Garlic Butter Smash Burgers Recipe

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Rest Time 5 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Beginner
Cooking Temp: 220  C
Servings: 4
Best Season: All Seasons
Description

Garlic Butter Smash Burgers are thin, crispy-edged beef patties smashed on a hot griddle and layered with melty cheese, toasted buns, and a rich garlic-herb butter that infuses every bite. This recipe delivers restaurant-style flavor at home with simple steps, bold aromas, and perfectly balanced textures.

Ingredients
    For the Garlic Butter
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped)
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked)
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for color and aroma)
    • For the Burger Patties
  • 500 ground g beef (80/20 fat ratio for juiciness)
  • 0.75 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.25 tsp onion powder
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese or any cheese
    • For the Buns
  • 4 brioche or soft burger buns
  • 2 tbsp butter (for toasting the buns)
    • For the Toppings
  • 1 medium onion (thinly sliced)
  • 2 medium dill pickles (sliced)
  • 4 leaves lettuce (washed & dried)
  • 2 medium tomatoes (sliced)
    • For the Burger Sauce (optional but recommended)
  • 3 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tsp mustard
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.25 tsp paprika
Instructions
    Make the Garlic Butter
  1. 1
    In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Combine until smooth. Set aside. This garlic butter will melt over the hot patties, adding richness and aroma.
    2. Shape the Beef Balls
  2. 2
    Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 120–125g each). Roll each portion into a loose ball. Do not overpack—air pockets help create better smashed edges.
    3. Preheat the Griddle or Cast-Iron Pan
  3. 3
    Heat your pan or griddle to 220°C. Let it get extremely hot. A hot surface is key to developing the iconic crispy, lace-like edges of smash burgers.
    4. Toast the Buns
  4. 4
    Spread a small amount of butter on each bun and toast cut-side down on the hot pan until golden and crisp. Remove and set aside.
    5. Smash the Patties
  5. 5
    Place one beef ball onto the hot pan. Immediately cover it with parchment paper and press firmly using a flat metal spatula or burger press. Smash it very thin (about ¼ inch). Season the top lightly with salt, pepper, and onion powder.
    6. Add Garlic Butter
  6. 6
    Place a small dollop of garlic butter on each smashed patty as it cooks. The butter will melt into the beef, enhancing flavor and creating sizzling aroma.
    7. Cook the Patties
  7. 7
    Let the patty cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes until the edges become crispy and browned. Flip the patty. Immediately add a slice of cheese on top to melt. Cook for another 1–1.5 minutes.
    8. Assemble the Burgers
  8. 8
    Spread burger sauce on both toasted buns. Layer the bottom bun with lettuce, tomato, and onions. Add the cheesy garlic butter smashed patty on top. Finish with pickle slices and the top bun.
    9. Rest Before Serving
  9. 9
    Allow the burgers to sit for 3–5 minutes so the juices settle and flavors come together.
Note

For extra crisp edges, avoid pressing the patties a second time after the initial smash.

Always preheat the pan well for proper searing.

Choose beef with at least 20% fat for juicy, flavorful patties.

Storage: Cooked patties can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 1 month. Buns and toppings should be stored separately.

Variations:

  • Add caramelized onions for sweetness.
  • Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist.
  • Add a halved jalapeño for heat.
Keywords: smash burgers, garlic butter burgers, easy beef burgers, stovetop burgers, quick dinner
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/garlic-butter-smash-burgers-recipe/