14 Juicy Smash Burger Recipes to Grill

ByChef Sage

Nothing beats the sizzle of a smash burger hitting a scorching grill—the way the edges crisp up while the inside stays insanely juicy. I remember summer barbecues from my childhood in the Midwest, where Dad would man the grill with ground beef patties that were thick and often overcooked. Fast-forward to last summer, when I experimented in my backyard with the smash burger technique after binge-watching food TikToks. Smashing thin balls of beef onto the grates created this caramelized crust that had my family begging for seconds. It’s simple, fast, and elevates basic burgers to crave-worthy status.

In today’s busy world, smash burgers are a game-changer for weeknight dinners or impromptu gatherings. They’re forgiving for beginners—no need for fancy equipment beyond a grill and a sturdy spatula—and they cook in under 10 minutes. With grilling season in full swing, I’ve rounded up 14 variations that pack bold flavors, from classic to wild twists. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, these recipes will make you the hero of the patio.

Classic Cheese Smash Burger

For the ultimate backyard staple, this smash burger features high-quality beef smashed thin for maximum crust and melt-in-your-mouth juiciness. Ingredients (makes 2): 8 oz 80/20 ground beef, salt, pepper, 2 slices American cheese, potato buns, lettuce, tomato, pickles, special sauce (mayo, ketchup, relish).
Divide beef into 4 oz loose balls, preheat grill to high (500°F+), smash each ball flat with a spatula and heavy press for 10 seconds until edges bubble. Season generously, cook 2 minutes, flip, add cheese, cook 1-2 minutes more. Toast buns, assemble. Benefits: Crispy edges lock in juices, quick prep under 10 minutes, nostalgic diner taste without grease.
A high-resolution photo of a classic cheese smash burger with melted American cheese dripping over crispy edges, topped with lettuce and tomato on a toasted bun, under soft lighting.

Bacon Avocado Smash Burger

Creamy avocado pairs perfectly with smoky bacon in this indulgent smash burger. Ingredients (makes 2): 8 oz ground beef, 4 strips bacon, 1 avocado sliced, salt, pepper, cheddar slices, brioche buns, mayo.
Cook bacon until crisp, form beef balls, smash on hot grill 2 minutes per side with cheese on second flip. Layer with bacon, avocado, and mayo on toasted buns. Benefits: Healthy fats from avocado balance richness, bacon adds crunch and umami, protein-packed for satisfying meals.
A high-resolution photo of a bacon avocado smash burger stacked high with crispy bacon strips and fresh avocado slices on a golden patty, under soft lighting.

Spicy Jalapeño Smash Burger

Heat lovers rejoice—this burger brings fire with fresh jalapeños and pepper jack. Ingredients (makes 2): 8 oz ground beef, 2 jalapeños sliced, 2 slices pepper jack cheese, salt, pepper, buns, ranch dressing.
Smash beef balls on screaming-hot grill, top with jalapeños and cheese after flipping, cook until bubbly (3-4 minutes total). Drizzle ranch on toasted buns. Benefits: Metabolism-boosting spice, vitamin C from peppers, bold flavor wakes up taste buds.
A high-resolution photo of a spicy jalapeño smash burger with gooey pepper jack cheese and charred jalapeño rings atop the crispy patty, under soft lighting.

BBQ Onion Smash Burger

Sweet caramelized onions and tangy BBQ sauce make this a Southern-inspired smash sensation. Ingredients (makes 2): 8 oz ground beef, 1 onion sliced thin, ¼ cup BBQ sauce, cheddar, salt, pepper, buns.
Sauté onions on grill side until soft, smash beef, flip and add onions, cheese, and BBQ sauce. Assemble on buns. Benefits: Antioxidants from onions, low-carb option, smoky sweetness enhances beef without overpowering.
A high-resolution photo of a BBQ onion smash burger piled with caramelized onions and BBQ sauce glaze over melted cheddar, under soft lighting.

Mushroom Swiss Smash Burger

Earthy mushrooms and nutty Swiss create a steakhouse vibe on the grill. Ingredients (makes 2): 8 oz ground beef, 1 cup sliced mushrooms, 2 Swiss cheese slices, salt, pepper, buns, garlic butter.
Grill mushrooms until golden, smash beef patties, top with mushrooms and Swiss on flip. Butter and toast buns. Benefits: Umami explosion from mushrooms, immune-boosting properties, elegant yet simple for date nights.
A high-resolution photo of a mushroom Swiss smash burger with sautéed mushrooms spilling over bubbly Swiss cheese on a seared patty, under soft lighting.

Blue Cheese Buffalo Smash Burger

Tangy blue cheese and buffalo sauce for a wing-inspired burger twist. Ingredients (makes 2): 8 oz ground beef, ¼ cup buffalo sauce, 2 oz blue cheese crumbles, salt, pepper, buns, celery slaw.
Smash beef, flip and toss in buffalo sauce, crumble blue cheese to melt. Top with slaw on buns. Benefits: Probiotic blue cheese aids digestion, spicy kick satisfies cravings, lighter than fried wings.
A high-resolution photo of a blue cheese buffalo smash burger with fiery sauce and melting crumbles on a juicy patty, under soft lighting.

Hawaiian Pineapple Smash Burger

Tropical teriyaki and grilled pineapple bring island flair to smash burgers. Ingredients (makes 2): 8 oz ground beef, 2 pineapple rings, teriyaki sauce, Swiss cheese, salt, pepper, Hawaiian buns.
Grill pineapple until caramelized, smash beef with teriyaki, add cheese and pineapple. Benefits: Bromelain in pineapple aids digestion, sweet-savory balance, fun for summer luau parties.
A high-resolution photo of a Hawaiian pineapple smash burger with grilled pineapple rings and teriyaki glaze over Swiss cheese, under soft lighting.

Mexican Chorizo Smash Burger

Spiced chorizo mixed in for a fiesta of flavors. Ingredients (makes 2): 4 oz ground beef + 4 oz chorizo, cotija cheese, avocado, cilantro, lime, salt, buns.
Mix meats loosely, smash on grill, top with cotija and quick lime-avocado smash. Benefits: Lean chorizo protein boost, fresh herbs for antioxidants, authentic bold taste.
A high-resolution photo of a Mexican chorizo smash burger topped with crumbled cotija and creamy avocado under soft lighting.

Truffle Aioli Smash Burger

Gourmet upgrade with earthy truffle and creamy aioli. Ingredients (makes 2): 8 oz ground beef, truffle aioli (mayo + truffle oil), Gruyère cheese, arugula, salt, pepper, brioche buns.
Smash beef, flip with Gruyère, spread aioli on buns with arugula. Benefits: Luxurious flavor elevates simple beef, truffle antioxidants, impressive for guests.
A high-resolution photo of a truffle aioli smash burger with oozing Gruyère and peppery arugula on a crusty patty, under soft lighting.

Kimchi Smash Burger

Fermented kimchi adds Korean tang and crunch. Ingredients (makes 2): 8 oz ground beef, ½ cup kimchi chopped, sesame seeds, gochujang mayo, salt, buns.
Smash beef, top with kimchi and seeds on flip, slather mayo. Benefits: Gut-healthy probiotics from kimchi, spicy fermentation depth, fusion fun.
A high-resolution photo of a kimchi smash burger bursting with red kimchi bits and sesame seeds on a sizzling patty, under soft lighting.

Pesto Caprese Smash Burger

Fresh Italian pesto, mozzarella, and tomatoes scream summer. Ingredients (makes 2): 8 oz ground beef, pesto, fresh mozzarella, tomato slices, balsamic, salt, ciabatta buns.
Smash beef, melt mozzarella with pesto drizzle, layer tomatoes and balsamic. Benefits: Basil antioxidants, light and fresh, vegetarian-friendly toppings.
A high-resolution photo of a pesto Caprese smash burger with melted mozzarella, vibrant pesto swirls, and tomato slices, under soft lighting.

Garlic Aioli Smash Burger

Roasted garlic aioli for savory simplicity. Ingredients (makes 2): 8 oz ground beef, garlic aioli, provolone, caramelized garlic, salt, pepper, buns.
Smash beef, top with provolone and garlic, spread aioli. Benefits: Heart-healthy garlic compounds, addictive savoriness, easy pantry staple.
A high-resolution photo of a garlic aioli smash burger with golden provolone and roasted garlic cloves, under soft lighting.

Pickle Lovers Smash Burger

Dill pickles and fried pickle chips for tangy overload. Ingredients (makes 2): 8 oz ground beef, pickle slices + chips, American cheese, pickle juice mayo, salt, buns.
Smash beef in pickle juice brine first, top with cheese and pickles. Benefits: Low-cal crunch, hydrating electrolytes from pickles, ultimate texture contrast.
A high-resolution photo of a pickle lovers smash burger stacked with fried pickle chips and extra dill slices oozing cheese, under soft lighting.

Breakfast Smash Burger

Egg and bacon for morning grill magic. Ingredients (makes 2): 8 oz ground beef, 2 fried eggs, bacon bits, cheddar, hash brown patties, salt, English muffins.
Smash beef with bacon bits, top with cheddar and egg, side hash brown smash. Benefits: High-protein breakfast fuel, versatile any time, starts day crispy.
A high-resolution photo of a breakfast smash burger crowned with a sunny-side-up egg and bacon over melted cheddar, under soft lighting.

Fire up your grill and dive into these 14 smash burger recipes—they’re foolproof, customizable, and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re channeling childhood nostalgia or innovating for your next cookout, grab some beef and get smashing. Your taste buds (and guests) will thank you!

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