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
Scale
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.
