Name: Smashburger Classic Smash Easy Copycat Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons yellow mustard; 1 teaspoon pickle juice; 1 teaspoon finely chopped dill pickle; 1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt; 1 1/4 pound ground chuck; 3 tablespoons butter (divided use); 4 potato buns (split); 4 slices American cheese; 1/4 cup ketchup; 12 dill crinkle-cut pickle chips; 8 thin slices red onion; 8 thin tomato slices; 4 lettuce leaves

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 44 reviews

If you have ever wondered how to capture the magic of a beloved burger joint right in your own kitchen, then you are in for a treat. The Smashburger Classic Smash Easy Copycat Recipe is a fantastic way to recreate those crispy, juicy patties topped with melty American cheese and the perfect tangy sauce that everyone raves about. This recipe combines simplicity and big flavor flawlessly, making it a go-to for burger lovers who want that iconic taste without leaving home. Trust me, once you’ve nailed this Smashburger Classic Smash Easy Copycat Recipe, your cookouts and weeknight dinners will never be the same.

Ingredients You’ll Need

On a white marbled surface, there is a baking tray holding various burger ingredients arranged neatly. Starting from the top left, there are two red tomato slices with visible seeds, followed by a fresh green lettuce leaf with textured edges. Next to the lettuce, there are two yellow cheese slices stacked slightly overlapping. To the right of these, there are several purple-red onion rings stacked evenly. Below the tomato slices, three small clear glass bowls hold different sauces: a creamy white sauce, a bright red ketchup, and part of a yellow mustard sauce visible on the side. In the center, there is a clear bowl filled with raw ground beef, showing a pink and slightly rough texture. On the bottom right of the tray, there are two soft, light beige burger buns placed side by side. The overall look is clean and colorful, arranged in an orderly way. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this classic burger recipe. Each item plays a crucial role, whether it’s creating the luscious Smash Sauce, achieving that perfect crisp on the buns, or seasoning the beef just right.

Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): The creamy base for the signature Smash Sauce that adds richness.
Yellow mustard (2 tablespoons): Brings a punch of tang that balances the sauce perfectly.
Pickle juice (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle zesty kick to the sauce.
Finely chopped dill pickle (1 teaspoon): For texture and that classic pickle flavor in the sauce.
Vegetable oil (1/2 teaspoon): Helps in lightly frying the patties to perfection.
Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning the beef thoroughly.
Ground black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a little heat to enhance the meat’s natural flavor.
Seasoned salt (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the seasoning with a touch of complexity.
Ground chuck (1 1/4 pounds): The hero of the recipe, perfect for juicy, flavorful patties.
Butter (3 tablespoons, divided): Used for toasting buns and cooking patties to add richness.
Potato buns (4, split): Soft, pillowy buns that toast beautifully for the ideal sandwich base.
American cheese slices (4): Melts smoothly for that classic cheeseburger look and taste.
Ketchup (1/4 cup): Adds sweetness and a nice tang with the burger sauce.
Dill crinkle-cut pickle chips (12): Classic pickle slices that add crunch and acidity.
Thin slices red onion (8): For a fresh bite and a splash of color.
Thin tomato slices (8): Juicy and sweet, balancing the savory flavors perfectly.
Lettuce leaves (4): Adds crispness and brightens up each bite.

How to Make Smashburger Classic Smash Easy Copycat Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Signature Smash Sauce

Start by whisking together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, pickle juice, and finely chopped dill pickle in a small bowl. This Smash Sauce is where a lot of the magic happens, bringing creaminess and tang that elevate the whole burger.

Step 2: Mix the Burger Seasoning

In another bowl, combine the kosher salt, ground black pepper, and seasoned salt. This blend seasons the outside of your beef balls to give that iconic seasoned crust when smashed on the skillet.

Step 3: Form and Season the Beef

Divide the ground chuck into 4 equal-sized balls, but don’t pack them too tightly — you want them loose enough to smash well. Sprinkle a little of your seasoning blend onto the outside of each ball for that first burst of flavor.

Step 4: Toast the Buns

Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the split potato buns cut side down and toast until they are golden and slightly crisp, which typically takes between 30 seconds and 3 minutes. This step prevents sogginess and adds a buttery crunch.

Step 5: Smash and Cook the Patties

Heat another tablespoon of butter in a heavy skillet or griddle over medium-high heat — cast iron works great here for that perfect crust. Place two beef balls in the pan and immediately press each one down firmly using a sturdy metal spatula or a small foil-wrapped pan. Hold for about 10 seconds until the patties are sizzling thin. Season again and let them cook for 60 to 90 seconds, allowing the crust to form.

Step 6: Flip and Add Cheese

Flip the patties while scraping up all those delicious crispy bits. Season the other side then quickly top each with a slice of American cheese. Let the cheese melt as the burgers cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, reaching your preferred doneness.

Step 7: Repeat for Remaining Patties

Add the last tablespoon of butter and repeat the smashing and cooking process with your remaining beef balls to ensure consistency and flavor in every burger.

Step 8: Assemble Your Smashburger Classic Smash Easy Copycat Recipe

Spread 2 teaspoons of the Smash Sauce on each toasted bun bottom, followed by 2 teaspoons of ketchup. Layer the cheesy burger patty next, then top it with 3 dill pickle chips, 2 slices of red onion, 2 tomato slices, and a crisp leaf of lettuce. Finally, cap it with the top bun and serve immediately for maximum enjoyment.

How to Serve Smashburger Classic Smash Easy Copycat Recipe

The image shows a cheeseburger placed on a wooden board on a white marbled surface. The burger has a soft, golden-brown top bun with a slightly wrinkled texture. Below the bun, there is a layer of fresh green lettuce, followed by two slices of red tomato and slices of purple onion arranged evenly. Underneath the onion sits a juicy beef patty with melted yellow cheese draped over it, resting on a toasted bottom bun. In the background, there are more burgers, some placed upright and some cut in half, showing the same layers inside. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The classic pickle chips and sharp red onion slices bring that unmistakable tang and crunch that lifts the entire sandwich. Using fresh tomato and crisp lettuce brightens the burger and adds contrast to the rich meat and sauce.

Side Dishes

Serve with crispy French fries, onion rings, or a simple side salad to complement the hearty burger. Even a small bowl of coleslaw works wonderfully to balance the savory richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Smashburger Classic Smash Easy Copycat Recipe with a small ramekin of extra Smash Sauce on the side for dipping. Wrapping the burgers in parchment paper gives that authentic diner feel, perfect for casual gatherings or picnics.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can refrigerate any leftover patties and buns separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reassemble the burgers fresh to avoid soggy buns or limp veggies.

Freezing

Freeze uncooked seasoned beef balls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for up to one month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat cooked patties gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve juiciness. Toast buns separately to bring back their buttery crispness. Avoid using the microwave to keep the quality of your Smashburger Classic Smash Easy Copycat Recipe intact.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While American cheese melts beautifully and gives that classic taste, cheddar, pepper jack, or Swiss can add interesting flavor twists. Just make sure to choose a cheese that melts easily for the best results.

What is the best beef for these smashburgers?

Ground chuck with around 80/20 fat content works best to keep the burgers juicy and flavorful. Leaner beef tends to dry out, and fattier blends create great crust but can be greasy.

Do I need a specific kind of skillet?

A cast iron skillet or heavy-duty stainless steel pan is ideal because it holds high heat well, allowing a great crust to form. Nonstick pans don’t develop the same caramelization and are not recommended for authentic smashburger patties.

How can I make the Smash Sauce ahead of time?

You can prepare the Smash Sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it tightly covered in the fridge. Its flavors actually meld even better after some resting time!

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the potato buns for gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you won’t miss a beat on flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Smashburger Classic Smash Easy Copycat Recipe is a fantastic way to bring that much-loved smashburger experience home. With straightforward ingredients and easy steps, it’s a dish that anyone can master and marvel at each time they bite in. Whether for a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout, these burgers will surely become a new favorite to share with friends and family. Give it a try — I promise you won’t look back!