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Smash Burger Double Cheese BBQ

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes

Elevate your next cookout with smash burgers made from seasoned ground beef, seared on a hot skillet for crispy edges and juicy centers. Each double-stacked patty is layered with melty American cheese and nestled in butter-toasted buns. Classic toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and onions add crunch, while a tangy sauce brings everything together. Make burgers fresh, smash them thin for maximum caramelization, and serve hot for a satisfying bite the whole crowd will enjoy. Customize with your preferred cheese or favorite condiments to suit every taste.

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Updated on Fri, 16 May 2025 21:43:29 GMT
A large burger with tomatoes, lettuce, and cheese. Pin
A large burger with tomatoes, lettuce, and cheese. | applefoodie.com

When I crave classic diner-style burgers at home, I always turn to this smash burger recipe. With crisp edges and juicy centers, these double cheeseburgers come together lightning fast and promise crowd-pleasing results whether you are feeding a family or hosting a backyard get-together.

I first made these for a BBQ and they were gone before I could sit down. Ever since then my friends insist I make them at every gathering because nothing beats the fresh sizzle and melty cheese.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: Use 80 20 for a perfect juicy balance and try to buy fresh ground not frozen for best flavor
  • Worcestershire sauce: Adds an umami punch pick a good quality brand if you can
  • Garlic powder: Gives depth and savoriness try to use fresh garlic powder not one that is clumped or faded
  • Salt: Enhances each bite a flaky sea salt makes a noticeable difference
  • Cracked pepper: Freshly cracked gives the burgers their signature zing
  • American cheese: Melts smoothly for creamy layers if possible pick from the deli section
  • Hamburger buns: Cheaper store or potato buns are perfect their softness lets the beef stand out
  • Butter: For toasting the buns a little goes a long way for that golden crisp edge
  • Shredded lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onion: These offer crunch and freshness choose crisp veggies
  • Smash burger sauce: Adds tang and richness you can buy or make your own

When shopping I always press the beef gently through the wrapper to make sure it is richly marbled and fresh smelling and I look for buns that are soft enough to squish in my hand but spring back.

Step by Step Instructions

Make the Burger Mixture:
Combine ground beef Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder in a large bowl. Gently use your hands to mix until the seasoning is evenly mixed in but do not overmix.
Portion the Meat:
Divide the meat into eight pieces and roll into small balls about two ounces each. This keeps the burgers thin and easy to smash.
Preheat the Skillet or Grill:
Set your skillet or griddle over high heat. Wait until it is visibly hot and just starting to smoke a blazing surface is key for crispy edges.
Smash the Burgers:
Place a ball of beef onto the pan and immediately press it flat using a burger press or sturdy spatula. Smash until it is larger than the bun knowing it will shrink as it cooks.
Season and Sear:
Sprinkle each flattened patty with salt and cracked pepper. Let them cook without moving until edges are browned and the top turns grayish around forty five to sixty seconds.
Flip and Add Cheese:
Carefully flip each patty. Sprinkle again with salt and pepper then quickly top with a slice of cheese. Immediately stack one patty on top of another to create double burgers and let the cheese melt gently.
Toast the Buns:
Butter the insides of the buns then toast them cutside down in a skillet over medium low heat until deep golden and crisp.
Assemble and Serve:
Place the hot patties on the toasted buns. Pile on the lettuce tomatoes pickles and onions and drizzle with smash burger sauce. Enjoy right away while they are juicy.
A smash burger with tomatoes, jalapenos, and lettuce. Pin
A smash burger with tomatoes, jalapenos, and lettuce. | applefoodie.com

What I love most is watching the cheese melt instantly on the hot burgers. My favorite moment is seeing the burgers disappear moments after serving as everyone builds their dream burger from the topping platter. My kids beg for the crispy edges and ask for extra cheese every time.

Storage Tips

Leftover cooled patties store beautifully in the fridge wrapped in foil or in an airtight container for two to three days. When reheating place in a hot skillet with a lid for a few minutes or rewarm wrapped in foil in the oven to keep them moist.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of Worcestershire sauce a splash of soy sauce and a dash of hot sauce give a similar savory boost. Swap American cheese for cheddar Havarti or Swiss depending on what you have. For a lighter option use ground turkey and season well for extra flavor.

A close up of a burger with tomatoes, lettuce, and bacon. Pin
A close up of a burger with tomatoes, lettuce, and bacon. | applefoodie.com

Serving Suggestions

Set up a toppings bar with pickles jalapenos caramelized onions or sliced avocado so guests can customize. Serve the burgers with waffle fries or a fresh crunchy slaw. I sometimes pair them with icy lemonade and old fashioned milkshakes for a classic diner feel.

Cultural and Historical Context

Smash burgers got popular at American roadside diners where pressing ground beef onto a hot flat top cooks the patty quickly and maximizes surface caramelization. This method brings out deep flavors and creates the signature crust people crave from burger stands.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ What ground beef blend works best for smash burgers?

Opt for 80/20 ground beef for a great balance of flavor and juiciness. The higher fat content ensures a tender, flavorful patty that crisps up nicely.

→ How hot should the skillet or grill be?

The cooking surface should be very hot, almost smoking, to create crispy edges and a quick sear without overcooking the meat.

→ Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely. While American cheese melts perfectly, feel free to use cheddar, Swiss, or any favorite sliced cheese.

→ What's the best way to toast burger buns?

Spread butter on the inside of the buns and toast them, cut-side down, on a skillet over medium-low heat until golden.

→ How can I keep burgers warm for serving?

Wrap cooked, assembled patties in foil to keep them hot and the cheese melty while finishing the rest of the burgers.

Smash Burger Double Cheese BBQ

Savor juicy double smash burgers layered with melty cheese and fresh toppings for ultimate flavor.

Preparation Time
10 min
Cook Time
5 min
Total Time
15 min
By: Ava

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Serves (4 double burgers)

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

→ For the burgers

01 450 grams 80/20 ground beef
02 15 millilitres Worcestershire sauce
03 2.5 grams garlic powder
04 5 grams salt, plus more to taste
05 2.5 grams cracked black pepper, plus more to taste
06 8 slices American cheese

→ For assembly

07 4 hamburger buns, split and toasted with butter
08 Shredded lettuce
09 Sliced tomatoes
10 Pickles
11 Sliced onion
12 Smash burger sauce

Steps

Step 01

In a mixing bowl, gently blend the ground beef with the Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder by hand until the seasonings are evenly incorporated. Avoid overmixing to preserve texture.

Step 02

Divide the seasoned beef into 8 equal portions, approximately 57 grams each, and form into balls.

Step 03

Heat a large cast iron skillet or flat top grill over high heat until extremely hot.

Step 04

Arrange beef balls on the surface and firmly flatten each with a burger press or two large spatulas, making them wider than the buns, as they will shrink slightly during cooking.

Step 05

Sprinkle the smashed patties with salt and pepper. Cook for 45-60 seconds, allowing the edges to brown and the tops to turn pale.

Step 06

Flip each patty, season again with salt and pepper, then immediately top each with a slice of cheese. Quickly stack one patty on top of another to form 4 double patties.

Step 07

Butter the cut sides of the hamburger buns. Toast on a skillet over medium-low heat until golden and crisp.

Step 08

Place each double patty on a toasted bun. Top with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion, and smash burger sauce as desired. Serve immediately.

Notes & Tips

  1. For optimal results when smashing the patties, use a piece of wax paper between the burger and the press to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
  2. To keep burgers warm if working in batches, wrap them in foil after assembling with buns, then add toppings just before serving.
  3. American cheese delivers the ideal melt, though other sliced cheeses may be substituted to preference.
  4. Store-bought or potato buns allow the flavours of the beef to stand out, as opposed to stronger flavoured options such as brioche.
  5. Alternative seasoning blends such as cheesesteak or buttery burger seasonings may be added for a different flavour profile.

Necessary Equipment

  • Cast iron skillet or flat top grill
  • Burger press or large spatulas
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • Knife for slicing toppings

Allergy Information

Always double-check ingredient labels for allergens and consult a healthcare professional if you’re unsure.
  • Contains dairy (cheese and butter)
  • Contains gluten (hamburger buns)

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice.
  • Calories: 569
  • Fats: 38 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Proteins: 31 g