If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food mashup, look no further than this Smashed Burger Grilled Cheese Recipe. It combines that irresistibly crispy, cheesy grilled cheese with a juicy smashed burger patty tucked right inside, creating a glorious explosion of flavors and textures that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This sandwich is quick to make, right from simple pantry and fridge staples, and is sure to become one of your favorite go-to meals when hunger strikes hard and fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Smashed Burger Grilled Cheese Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each selected to bring juicy, savory, creamy, and tangy notes all in perfect harmony. Every element plays its part, from the rich ground beef that forms the star burger patty to the melted cheese that blankets it with gooey goodness. The pickles, mustard, and onions add that punch of brightness that keeps every bite exciting and balanced.
- 7 oz ground beef (80/20 blend): The perfect ratio of meat to fat ensures juicy, flavorful patties that stay tender when smashed and cooked.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the beef.
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper: Adds subtle spice and depth to the patties.
- 4 slices sandwich bread (white or sourdough): Choose sturdy bread that crisps nicely on the skillet for the ultimate grilled cheese texture.
- 4 slices cheddar cheese or American cheese: Classic melty cheeses that provide rich creaminess and that iconic grilled cheese stretch.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened: For spreading on the bread and creating that irresistibly golden, crispy crust.
- 4 slices dill pickle: Adds a tangy crunch that cuts through the richness beautifully.
- 2 tsp yellow mustard: Provides a subtle sharpness and moisture, complementing the savory beef and cheese.
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced: Offers a gentle bite and a pop of color that livens up the sandwich.
How to Make Smashed Burger Grilled Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Skillet
Start by heating a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until it’s hot and ready. This ensures a nice sear on the smashed patties and crisps up the bread perfectly later. Hot skillet, happy sandwich!
Step 2: Form and Smash the Patties
Divide the ground beef into two equal portions and loosely shape them into balls. Then, place one ball onto the hot skillet and press it down firmly with a heavy spatula until it’s about half an inch thick. This smashing technique creates those crispy edges and maximum contact with the skillet, locking in incredible flavor. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper for that perfect savory kick.
Step 3: Cook the Patties and Melt the Cheese
Let the patties cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes, then flip them over. Immediately top each patty with a slice of cheddar or American cheese. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese melts wonderfully and the beef is cooked through. Set the cheesy patties aside — you’re halfway to sandwich heaven.
Step 4: Butter the Bread
Spread softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. The buttered side is what will touch the skillet to give you that gorgeous golden crust and buttery flavor that grilled cheese fans live for.
Step 5: Assemble Your Smashed Burger Grilled Cheese
Place two buttered bread slices, butter side down, onto the skillet. Now layer each slice with a cheese slice, a melted smashed burger patty, and your optional add-ons: dill pickles, red onion slices, and yellow mustard for that extra boost of zing and texture.
Step 6: Top and Grill the Sandwiches
Cap each open sandwich with the remaining buttered bread slices, butter side up. Grill them gently, pressing down a bit with your spatula for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. The goal is a crispy golden exterior and perfectly melted cheese snuggling the juicy burger inside.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once done, remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them rest for about a minute. This brief pause helps the cheese set slightly so it doesn’t spill everywhere when you slice. Then slice, serve warm, and get ready to savor every fantastic bite of your homemade Smashed Burger Grilled Cheese Recipe.
How to Serve Smashed Burger Grilled Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A few thoughtful garnishes can elevate your Smashed Burger Grilled Cheese Recipe from amazing to next-level. Try adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or parsley on the side to add a touch of green freshness. For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle a bit of spicy ketchup or your favorite BBQ sauce on the plate for dipping. These little touches help personalize this classic comfort dish.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs beautifully with crispy French fries or even sweet potato fries for a salty-sweet combo. A crunchy dill pickle spear on the side echoes the sandwich pickles, while a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing balance to the richness. For something cozy, serve alongside a bowl of tomato soup — it’s a true match made in comfort food heaven.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests or jazz up family dinner? Cut the Smashed Burger Grilled Cheese sandwiches into fun shapes using cookie cutters or serve them as sliders with mini buns and smashed mini patties. You could also serve open-faced on toasted bread with an extra slice of cheese broiled on top, letting the gooeyness ooze out dramatically. Even stacking two sandwiches for a “double-decker” creates a fun visual and taste experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers of this dazzling Smashed Burger Grilled Cheese Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To avoid sogginess, consider wrapping the sandwiches individually in parchment paper or foil before refrigerating.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t the best option for this sandwich because the bread may become too soft and the patties lose their freshly smashed crispness. That said, if you want to prep patties ahead of time, you can freeze them raw and thaw when ready to make your sandwich fresh.
Reheating
To reheat, avoid microwaving as it tends to make the bread chewy and the sandwich limp. Instead, pop it in a hot skillet with a little butter over medium heat, pressing gently until warmed through and crisped again. Alternatively, use a toaster oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to revive that perfect grilled cheese crunch and melted cheese magic.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar and American cheese melt beautifully, you can experiment with provolone, pepper jack, or even a mix of cheeses to suit your taste. Just make sure they melt well to keep that ooey-gooey grilled cheese texture.
What if I don’t have a heavy spatula to smash the patties?
No worries! You can use any flat, sturdy spatula or even the bottom of a heavy pan to press the patties down evenly. The key is applying firm, steady pressure for crispy edges.
Is sourdough bread better than white bread for this recipe?
Both work wonderfully. Sourdough offers a tangier flavor and sturdier texture, which some may prefer, while white bread brings a soft, neutral base. Choose depending on your bread preference and what’s on hand.
Can I add bacon or other toppings?
Definitely! Crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or caramelized onions make excellent additions that amp up the flavor even more. Just layer them in with the patty and cheese before grilling.
How thick should the smashed patties be?
About 1/2 inch thick when smashed is ideal. This thickness crisps up nicely without drying out and cooks quickly, keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so deeply satisfying about combining two classic favorites into one stellar sandwich, and this Smashed Burger Grilled Cheese Recipe nails it with every melty, crispy, juicy bite. It’s a quick recipe with humble ingredients that come together to create pure comfort food bliss you’ll want to make again and again. So get that skillet hot, grab your favorite cheese, and dive into this delicious adventure—you won’t regret it!
Print
Smashed Burger Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Smashed Burger Grilled Cheese combines the best of two comfort foods—a juicy smashed beef patty with melty cheddar cheese, all sandwiched between buttery toasted bread. Quick to make and packed with rich flavors, this recipe is perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Beef Patties
- 7 oz ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Sandwich Assembly
- 4 slices sandwich bread (white or sourdough)
- 4 slices cheddar cheese or American cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 4 slices dill pickle
- 2 tsp yellow mustard
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat Skillet: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until hot, ensuring it’s ready for cooking the patties and later grilling the sandwiches.
- Form Beef Portions: Divide the ground beef into two equal balls, shaping them loosely to avoid compacting the meat.
- Smash Patties: Place one beef ball onto the hot skillet and firmly press down with a heavy spatula to flatten it to about 1/2 inch thickness. Season the patties evenly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Cook Patties with Cheese: Cook the patties for 2 minutes on the first side. Flip each patty, immediately top with a slice of cheese, then cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the patties are cooked through. Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside.
- Butter Bread: Spread softened unsalted butter on one side of each bread slice. Place two slices, buttered side down, onto the hot skillet to start grilling the sandwiches.
- Assemble Sandwich Layers: On the bread slices in the skillet, layer a slice of cheese, then place each smashed beef patty on top. Add optional toppings such as dill pickle slices, thinly sliced red onion, and yellow mustard as desired for extra flavor.
- Top Sandwich: Cover the assembled layers with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up, completing the sandwich.
- Grill Sandwiches: Grill the sandwiches for 2 to 3 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula to help the bread toast evenly and the cheese melt thoroughly, until the bread is golden brown and crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them rest for about 1 minute to set. Slice and serve warm for the best taste and texture experience.
Notes
- Use a heavy spatula or burger press to achieve a thin, even smash on the patties.
- Adjust cooking time slightly depending on skillet heat and thickness of patties for desired doneness.
- Choose good-quality cheddar or American cheese for optimal melting.
- Feel free to swap pickles and onions for your favorite burger toppings like tomato or lettuce.
- Butter the bread generously to ensure a crispy, golden crust when grilled.
