Smash Burgers Recipe – Double-Stacked Diner-Style Burgers

Difficulty:

1/5

Smash Burgers Recipe

This smash burgers recipe delivers everything you want from a classic diner-style burger: crispy beef edges, juicy centers, melted American cheese, and a tangy homemade secret sauce. Featured on Everyday Excellent, these double-stacked smash burgers come together quickly on a hot griddle, proving that simple ingredients and proper technique are the key to unforgettable flavor at home.

The Inspiration

Smash burgers are deeply rooted in North American diner and drive-in culture, where burgers are cooked fast on flat-top griddles and served hot and messy. Unlike thick pub burgers, smash burgers are pressed firmly onto a screaming-hot surface, creating maximum contact between the beef and the pan. This technique triggers the Maillard reaction, producing deeply caramelized, crispy edges that define the smash burger experience.

On Everyday Excellent, host Vanessa Gianfrancesco focuses on recipes that transform everyday ingredients into something memorable through technique rather than complication. This smash burger recipe reflects that philosophy perfectly. The shaved onions cook directly on the beef, caramelizing as the patties sear, while a nostalgic “secret sauce” made from classic condiments ties everything together. The result is a burger that feels familiar, comforting, and elevated all at once—ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) medium ground beef
1 yellow onion
2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
4 brioche burger buns
8 slices American cheese
1/2 head iceberg lettuce
2 tbsp (28 g) mayonnaise
2 tbsp (28 g) relish
2 tbsp (28 g) ketchup
2 tbsp (28 g) mustard
2 tbsp (28 g) BBQ sauce
½ tsp (2.5 g) onion powder
½ tsp (2.5 g) garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Methods

Mix all 5 sauces together in a small mixing bowl. Season to taste with onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper and reserve for plating. Shred lettuce and reserve for plating. Slice onion into rings as thin as possible.
Heat oil on a griddle pan over medium high heat.
Separate ground beef into 8 even balls. Add 4 beef burger balls to the hot pan. Flatten the balls to 1/4 inch (0.6cm) thick with a piece of parchment paper and the bottom of a measuring cup. Season beef with salt and pepper and top with equal amounts of shaved onion. Once crispy on one side, flip, top with cheese, and cook for 2 minutes for the onions to caramelize. Repeat the same process for the second half of the beef.
Toast the insides of the buns on the same griddle for 1 minute or until nicely toasted.
Build each burger with 2 patties, lettuce, and secret sauce.

Serving Suggestions

These smash burgers recipe are perfect for casual dinners, backyard cookouts, and game-day meals. Serve them fresh off the griddle with classic sides like crispy fries, onion rings, or a tangy pickle slaw to balance the richness of the beef and cheese. They also pair well with milkshakes, iced tea, or cold sodas for a true diner-style experience.

For entertaining, smash burgers are ideal because they cook quickly and can be made in batches. Set out extra sauces, sliced pickles, and tomatoes so guests can customize their burgers. This approach keeps the meal interactive and relaxed, making it perfect for informal gatherings.

Final Thoughts

This smash burgers recipe is a celebration of comfort food done right—crispy, juicy, indulgent, and deeply satisfying. By relying on high heat, simple ingredients, and smart technique, it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Featured on Everyday Excellent, this smash burger recipe shows how everyday cooking can feel special without being complicated. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or cooking for friends, these smash burgers are guaranteed to impress and quickly earn a place in your regular rotation.

Find more recipes from Everyday Excellent here!