CLASSIC SMASHED CHEESEBURGER

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Classic Smashed Cheeseburger image

We've got the secret to cooking a burger that's crispy on the outside, yet juicy on the inside: Freeze the patties for 15 minutes before cooking, then use two large griddle spatulas to smash them flat against the hottest skillet possible. Freezing the meat prevents it from cooking too quickly in the middle, which gives you time to get that deeply browned crust.

Provided by Rhoda Boone

Categories     Sandwich     Beef     Kid-Friendly     Dinner     Lunch     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Small Plates     Hamburger     Takeout at Home

Yield Makes 4 burgers

Number Of Ingredients 13

3/4 pound freshly ground sirloin
1/4 pound freshly ground brisket (if you can't find brisket, substitute ground chuck)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more if needed
4 potato rolls, preferably Martin's brand
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 slices American cheese
Four 1/4-inch-thick tomato slices
4 burger-sized pieces green-leaf lettuce
Epicurious Not-So-Secret Sauce
Special Equipment:
2 large griddle spatulas

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, use your hands to gently combine ground sirloin and brisket. Divide into four equal-sized, loosely meat pucks about 2 1/2 inches thick. Place patties on a plate lined with plastic wrap or parchment; transfer to the freezer for 15 minutes (do not exceed this amount of time).
  • Meanwhile, heat a griddle, large cast-iron skillet, or large heavy stainless-steel skillet over medium-high heat. Melt 2 tablespoons butter and place the buns, cut-side down, in the pan. Cook until cut sides are golden-brown, about 2 minutes (you may need to do this in two batches, using additional butter if needed). Place toasted buns on four plates, reserving griddle or skillet.
  • Remove patties from freezer. Increase heat to high and add 2 tablespoons oil to the griddle or skillet; heat until oil begins to smoke. Working one at a time, add a patty to griddle and immediately press one of the spatulas flat on top of the patty. Use the handle of the other to hammer the spatula down, smashing the patty until 1/2 inch thick. (You'll have to hammer harder and longer than you might think.) Press down and slide the spatula to remove it without tearing the patty; generously season patty with salt and pepper. Repeat smashing process with remaining patties.
  • Flip each patty once the first side is deeply browned and crisp with craggly edges, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes for medium. Season the cooked side generously with salt and pepper, then add a slice of cheese and continue to cook until melted, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes more. Transfer cooked patties to bottom burger buns.
  • Top burgers with tomatoes and lettuce; spread top buns with Not-So-Secret Sauce and place on top. Serve immediately.

Bryant Inman
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These burgers were amazing! The flavor was incredible and the patties were cooked perfectly. I would definitely recommend this recipe to anyone who loves burgers.


Ray Melero
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The burgers were delicious, but they were a bit too messy to eat. I would recommend using a fork and knife to eat them.


Abbas Abbasjutt
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These burgers were a bit too salty for my taste. I think I would use less salt next time.


Brenda Chebet
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I love how customizable these burgers are. You can add any toppings you like to make them your own. I also like that you can make them as greasy or as lean as you want.


Ottah Best
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These burgers were amazing! I followed the recipe exactly and they turned out perfect. The patties were juicy and flavorful, the cheese was melted and gooey, and the buns were soft and fluffy. I will definitely be making these burgers again.


Armstrong Morris
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The burgers were delicious, but the buns were a bit dry. I would recommend using a softer bun next time.


Mazwi Masinga
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These burgers were a bit too greasy for my taste. I think I would try draining the patties more thoroughly next time.


MD Mijanur Rahaman
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The flavor of these burgers was amazing! The combination of the smashed patties, melted cheese, and toppings was perfect. I would highly recommend this recipe to anyone who loves burgers.


Alex Onelifer
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I love how easy these burgers are to make. I was able to get dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. The burgers were also very affordable to make, which is a bonus.


Patricia Sylvie
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These burgers were amazing! The flavor was incredible and the patties were cooked perfectly. I would definitely recommend this recipe to anyone who loves burgers.


tabassum naz
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The burgers were delicious, but they were a bit too messy to eat. I would recommend using a fork and knife to eat them.


Naeem Ghallou
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These burgers were a bit too salty for my taste. I think I would use less salt next time.


Luke Santos (Flamenco)
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I love how customizable these burgers are. You can add any toppings you like to make them your own. I also like that you can make them as greasy or as lean as you want.


Manqoba Melusi
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These burgers were amazing! I followed the recipe exactly and they turned out perfect. The patties were juicy and flavorful, the cheese was melted and gooey, and the buns were soft and fluffy. I will definitely be making these burgers again.


Hafeezjan111 Hafeezjaan111
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The burgers were delicious, but the buns were a bit dry. I would recommend using a softer bun next time.


Sourinhaphone Chaleunsouk
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These burgers were a bit too greasy for my taste. I think I would try draining the patties more thoroughly next time.


Eric Banks
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The flavor of these burgers was amazing! The combination of the smashed patties, melted cheese, and toppings was perfect. I would highly recommend this recipe to anyone who loves burgers.


Abdu Sabre
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I love how easy these burgers are to make. I was able to get dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. The burgers were also very affordable to make, which is a bonus.


amad nana99
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These smashed cheeseburgers were a hit with my family! The patties were juicy and flavorful, and the cheese was melted and gooey. The buns were soft and fluffy, and the toppings were fresh and delicious. We'll definitely be making these burgers again