Name: Smash Burgers with Cheddar, Lettuce, Tomato, and Gherkin Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 burger buns, sesame topped or brioche; Mayonnaise, ketchup and American mustard, or your preferred sauces, to serve; 1 tbsp sunflower oil; 500g steak mince, 15-20% fat; 4 slices mild cheddar or burger cheese; 1 red onion, finely sliced; Handfuls of iceberg lettuce, finely shredded; 2 tomatoes, sliced; 1 large gherkin, sliced lengthways

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Introduction

Smash burgers are a mouthwatering twist on the classic cheeseburger, known for their irresistibly crispy edges and juicy centers. This easy recipe guides you through creating perfectly smashed patties with melty cheese and fresh toppings for a delicious homemade treat.

The image shows a close-up of a cheeseburger on a white sesame seed bun placed on a wooden board with a small white bowl of mustard on the side. The burger has five visible layers: at the bottom, a toasted golden bun with ketchup and shredded green lettuce; above this, thick slices of red tomato and purple onion rings; then a juicy grilled beef patty covered with melted light yellow cheese; on top of the cheese, four green pickle slices arranged side by side; finally, the top toasted bun is leaned slightly to the side, revealing the layers clearly. The background is a white marbled texture, and the lighting highlights the texture and colors of the burger. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 burger buns, sesame topped or brioche
1 tbsp sunflower oil

500g steak mince, 15-20% fat
4 slices mild cheddar or burger cheese

1 red onion, finely sliced
Handfuls of iceberg lettuce, finely shredded

2 tomatoes, sliced
1 large gherkin, sliced lengthways
Mayonnaise, ketchup, and American mustard or preferred sauces, to serve

Instructions

Step 1: Slice the burger buns in half and toast or grill the cut sides until golden. Set them aside and preheat the oven to 100°C (80°C fan/gas mark ¼).
Step 2: Divide the steak mince into four loose piles and season each generously with salt.
Step 3: Heat ¼ tablespoon of sunflower oil in a heavy frying pan or skillet over high heat. Place one pile of mince in the pan.

Step 4: Quickly cover the meat with a square of baking parchment. Using a second smaller pan, press the patty down as hard as possible to smash it thin. Take care with heat and steam during this process. Cook for 2 minutes.
Step 5: Remove the parchment and flip the patty. Press down gently with a spatula, place a slice of cheese on top, and cook for 1 more minute.
Step 6: Transfer the cooked patty to a baking tray and keep warm in the oven. Repeat the process with the remaining patties.

Step 7: To assemble, layer the toasted bun base with red onion, shredded lettuce, and tomato slices. Add the cheesy smashed burger patty, followed by gherkin slices. Top with the bun lid and serve with your favorite sauces on the side.

Tips & Variations

Use a sturdy spatula or a small heavy pan to press the patties for an even smash and crispy edges.
For extra flavor, toast the buns with a little butter before assembling.

Swap cheddar for pepper jack or blue cheese for varied taste.
Add pickled jalapeños or crispy bacon to elevate the burger further.

Storage

Smash burgers are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to retain crispness—avoid microwaving to keep the texture.

How to Serve

A close-up of a sesame seed bun burger resting on a wooden board with a white marbled texture background. The burger has six layers starting from the bottom: a lightly toasted bottom bun with ketchup and bits of green shredded lettuce visible, a layer of purple onion rings, two slices of bright red tomato, a juicy grilled beef patty covered in melted pale yellow cheese, topped with several slices of green pickles. The top bun is slightly tilted back, showing the layers clearly. A small bowl of yellow mustard is partly visible in the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef with lower fat content?

While you can, using beef with 15-20% fat helps keep the patties juicy and flavorful. Leaner meat may result in drier burgers.

Do I need to use baking parchment when smashing the patties?

Using baking parchment prevents the meat from sticking and helps with pressing the patties evenly. If you don’t have any, make sure your pressing tool and pan are well oiled.