The Ultimate Smash Burger Grilled Cheese Recipe for Comfort Food Fans

Crafting a mouthwatering smash burger grilled cheese demands serious culinary creativity that breaks traditional sandwich boundaries.

Melty cheese and crispy beef edges create an irresistible combination for hungry taste buds.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike can master this delectable fusion with simple techniques.

Kitchen enthusiasts seek bold flavor experiences that challenge conventional meal expectations.

Perfectly caramelized meat and gooey cheese layers promise a sensational bite in every mouthful.

Rich textures and robust seasonings elevate this comfort food classic into a gourmet sensation.

You’ll want to gather ingredients and start cooking right now.

Smash Burger Grilled Cheese Ingredient Essentials

• Ground Beef: Fresh beef that creates the signature smash burger patty.

• American Cheese, Havarti Cheese: Melty cheeses that provide creamy richness and classic flavor to the sandwich.

• Bread Slices: Sturdy bread that holds the sandwich together and becomes crispy when grilled.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that boost the meat's natural taste.
• Smashburger Sauce: Signature condiment that adds tangy and creamy dimensions to the burger.

• Sliced Onions: Sweet and caramelized vegetable that adds depth to the burger patty.
• Pickle Chips: Tangy and crunchy garnish that provides a sharp contrast to the rich meat and cheese.

• Butter: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior when grilling the sandwich.
• Parchment Paper: Used as a tool for smashing the burger patties without sticking.

Stepwise Guide for Smash Burger Grilled Cheese

Step 1: Prepare Beef Balls

Shape ground beef into four equal-sized round balls.

Fire up a cast iron skillet or griddle until it’s blazing hot with intense heat.

This high temperature will create those delicious crispy edges.

Step 2: Smash And Season Patties

Drop beef balls onto the scorching skillet.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Smashburger sauce

Place thinly sliced onions on top of each ball.

Using parchment paper and a sturdy spatula, press down firmly to transform balls into ultra-thin, crispy patties.

Step 3: Create Crispy Cheese Patties

Cook patties until edges turn deep golden and caramelized.

Carefully flip each patty and immediately crown with American cheese slices.

Continue cooking until cheese melts completely and meat reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 4: Build Sandwich Foundations

Generously spread smashburger sauce across bread slices.

• Cheesy beef patty
• Pickle chips
• Shredded Havarti cheese

Top with remaining bread slice to complete the sandwich structure.

Step 5: Grill To Golden Perfection

Melt butter in skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place sandwiches and grill until achieving beautiful golden-brown exterior.

Flip once to ensure even browning and complete cheese melting.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Allow sandwiches to rest momentarily before slicing.

Serve with extra smashburger sauce for delightful dipping experience.

Watch everyone’s eyes light up with first bite!

Kitchen Tricks for Crispy Grilled Cheese Burgers

• Choose 80/20 ground beef for maximum flavor and juiciness, ensuring a perfect patty texture.
• Use a screaming hot cast iron skillet to create those signature crispy, caramelized edges on your burger patties.
• Layer American and Havarti cheeses for a rich, melty combination that elevates the grilled cheese experience.
• Homemade smashburger sauce adds tangy depth; mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and pickles for an authentic touch.
• Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the patties reach 165F for safe and perfectly cooked burgers.

Creative Fillings for Smash Burger Grilled Cheese Fans

• Vegetarian Burger Swap: Replace ground beef with black bean patties or impossible burger for a plant-based version that maintains the crispy texture and flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread and ensure all condiments are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions while keeping the classic smash burger essence.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Swap bread with large lettuce wraps and use full-fat cheeses like cheddar or swiss to create a carb-conscious alternative that preserves the rich, meaty taste.
• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture and use pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, heat-packed variation for spice lovers seeking extra flavor complexity.

Smash Burger Grilled Cheese Presentation Inspiration

• Flavor Explosion Dip: Create a zesty side of extra smashburger sauce mixed with chopped pickles for an intense tangy kick that complements the rich, cheesy burger.
• Crispy Sidekick: Serve alongside crisp golden french fries or homemade potato chips to add a satisfying crunch that balances the sandwich's creamy texture.
• Fresh Contrast Plate: Add a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the heaviness of the grilled cheese, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the rich burger flavors.
• Beverage Pairing: Match with an ice-cold craft beer or a classic root beer to enhance the savory burger taste and provide a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm, melty sandwich.

Proper Storage of Grilled Cheese Sandwich Leftovers

• Store leftover smash burger grilled cheese in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
• Carefully wrap each sandwich in aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Avoid freezing pickles to prevent texture changes.
• Unwrap frozen or refrigerated sandwich, place on a baking sheet, and warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent bread from burning and maintain moisture.
• Restore crispiness by reheating in a lightly buttered skillet over medium-low heat. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until cheese melts and bread turns golden brown.

FAQs

• Why should I use a cast iron skillet or griddle?

Cast iron provides the highest heat retention and creates the perfect crispy, caramelized crust on the burger patties, which is essential for achieving that authentic smash burger texture.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

While American and Havarti work best for melting and flavor, you can experiment with cheddar or Swiss cheese. Just ensure the cheese melts well and complements the beef’s rich flavor.

• How thin should I smash the patties?

Aim for extremely thin patties, about 1/4 inch thick. The thinner the patty, the more crispy edges you’ll create, which is the signature characteristic of a smash burger.

Smash Burger Grilled Cheese: The Best of Both Worlds

• Quick and Easy Meal: Whip up a restaurant-style burger grilled cheese in just a few simple steps with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Flavor Explosion: Experience a mouthwatering combination of crispy smashed patties, melted American and Havarti cheeses, tangy pickles, and signature smashburger sauce that elevates a classic comfort food.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for casual gatherings, game days, or when you crave a indulgent sandwich that satisfies both burger and grilled cheese lovers with its irresistible crispy edges and gooey cheese interior.
• Versatile Customization: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping cheeses, adding extra toppings, or adjusting seasonings to match your personal taste preferences and make it uniquely yours.

Smash Burger Grilled Cheese Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Culinary magic meets comfort with this Smash Burger Grilled Cheese, blending crispy beef patties and melted cheese between golden-brown bread slices. Crisp edges, rich flavors, and irresistible textures promise a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Cheese:

• 8 slices American cheese
• 2 cups Havarti cheese, shredded

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 8 slices hearty white bread
• 1/3 cup sliced dill pickle chips
• 1/2 cup smashburger sauce
• 2 tablespoons (2 tbsp) salted butter
• Kosher salt (to taste)
• Freshly cracked pepper (to taste)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare ground beef into 4 uniform spheres while heating a cast iron skillet until extremely hot, approximately 450-500°F.
2. Position beef balls onto the scorching skillet, immediately seasoning with salt, pepper, and smashburger sauce. Strategically place sliced onions atop each ball.
3. Using parchment paper and a sturdy spatula, forcefully compress beef balls into ultra-thin, crispy-edged patties. Allow caramelization to develop, creating signature golden-brown surfaces.
4. Carefully flip patties and immediately crown each with American cheese slices. Continue cooking until cheese melts completely and meat reaches 165°F internal temperature.
5. Spread smashburger sauce across bread slices, creating a flavor foundation for the sandwich construction.
6. Layer each bread slice with a cheese-covered patty, sprinkle pickle chips strategically, and generously distribute shredded Havarti cheese.
7. Complete sandwich assembly by adding a complementary bread slice on top, creating a robust flavor profile.
8. Melt butter in a separate skillet over medium heat, around 325°F, preparing for grilling.
9. Carefully transfer sandwiches into the buttered skillet, grilling until achieving a golden-brown exterior and ensuring complete cheese melting.
10. Rotate sandwiches once midway through cooking to guarantee uniform browning and optimal texture.
11. Remove from heat, allowing sandwiches to rest briefly for 60 seconds, enabling cheese to stabilize.
12. Slice diagonally and serve immediately, accompanied by additional smashburger sauce for enhanced dipping experience.

Notes

• Choose high-fat ground beef with 80/20 ratio for juicier, more flavorful patties that caramelize beautifully.
• Avoid overworking meat when forming balls to prevent tough, dense texture and maintain tender, loose consistency.
• Press patties extremely thin using parchment paper for maximum crispy edges and delicious caramelized surface.
• Preheat skillet until smoking hot to achieve signature smash burger crust and lock in meat’s natural juices.
• Try cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or pepper jack for different flavor profiles while maintaining melty texture.
• Add crispy bacon or caramelized mushrooms as optional mix-ins to elevate sandwich complexity and richness.
• For gluten-free version, swap bread with lettuce wraps or gluten-free bread and ensure sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 750 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 55 g
• Saturated Fat: 25 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 27 g
• Trans Fat: 1.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg