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Crispy Dad’s Famous Smash Burgers with Melty Cheese

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A quick and easy smash burger recipe featuring crispy edges, juicy centers, and perfectly melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 slices American or sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 soft burger buns, lightly toasted (potato buns recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  • Optional toppings: thinly sliced onions, pickles, lettuce, tomato slices, ketchup, mustard, or favorite burger sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat your cast iron skillet or heavy griddle on medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until very hot.
  2. Divide the ground beef into 4 equal balls (about 4 ounces or 115g each), keeping the meat loose and not overworked.
  3. Spread softened butter on the cut sides of the buns and toast them in a separate pan or after cooking the patties for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
  4. Place one beef ball onto the hot skillet. Using a sturdy metal spatula, press down firmly for 10-15 seconds until the patty is about 1/4 inch (6mm) thick to create crispy edges.
  5. Season the exposed side immediately with salt and pepper.
  6. Cook the patty undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until juices bubble up and edges crisp.
  7. Flip the patty gently and quickly place a slice of cheese on top. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and burger is cooked through.
  8. Place the patty with melted cheese on the toasted bun bottom. Add preferred toppings.
  9. Top with the bun crown and serve immediately.

Notes

Use cold ground beef for best crust formation. Press firmly but avoid making patties too thin. Do not press after flipping. Cook in batches if needed to maintain high heat. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. Cheese can be swapped for Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack for variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, crispy burger, melty cheese burger, quick burger recipe, easy dinner, cast iron skillet burger

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/crispy-dads-famous-smash-burgers-recipe-easy-perfect-melty-cheese/