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All-American Smash Burger Bar Recipe with 5 Easy Loaded Toppings

all-american smash burger bar - featured image

A flavorful and fun smash burger bar featuring crispy, juicy patties and a variety of loaded toppings perfect for gatherings and quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Vegetable oil or canola oil
  • 4 potato buns or brioche buns, split and lightly toasted
  • 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 crispy bacon strips (thick-cut or regular)
  • Caramelized onions (about 1 cup)
  • Thinly sliced pickles (about 1/2 cup)
  • Fresh lettuce leaves (4 leaves)
  • Ripe tomato slices (4 slices)
  • Burger sauce (mix mayo, ketchup, mustard, and a dash of hot sauce to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prep your toppings first (about 20 minutes): caramelize onions in butter over medium heat until soft and golden brown (15-20 minutes). Cook bacon strips until crispy then chop finely or prepare bacon jam. Slice pickles, tomatoes, and wash lettuce leaves. Toast the buns lightly and set aside.
  2. Form the beef balls (5 minutes): divide ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz or 113 g each). Gently roll into loose balls without overworking the meat.
  3. Heat your pan or griddle (3-5 minutes): get it smoking hot over medium-high heat. Add a thin layer of oil and let it shimmer.
  4. Smash the patties (2 minutes per batch): place a beef ball onto the hot surface and press down firmly with a spatula for 10-15 seconds to flatten to about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Cook the first side (2-3 minutes): let the patty cook undisturbed until edges turn brown and crispy and juices pool on top.
  6. Flip and add cheese (1-2 minutes): flip the patty and immediately place a slice of cheese on top to melt while the second side cooks.
  7. Assemble the burgers (5 minutes): place cooked patties on toasted buns and layer with caramelized onions, crispy bacon or bacon jam, pickles, lettuce, tomato slices, and a generous dollop of burger sauce.
  8. Serve right away: enjoy smash burgers hot off the griddle with all toppings warm.

Notes

Work in batches if pan is small; keep finished patties warm in a low oven (200°F / 95°C). Do not press patties after flipping to retain juices. Use very hot skillet for crispy crust. Caramelize onions slowly for best flavor or substitute with quick-pickled red onions.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, burger bar, loaded toppings, crispy edges, quick burger recipe, all-american burger, homemade burger