Why You’ll Love This Smash Burger BBQ Style Recipe

This Smash Burger BBQ Style isn’t just another burger recipe; it’s a delicious, flavor-packed experience. Here’s why it’s so good:

Crispy Goodness: Smashing creates lots of surface area for maximum crust.
Juicy Inside: The 80/20 ground beef gives you a juicy, flavorful burger.
BBQ Tang: The BBQ sauce adds a sweet and smoky flavor.
Quick and Easy: Ready in minutes, which is great for busy weeknights.

Simple, satisfying, and full of flavor! All the flavors and textures combine for a satisfying bite.

Ingredients for Smash Burger BBQ Style

Here’s what you’ll need. Remember, quality ingredients matter for a great Smash Burger BBQ Style!

Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend is perfect for crispy edges and flavor.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand—a smoky-sweet one works great.
Buns: Brioche buns are soft, slightly sweet, and really sturdy.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a classic, tangy flavor.
Bacon: Optional, but it adds a salty, crispy layer.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced adds sharpness and crunch.
Pickles: Dill pickles add a great tangy contrast.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the beef.
Butter: You’ll need this for toasting the buns.

Ingredient Notes: Making Smart Choices

Good quality ingredients really do make a difference. When you shop, look for ground beef that is bright red and brioche buns that feel soft.

There are so many kinds of BBQ sauce. A Kansas City-style sauce will be thick, sweet, and smoky, while a Carolina sauce is tangy. Experiment to find your perfect match.

Consider the texture of your cheese, too. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting as smoothly. For optimal meltiness, shred your own cheddar fresh.

Don’t forget the importance of good pickles! Look for crisp dill pickles, or even consider making your own quick pickles for an extra tangy bite.

How to Make Smash Burger BBQ Style: A Step-By-Step Guide

Ready to start making these Smash Burger BBQ Style? Here’s how to do it, step by step.

Step 1: Prep the Beef: Gently form the ground beef into loose balls (about 3-4 ounces each). Don’t pack them too tightly.

Heating the Pan for Searing

Step 2: Heat Your Pan: Get your griddle or cast-iron pan nice and hot. Preheat it over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes.

How hot? A drop of water should sizzle and evaporate super fast. This is important for getting a good sear and awesome crispy edges on your Smash Burger BBQ Style. If the pan isn’t hot enough, the burgers will steam instead of sear.

Step 3: Smash the Burgers: Place the beef balls on the hot surface. Then immediately smash them thin (about ¼ inch thick) with a strong metal spatula.

Getting the Perfect Smash

Use firm, even pressure to smash the burgers as thin as possible. A second spatula can help you add leverage. Because the thinner the burger, the more crispy crust you’ll have.

Try using parchment paper or plastic wrap between the spatula and the beef to prevent sticking. It makes the process easier.

Step 4: Season and Cook: Give those smashed patties a generous seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they’re deeply browned and crispy. When they are ready to flip, the burgers should release easily from the pan.
Step 5: Add Cheese: In the last minute or so, put a slice of cheddar on each patty. Cover the pan with a lid to help the cheese melt.
Step 6: Toast the Buns: Butter the cut sides of the brioche buns and toast them on the griddle or in a dry pan until golden brown. If you toast the buns, they’ll have more flavor and won’t get soggy.
Step 7: Assemble the Burgers: Spread BBQ sauce on the bottom bun, then add the cheesy burger patties, bacon (if using), red onion, and pickles. Top with the toasted top bun.
Step 8: Serve Hot: Enjoy your Smash Burgers BBQ Style right away, while they’re hot and juicy. They are best served fresh.

Tips for the Best BBQ Smash Burgers

Want even better Smash Burger BBQ Style? Here are a few extra tips:

Don’t Overcrowd: Cook the burgers in batches so the pan stays hot.
Use a Good Spatula: You need a strong, rigid spatula for smashing.
Don’t Overcook: Smash burgers are best when just slightly pink inside.
Season Well: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper.

Choosing the Right Beef

Use good-quality ground beef for the best flavor. Look for beef that is bright red when you are shopping. The better your beef, the better your Smash Burger BBQ Style will taste.

You can always experiment with other seasonings. Try garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika for a little twist.

Experiment with different types of salt. Coarse sea salt can add a pleasant burst of saltiness, while smoked salt can accentuate the BBQ flavor.

Looking for a great side dish? Grilled Pineapple With Cinnamon Sugar Honey would be perfect!

Variations and Substitutions

Want to mix things up? Here are some ways to change up your Smash Burger BBQ Style:

Homemade BBQ Sauce: Mix ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can find some great recipes here.
Cheese: Pepper jack will add a spicy kick. Gouda and provolone are good too.
Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the beef mix.
Vegetarian: Use a plant-based ground beef alternative.
Bun Options: Try pretzel buns or lettuce wraps.

Toppings like caramelized onions, fried pickles, or coleslaw are great to add extra flavor and texture to your Smash Burger BBQ Style.

Consider adding a fried egg on top for extra richness. The runny yolk adds another layer of flavor and texture.

If you like grilling, check out my recipe for Bbq Wings.

Storing and Reheating Your Burgers

Here’s how to store and reheat any leftover Smash Burger BBQ Style:

Storing: Wrap each burger tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep toppings separate.
Reheating: You can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, in the oven at 350°F, or in the microwave.

To keep the buns from getting soggy, try toasting them again before you put the burger together.

It’s often best to reheat the burger patties and buns separately to help keep the texture right.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Smash Burger BBQ Style:

Can I use a different ground beef? An 80/20 mix is best, but you can use leaner beef. Just know that the burgers may be drier.
Can I make these in advance? Go ahead and form the patties, then store them in the fridge for a day. But wait to assemble them until just before serving.
What are the best sides? Fries, coleslaw, potato salad, or a simple green salad are all great choices. Also Chili Recipe Secrets Undefeated Flavor!

What keeps the burgers from sticking to the pan? Be sure your pan is preheated well, and use a little oil or cooking spray. A cast iron pan that has been properly seasoned also works great.

How can I get the cheese to melt perfectly? Covering the pan traps steam in, which will help the cheese melt nice and fast. You can also add a tiny splash of water before covering the pan.

Is it safe to use parchment paper when smashing the burgers? Yes, using parchment paper when smashing the burgers is safe because it’s heat-resistant. The paper keeps the meat from sticking to the spatula and helps get them really thin.

Get Ready to Grill!

Ready to make an amazing Smash Burger BBQ Style? They’re quick, easy, and so delicious. So grab all your ingredients, heat up that griddle, and enjoy some fantastic burgers! You’re going to love making this Smash Burger BBQ Style over and over.

These burgers are always a hit, whether it’s a summer barbecue, a party with friends, or just dinner on a weeknight. You can also easily customize them, so they’re sure to become a new favorite in your home.

More Recipes You’ll Enjoy:

Helpful References:

Smash Burger BBQ Style Recipe

Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 30
Total Time: 40
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop, Grilling

Print Recipe

Description

Craving a quick and tasty burger? This Smash Burger BBQ Style recipe makes juicy, crispy-edged burgers with amazing smoky BBQ flavor. It’s so easy, ready in minutes, and totally customizable. Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or a fun weekend grill-out.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
4 tablespoons BBQ sauce
4 brioche buns
4 slices cheddar cheese
4 slices bacon, cooked (optional)
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup dill pickles
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces each). Gently form each portion into a ball.
Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot.
Place the beef balls onto the hot skillet. Immediately smash each ball down flat with a sturdy spatula, creating a thin patty.
Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until a crispy crust forms on the bottom.
Flip the burgers and cook for another 1-2 minutes for medium doneness. Top each patty with a slice of cheddar cheese and allow it to melt.
While the cheese melts, spread butter on the cut sides of the brioche buns and toast them in the skillet until golden brown.
Remove the burgers from the skillet and place them on the toasted buns.
Top each burger with BBQ sauce, bacon (if using), red onion, and pickles. Serve immediately.

Notes

Nutrition

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Keywords

Smash Burger BBQ Style, easy smash burger bbq style recipe, burger recipe, bbq burger, smash burger

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