The Perfect Smash Burger

There’s nothing quite like a juicy, crispy-edged smash burger, and the Big Green Egg takes this classic to a whole new level. Using a high-fat beef blend and the Big Green Egg’s plancha or cast iron, you can create perfectly seared, flavorful patties in minutes. These burgers are quick to make, with just a few key seasonings and your favorite toppings for a delicious, restaurant-style burger experience at home.

Key Tips for Perfect Smash Burgers on the Big Green Egg

To get that iconic caramelized crust, set up your Big Green Egg for direct cooking at 400°F and preheat the Cast Iron Plancha Griddle. The high heat from the cast iron creates a golden, crispy crust on each patty, locking in the beef’s natural juices and flavor. Start with ground beef that has a fat content between 15-20%—this fat level ensures moist and flavorful burgers.

Press each patty down with the Cast Iron Grill Press for a thin, even sear. Cook the patties for 60-90 seconds per side to achieve a perfectly crispy crust without overcooking the inside. For added richness, add cheddar cheese slices during the last minute, letting them melt over the hot patties.

Why the Big Green Egg Makes the Best Smash Burgers

The Big Green Egg’s ability to maintain high, even heat ensures each burger is cooked to perfection with that sought-after crispy edge. The plancha’s even heating and cast iron construction make it ideal for pressing burgers directly on the grill, locking in juices and intensifying the beef flavor in every bite.

The Perfect Smash Burger

Name: The Perfect Smash Burger
Cuisine: Beef &amp; Lamb
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef with a fat content in the 15-20% range; 1 tbsp garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 8 slices of cheddar cheese, optional; Your favorite toppings; Big Green Egg Cast Iron Grill Press; Plancha Griddle; 2 Half Moon Cast Iron Planchas

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Cuisine

Beef & Lamb

A smash burger is, very simply, a thin beef patty that is quick-cooked on a hot griddle. By cooking 2 smaller patties instead of one 4-ounce patty, you double the amount of crust, and a beautifully caramelized, crispy crust is what a great smash burger is all about!

Smash burgers can be topped simply with caramelized onions and cheese, or you can add any of your favorite toppings.

Author:

Big Green Egg

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef with a fat content in the 15-20% range
1 tbsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
8 slices of cheddar cheese, optional
Your favorite toppings

Equipment

Big Green Egg Cast Iron Grill Press
Plancha Griddle
2 Half Moon Cast Iron Planchas

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Directions

Season the beef with garlic powder, salt and pepper. Roll the beef into 8 2-oz. balls. Prep your condiments.
Set the EGG for direct cooking at 400°F/204°C with the Big Green Egg Cast Iron Plancha preheating in the EGG.
Lightly oil the pre-heated plancha griddle … or use butter for extra flavor.
Place a loosely shaped ball of ground meat on the griddle, then use the weight of a grill press to push down on the meat until you have a thin patty.
Let the burgers cook for 60-90 seconds until the juices start to bubble through the burgers. Only flip the patties once; be sure to scrape under the patty to retain the crispy, caramelized crust on the bottom.
Add cheese and cook for another minute or two.
Top with your favorite condiments and serve immediately.

Recipe Video

Recipe Note

Big Green Egg Tip: Use butter instead of oil when preheating the plancha on the Big Green Egg for an extra layer of flavor. The butter helps create a golden, crispy crust while adding a rich, savory note to each bite, making these smash burgers an irresistible treat!