Easy Caramelized Onion Smash Burgers
It’s easy to make restaurant-style Smash Burgers at home! Made with fresh-ground beef, homemade caramelized onions, cheese and plenty of toppings.
Smash burgers have been having a moment the past year, and I’m here for it! I have always preferred a griddled burger with a thin patty and crispy browned bits on the edges. So, I’ve been ordering smash burgers at restaurants every chance I get! This smash burger recipe is an easy way to make these delicious burgers at home – it’s easier than you would think!
For this recipe, I made two double burgers. Of course, you could convert this recipe into four single burgers, but you will need four buns total.
These smashburgers can be made in a cast iron skillet or a flat top grill like a Blackstone! As long as you have a hot griddle surface, it will work out for you.
Recipe Substitutions and Additions
High-quality ingredients will give you a high-quality burger! There are plenty of substitutions you can make to use what you have on hand at home. Here are a few ideas:
- I really recommend using 80/20 beef, so you have a nice, juicy burger. Lean ground beef could turn out dry!
- Use a regular burger bun or a potato bun instead of the brioche.
- Add crispy bacon or bacon jam for extra flavor.
- Make a burger sauce! See my notes below in the recipe card for an easy homemade sauce. Or you can use your favorite condiments like ketchup, mustard or even barbecue sauce.
- I do not recommend using red onions for the caramelized onions, but you are welcome to substitute white onions.
- Turn this recipe into sliders by using slider buns and dividing your hamburger meat into 8 equal balls of ground beef.
Serving Suggestions
I think these burgers are wonderful with grilled corn on the cob, creamy pasta salad or an old-fashioned cucumber salad! Wash it all down with a classic chocolate milkshake for the perfect summer meal.
I hope that you and your family love this Smash Burger recipe! If you make them, I’d love to hear how it goes for you in the comments below.
Easy Caramelized Onion Smashburgers
Ingredients
For the caramelized onions:
- 1 yellow onion, large, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
For the burger patties:
- 1 pound ground beef, 80/20 blend
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons avocado oil, for griddle/skillet
For burger assembly:
- 4 slices American cheese
- 2 brioche buns, like St. Pierre brand
- 1 tablespoon butter, for toasting buns
- dill pickle chips
- lettuce
- tomato slices
Equipment
- Cuisinart 6.5'-inch Cast Iron Burger Press
Instructions
- First, start the caramelized onions. Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over low-medium heat. Add sliced onions and salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally for about 20 minutes until onions are soft, golden and beginning to caramelize. Set aside.
- Next, prepare the patties. Divide the ground beef into 4 equal balls (about 4 ounces each). I do not recommend making them larger than this.
- Prepare the buns by buttering the cut sides of each bun. Toast in a skillet or griddle over medium heat until golden. Set aside.
- Cook the patties. In the same skillet or griddle, add oil and heat over medium-high heat. When the oil sizzles when water hits it, place each ball of meat on the hot surface. IMMEDIATELY smash each ball flat with a burger press or sturdy metal spatula until the patty is about 1/4-inch thick. Apply firm pressure to build a flavorful crust and hold for about 10 seconds. A sheet of parchment can be placed between the beef and the press if desired.
- Season patties with salt and black pepper. Cook without moving for about 2 minutes, or until a deep brown crust forms.
- Flip the patties and top each with a slice of cheese. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until cheese begins to melt. Use a spatula to loosen patties from the grill and set aside.
- Assemble the burger. Add sauce if desired, then one cheese-topped patty on the bottom bun. Add a generous layer of caramelized onions, then the second patty. Add more caramelized onions and toppings of choice. I like dill pickles and tomato slices.
- Top with the top bun, serve warm.
Notes
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon teriyaki sauce
- 1 tablespoon pickles, chopped (or pickle relish)
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika, preferably smoked paprika
