Crispy Smash Burgers

Name: Crispy Smash Burgers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lb 80/20 ground beef, in 8 loose balls; Salt and pepper; 8 slices American cheese; 4 soft burger buns, toasted; Sauce: 1/3 cup mayo, 2 tbsp ketchup, 1 tbsp chopped pickles; Pickles and thinly sliced onion

Balls of beef smashed thin on a very hot pan for lacy, crispy edges. Melt on some American cheese and use soft buns and a simple burger sauce.

Why it's here: Smash burgers are a year-round top search and a tailgate staple through October.

Prep10 min

Cook10 min

Total20 min

Serves4

What you'll need

12-inch cast-iron skilletFor searing and oven finishes

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Silicone spatula setFor stirring and flipping

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Steps

Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat until very hot, about 5 minutes.

Place 2 beef balls in the pan and smash them flat with a sturdy spatula. Season well.

Cook 2 minutes without moving until the edges are deep brown and crisp.

Scrape under each patty, flip, add cheese and cook 1 minute.

Stack two patties on each bun with sauce, pickles and onion.

TipCold meat and a screaming-hot pan give the best crust. Open a window!