Smash Burger with Cheddar & Caramelized Onions

Quick Overview

If you’re craving a mouthwatering meal that’s both easy and satisfying, a smash burger with cheddar & caramelized onions is the answer. This iconic American classic combines juicy beef patties smashed on a hot skillet until crispy-edged, then topped with gooey melted cheddar and sweet golden onions. The result? A cheeseburger that’s savory, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking indoors on your stovetop, this recipe will help you create an irresistible homemade smash burger that rivals your favorite diner.

Ingredient Breakdown

This section outlines the key components needed to prepare an authentic smash burger with cheddar & caramelized onions. Each ingredient plays an essential role in delivering bold flavor and delightful texture. Gather these fresh ingredients before starting for the best results.

Ground Beef (80/20 blend) – 1 pound

The 80/20 meat-to-fat ratio ensures each patty stays juicy while developing that signature crust when smashed. The extra fat content keeps the burgers tender and full of rich flavor as they cook quickly over high heat.

Cheddar Cheese – 4 slices

Sharp or medium cheddar cheese brings creaminess and tang to every bite. The cheese melts beautifully over the hot patties, creating a luscious layer that pairs perfectly with savory beef and sweet onions.

Yellow Onions – 2 large

Sliced thinly and cooked slowly, yellow onions become wonderfully sweet as they caramelize. Their deep flavor adds complexity that balances the richness of the beef and cheese in this classic cheeseburger.

Burger Buns – 4 soft buns

Choose soft potato or brioche buns for their pillowy texture. Toasting them lightly boosts flavor and prevents sogginess from juicy toppings so each bite of your smash burger stays structured and delicious.

Kosher Salt & Fresh Black Pepper – to taste

A simple blend of salt and black pepper seasons the patties without overpowering other flavors. Sprinkle just before smashing for maximum impact during cooking.

Unsalted Butter – 2 tablespoons

Butter is used for both toasting the buns and assisting in caramelizing the onions. It adds richness while helping achieve that lovely golden-brown finish on each component.

Vegetable Oil – 1 tablespoon

This oil withstands high heat well, making it ideal for searing burgers and sautéing onions without burning. It ensures even browning on your patties for optimal texture.

Optional Toppings – pickles, lettuce, tomato

Pickles add brightness; lettuce offers crunch; tomato brings freshness. Add these according to preference for extra layers of taste on your homemade cheeseburger masterpiece.

Burger Sauce (optional) – mayonnaise or special sauce

Creamy sauces like mayonnaise or house-made “special” sauces can be spread on buns to add moisture and tangy notes that complement all other flavors perfectly.

Step By step Recipe: smash burger with cheddar & caramelized onions

This detailed guide will walk you through each stage of preparing a truly spectacular smash burger at home. Follow these steps closely to achieve tender beef patties crowned with creamy melted cheddar cheese and deeply flavorful caramelized onions—all stacked on a warm toasted bun.

Step 1: Prepare the Caramelized Onions

Begin by peeling two large yellow onions. Slice them thinly into half-moons using a sharp knife or mandolin for uniform slices. In a large nonstick skillet set over medium-low heat, melt one tablespoon of unsalted butter along with one tablespoon vegetable oil. Add sliced onions and stir to coat evenly in fat. Cook gently for about 25–30 minutes, stirring every few minutes so they don’t burn—patience is key here! When softened deeply golden brown and sweet-smelling, remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Shape the Burger Patties

While your onions cook down slowly, divide one pound of ground beef into four equal portions (about four ounces each). Gently roll each segment into loose balls—handle them minimally so they stay tender after smashing. Place shaped balls onto wax paper or a tray; do not flatten yet! Season tops lightly but generously with kosher salt plus freshly cracked black pepper just before cooking for maximum flavor impact later on.

Step 3: Toast the Burger Buns

Melt one tablespoon unsalted butter in another skillet over medium heat or wipe out your onion pan if needed. Slice four buns in half horizontally if not pre-sliced already; place cut sides down in buttered pan until lightly golden brown—about two minutes per batch depending on size of pan. Set toasted buns aside somewhere warm; this step creates structure that holds up under juicy toppings!

Step 4: Smash and Sear the Patties

Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy griddle over medium-high until very hot—this is essential for those crispy edges! Add two or three beef balls at a time (don’t crowd) to dry pan seasoned-side down; immediately press hard using sturdy spatula (or use parchment between spatula/beef) until patties are about half-inch thick. Let cook undisturbed until edges look deeply browned—about two minutes per side—then flip once only!

Step 5: Add Cheddar Cheese & Finish Cooking

Soon after flipping your patties (while they’re still sizzling), lay one slice sharp cheddar over each patty so it melts fully from residual heat—cover skillet briefly if needed to speed up melting process but avoid steaming too long so crust stays crisp! Allow burgers to finish cooking through (about one more minute) then transfer immediately onto waiting toasted buns.

Step 6: Assemble Your Smash Burgers

Spoon liberal amounts of warm caramelized onion atop each cheesy patty right after placing on buns—it’s fine if some spill off! Layer optional toppings like pickle slices or crisp lettuce leaves if desired then crown everything with bun tops smeared lightly in mayonnaise or special sauce if using. Serve immediately while everything’s piping hot!

Serving and Storing Tips

Your fresh-made smash burger with cheddar & caramelized onions tastes best straight off the stovetop but leftovers can also be kept deliciously enjoyable later if handled properly! Here are helpful pointers for serving plus saving any extras safely:

Serve Hot Off The Skillet

Burgers are juiciest when eaten right after cooking while cheese is gooey and edges are crisped up perfectly—plate immediately after assembly for best experience at home!

Add Fresh Toppings Last Minute

If you want lettuce or tomato on your burgers wait until just before serving so veggies stay crisp—not wilted by steam from hot patties or warm buns.

Avoid Over-Saucing Buns Early On

If adding condiments like mayonnaise or special sauce spread them right before eating—not too far ahead—to keep buns from getting soggy during waiting time.

Clever Leftover Storage Method

If you have leftover cooked patties let them cool completely then wrap tightly in foil/plastic wrap; store separately from bread/toppings in fridge up to three days max for freshest results.

Easiest Way To Reheat Smash Burgers

This type of cheeseburger reheats well by warming covered gently in skillet over low-medium heat until heated through; add fresh cheese/onion toppings again as desired before reassembling sandwiches for serving second time around!

No Freezing Advised For Best Texture

Burgers lose their classic juicy quality once frozen/thawed so enjoy within few days instead of freezing—the quick-cook method means you’ll want them made fresh often anyway!

Mistakes to avoid

When preparing a smash burger with cheddar & caramelized onions, you can sidestep many issues by being mindful during each step. Here are common mistakes to watch out for and how to avoid them.

Overworking the Ground Beef

Handling the ground beef too much before smashing can make your burger tough. Gently form loose balls without compressing them. Over-mixing causes dense patties because it activates more proteins in the meat. The less you fuss, the juicier and more tender your smash burger will be. Remember, minimal handling preserves the classic texture and flavor that makes a smash burger with cheddar & caramelized onions so irresistible.

Not Preheating Your Cooking Surface

If your skillet or griddle isn’t hot enough before you add the beef, the patties will not develop that signature crispy crust. Always preheat your pan until it’s smoking hot before smashing down your patties. This step is crucial for creating flavorful browning, sealing in juices, and giving your burger a restaurant-style finish that makes each bite memorable.

Adding Cheese Too Late

For perfectly melted cheddar on your smash burger with caramelized onions, timing matters. If you add cheese too late, it won’t have time to melt fully over the hot patty. Place the cheddar on top immediately after flipping the burger so it has enough heat to soften and ooze beautifully by serving time. This simple move guarantees gooey, rich flavor in every mouthful.

Tips and tricks

Mastering a smash burger with cheddar & caramelized onions is easier when you use a few helpful techniques. Apply these practical tips for superior results every time you cook.

The Right Smash Technique

Use a sturdy metal spatula to press each beef ball flat against a piping hot skillet or griddle within seconds of contact. Press firmly but quickly—this maximizes surface area for optimal browning while locking in those savory juices. The key is to press straight down without sliding or twisting, as that could tear the patty apart or cause uneven edges. Once smashed, leave the patty undisturbed until it naturally releases from the pan and develops a crispy crust underneath. This technique allows all those rich flavors to concentrate along with a perfect crunch.

Perfectly Caramelizing Onions

Caramelizing onions adds sweet depth to your smash burger with cheddar & caramelized onions. Slice your onions thinly for even cooking, then cook them slowly over medium-low heat with a bit of butter or oil. Stir occasionally but don’t rush this process—true caramelization takes at least twenty minutes for sugars to develop into deep golden brown strands bursting with flavor. Avoid turning up the heat; patience rewards you with silky-sweet onions that balance savory beef beautifully. If desired, deglaze the pan with a splash of water or vinegar near the end for extra richness and a hint of tanginess.

Suggestions for smash burger with cheddar & caramelized onions

Create an even more delicious experience by customizing your smash burger with thoughtful add-ons and serving styles tailored to your taste preferences.

Buns Make a Difference

Select soft yet sturdy buns such as potato rolls or brioche for your smash burger with cheddar & caramelized onions. Lightly toast them on the skillet so they hold up well under juicy burgers and gooey cheese without getting soggy. Toasted buns provide extra texture while adding buttery flavor that complements both savory beef and sweet caramelized onions.

Add Pickles or Crunchy Veggies

A handful of crisp pickles or thinly sliced fresh vegetables like shredded lettuce or red onion offer contrast in taste and texture alongside melty cheddar cheese and caramelized onions. Their tartness helps cut through richness, making every bite refreshing while amplifying overall satisfaction from your homemade creation.

FAQs

What kind of ground beef works best for smash burger with cheddar & caramelized onions?

The ideal choice is freshly ground beef containing about twenty percent fat content (80/20 ratio). This balance provides excellent juiciness and flavor while still allowing you to get that iconic crispy crust when smashed on a hot surface. Leaner blends may result in drier patties lacking richness.

How do I get my burgers extra crispy?

A super-hot pan is vital! Always preheat until it just starts smoking, then press meat balls thin using firm pressure from a metal spatula right after placing them on the surface. Allow patties to brown undisturbed before flipping—this forms an irresistible crust packed full of flavor every time.

Can I prepare caramelized onions ahead of time?

Yes! Caramelized onions keep well in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to five days. Simply rewarm gently before adding them atop each patty when assembling your smash burger with cheddar & caramelized onions for quick meal prep without sacrificing quality or taste.

What cheese melts best besides cheddar?

If you want variety beyond classic sharp cheddar, try American cheese slices for supreme meltiness or Swiss cheese for nutty undertones that pair nicely with beef and sweet onions. Both options blend smoothly over hot patties while adding unique twists you’ll love experimenting with at home.

Summary

A great smash burger with cheddar & caramelized onions combines crispy-edged beef patties, gooey cheese, perfectly sweetened onions, and thoughtfully chosen buns or toppings. Focus on proper technique: use high heat for searing, minimal handling of meat, timely cheese application, and slow-cooked onions for maximum flavor payoff every time you cook this crowd-pleasing favorite at home!