Viral Smash Burger!

How to Make Viral Smash Burgers at Home

If you’ve been anywhere near food TikTok or Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen those mouthwatering, crispy-edged smash burgers blowing up your feed. But did you know you can take that viral smash burger energy outside and make them right on your grill or flat top? BBQ-style smash burgers are smoky, crispy, and insanely craveable.

Here’s exactly how to make them at home like a pro.

Why Smash Burgers?

Smash burgers are all about:

• Maximum crust (aka the Maillard reaction, aka FLAVOR).
• Thin, juicy patties.
• Fast cook time.
• Epic toppings stacked high.

And when you do them on your BBQ, you add that subtle, smoky char that takes them from good to legendary.

What You’ll Need:

Gear:

• Cast iron griddle or flat top (for your grill)
• Heavy-duty burger press.  We like the VacMaster Vac Smash!
• BBQ or grill (gas, charcoal, or pellet)
• Instant-read thermometer (optional, but helpful)

Ingredients:

• Ground beef (80/20) – fat = flavor.
• Salt + pepper (simple is better).
• American cheese (trust me).
• Burger buns (butter ‘em up).
• Your favorite toppings:
  – Pickles
  – Shredded lettuce
  – Tomato slices
  – Onions (grilled or raw)
  – Smash sauce (mayo + ketchup + mustard + pickles + a little hot sauce)

Step-by-Step: How to Smash Burgers on the Grill

1️⃣ Preheat Your Grill

Get your BBQ hot. Like, really hot.
Place your cast iron griddle on the grill and let it heat up for at least 10-15 minutes. You want that surface screaming hot to get the crust you’ve seen online.

2️⃣ Roll Your Patties

Form loose meatballs (about 3 oz each). Don’t pack them tight! You want them just barely holding together.

3️⃣ Smash Time

Place the meatball on the griddle, press down hard with your burger press or spatula until it’s super thin (think ¼ inch). Hold for 10 seconds to really lock in that crust.

4️⃣ Season

Sprinkle with salt and pepper or your favorite beef seasoning after smash.  We like Fat Boy Steak Rub, Boars Night Out Southern Thunder or Pancho and Lefty Red River.

5️⃣ Flip + Cheese

After about 90 seconds, check the edges. When the crust is dark and crispy, flip.
Immediately add a slice of cheese. Let it melt while the other side cooks (about 60 seconds).

6️⃣ Toast Those Buns

Butter your buns and toss them on the grill for a quick toast while the burgers finish up.

7️⃣ Stack + Sauce

Layer your patties (double smash burgers are life), add toppings, and drizzle on that homemade smash sauce.

Pro Tips for Next-Level Smash Burgers:

• Double up: Single smash burgers are good. Doubles are elite.
• Fat content matters: 80/20 beef will give you juicier burgers with crispier edges.
• Don’t press after the flip: Only smash once, right at the start. Smashing after traps out the juices.
• Smash sauce is non-negotiable. It ties the whole thing together.

BBQ Smash Burger Variations:

• Bacon Jam Smash Burger: Add homemade bacon jam for a sweet and savory hit.
• Spicy Smash: Top with jalapeños and pepper jack cheese.
• Breakfast Smash: Throw a fried egg on top and call it brunch.

Final Bite:

If you’re not making smash burgers on your grill this weekend… what are you even doing? This is your sign. Fire up that BBQ, grab some ground beef, and create your own viral-worthy stack right at home.

Trust me: once you go smash, you never go back.