Smash Burgers: Choosing The Perfect Cheesy Combo

A smash burger is a type of burger formed by pressing or smashing ground beef into a thin patty as soon as it hits the grill, creating extra browning and flavour on the outside while maintaining the patty's juiciness. When it comes to cheese, the options are endless. Deli-sliced American cheese is a popular choice as it melts well and has a creamy texture. Other options include cheddar, pepper jack, smoked gouda, Monterey Jack, brie, provolone, gouda, stilton, parmesan, comté, and halloumi.

Deli American cheese is the best for smash burgers as it melts well and doesn't split

Deli American cheese is the best choice for smash burgers. While some may prefer cheddar, American cheese has a classic, creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the burger. More importantly, it melts exceptionally well without splitting, ensuring that your burger maintains its structural integrity.

American cheese slices from the deli counter tend to have a better flavour than those found in the dairy aisle. They are also thicker and melt better than the plastic-wrapped variety. If you can't get to a deli counter, Land O Lakes and Kraft Deli Deluxe are recommended brands.

When preparing smash burgers, it is important to use chilled beef and a hot, unoiled griddle to create a crispy, caramelised crust. The patties should be seasoned with salt and pepper and cooked for around a minute to create a crust before flipping. After flipping, add a slice of American cheese, which will melt quickly and help bind the patties together.

In addition to the cheese, a simple burger sauce can be made by combining mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, and smoked paprika. This sauce, along with classic toppings such as lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles, will elevate your smash burger and create a restaurant-quality experience.

Cheddar is a classic topping for burgers and can be dry or moist

Cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be shredded or sliced thick and placed on a range of burgers, from beef to turkey. It is a popular choice for smash burgers, which are formed into balls of ground beef and then pressed or smashed into thin patties.

When making smash burgers, it is important to use chilled beef to help the fat stay in the meat and result in a juicier burger. The patties are cooked on a hot, unoiled griddle or pan to increase the contact points and create a rich, brown crust.

While some people prefer American cheese on their smash burgers, others opt for cheddar, which can be dry or moist, to add a different texture and flavour to their burgers. Ultimately, the choice of cheese comes down to personal preference, and both American and cheddar cheese can be delicious options for smash burgers.

Other cheeses to consider are smoked gouda, Monterey Jack, brie, provolone, gouda, stilton, parmesan, and halloumi

While American cheese is a classic choice for smash burgers, there are several other cheeses that can be used to add a unique twist to this iconic dish. Here are some alternative cheeses to consider for your next smash burger creation:

Smoked Gouda

Known for its smoky flavour, smoked gouda is a delicious addition to smash burgers, especially when paired with barbecue sauce. It has a robust yet relatively mild taste that can complement the bold flavours of your burger.

Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack is an excellent melting cheese with a mild taste that can stand up to bold flavours. It is perfect for creating a super-gooey cheese sauce or for using as a slice on your burger. Its springy, sliceable texture makes it a versatile choice.

Brie

For an ultra-gooey and creamy experience, consider using Brie on your smash burger. Its rich and buttery texture can take your burger to the next level. Brie tends to melt quickly, so be sure to keep an eye on it while cooking.

Provolone

Provolone is a semi-firm cheese that pairs well with sweet or hot Italian sausage. It has a springy, sliceable texture, making it a versatile choice for smash burgers. Its nutty and smoky flavour can add an interesting dimension to your burger.

Gouda

Gouda, a nutty and smoky cheese, pairs exceptionally well with barbecue sauce. It has a unique flavour that can enhance the taste of your burger. Gouda melts beautifully, creating a creamy and indulgent texture.

Stilton

Stilton is a pungent and salty cheese with a bold flavour profile. It can be a great addition to your smash burger, adding a punch of flavour. Start with small amounts and gradually increase to suit your taste preferences.

Parmesan

Parmesan, a bold and hard cheese, can be mixed into the ground beef to create a flavour-packed patty. It adds a savory and crunchy element to your burger, enhancing the overall taste and texture.

Halloumi

Halloumi is a salty and buttery cheese that holds its shape when heated, making it ideal for grilling. It develops a charred crust that yields to a soft and creamy interior, providing a unique textural contrast.

For the best flavour, smash burgers on a hot, unoiled griddle

Smash burgers are made by placing balls of ground beef onto a hot griddle and then pressing them down into flat, thin patties. This process is key to creating the maximum amount of crust, which is where the flavour comes from. The increased surface area of the patty created by smashing means more of the meat is in contact with the griddle, leading to more of the Maillard reaction—a series of chemical reactions that create a rich, brown crust and enhance the flavour of the meat.

To get the best results, the griddle should be hot and unoiled. This is because the meat needs to stick to the griddle to maximise the contact points for browning. The patties should be made from high-fat ground beef, with a fat content of around 20-25%. This fat content ensures the meat has enough fat to sizzle without having to grease the pan.

When it comes to shaping the patties, it's important to work the meat a little to help it bind together. Form it into balls, then use a stiff spatula, or a bench scraper, to press down on them and shape them into flat, thin disks. Season the patties with salt and pepper, then cook until a crust forms (this should take around 30 seconds to one minute).

Once the crust has formed, use a spatula to scrape the burgers up, making sure to get all of the tasty brown crust. Flip the burgers, then add a slice of cheese. Stack two patties on top of each other to create a double burger. This will help keep the burgers moist.

Smash burgers are typically served on toasted buns with a simple condiment like mayonnaise or mustard, and classic burger toppings such as lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles.

Smash burgers are best served on brioche or potato buns

When it comes to choosing the perfect bun for your smash burger, two options stand out above the rest: brioche or potato buns. Both types of buns offer a unique texture and flavour that can elevate your burger-making experience and impress your taste buds.

Brioche buns, known for their light and savoury profile, add a touch of buttery richness to your smash burger. The soft and fluffy interior of a brioche bun provides a delightful contrast to the hearty beef patty. This type of bun is perfect for those who enjoy a hint of sweetness with their meal, as it combines the best of both worlds – sweet and savoury. Brioche buns also have the structural integrity to hold up to a juicy burger and all its toppings without falling apart.

On the other hand, potato buns offer a different kind of magic. These buns are slightly denser and have a more earthy sweetness to them, thanks to the use of potato flour in the dough. Potato buns have a soft and pillow-like texture, ensuring that each bite is a tasty mouthful. They are also known for their ability to soak up any juices from the patty or toppings, creating a harmonious blend of flavours with every mouthful.

To enhance your brioche or potato bun, consider toasting it lightly before serving. A subtle scrape of butter on the bun, toasted to a golden perfection on a griddle, can take your burger experience to the next level. You can even add a thin layer of butter and lightly toast the bun in a pan or frying pan before stacking your burger.

Ultimately, the choice between brioche and potato buns for your smash burger comes down to personal preference. Both options offer a unique set of characteristics that can complement and enhance the flavours of your burger. Experiment with both and decide which one suits your taste buds better!

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