Entree: United States – Smash cheeseburger

Food safety reminder: Follow safe food-handling practices and use a food thermometer to verify safe internal cooking temperatures.

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 10 min

Cook 5 min

Total 15 min

Ingredients

- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
- 4 slices American cheese, approx. 0.7 oz (20 g) each
- 4 burger buns
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced, about 4 oz (115 g)
- 8 dill pickle slices, approx. 1 oz (30 g)
- 4 tsp (20 g) ketchup
- 4 tsp (20 g) yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil or neutral oil
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat a heavy cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat until very hot; wipe with a little oil.
2. Divide beef into 4 equal loose balls (do not overwork); season tops lightly with salt and pepper.
3. Place a beef ball on the hot surface, immediately press down firmly with a sturdy spatula or a flat press to form a thin patty; hold pressure for 10–15 seconds.
4. Season the exposed top of each smashed patty with a little salt and pepper; cook until edges brown and juices bubble on top, about 60–90 seconds.
5. Flip patties, place a slice of American cheese on each, and cook briefly until cheese melts, about 20–30 seconds.
6. Butter and toast buns on the griddle until golden.
7. Assemble: spread ketchup and mustard on buns, place cheeseburger patties, add sliced onion and pickles, and top with the bun. Serve hot.