Grill

1. Preheat the Grill

Heat your grill to high heat (around 450–500°F). If using a cast iron griddle or flat-top pan on the grill, place it over the heat and let it get scorching hot.

2. Form Loose Meat Balls

Instead of shaping patties, form 2–3 oz meat balls. Keeping them loose helps them smash more easily.

3. Smash the Patties

Place a meat ball onto the hot griddle. Using a sturdy spatula or burger press, smash it down firmly until it’s about ¼ inch thick. Hold for 10 seconds to ensure maximum contact.

4. Season Generously

Sprinkle with salt and pepper immediately after smashing.

5. Cook Until Crispy

Cook for about 2 minutes until the edges are brown and crispy. Flip once, add cheese, and cook another minute.

6. Toast the Buns

While the burgers finish, toast the buns lightly on the grill for extra flavor.

7. Assemble and Serve

Spread burger sauce on the buns, add your patties, and stack with toppings. Serve hot and enjoy that crispy, juicy bite.

Tips for the Best Smash Burgers

Use high heat: A hot griddle or cast iron is the secret to caramelization.
Don’t overwork the meat: Loose balls create tender burgers.
Smash only once: Pressing after the first smash releases juices.
Double up: Two thin patties stacked together are classic smash burger style.

Delicious Topping Ideas

While traditional smash burgers keep it simple, you can get creative with:

Caramelized onions
Bacon and cheddar
Jalapeños and pepper jack
BBQ sauce and crispy onions

Why You’ll Love Smash Burgers on the Grill

Cooking smash burgers on the grill gives you the best of both worlds—crispy seared patties and that signature smoky grilled flavor. They’re quick, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser.

So, fire up your grill and get ready to serve the most delicious, diner-style burgers right in your backyard. Once you try smash burgers on the grill, you might never go back to thick patties again!