14 Juicy Smash Burger Recipes to Grill

Nothing beats the sizzle of a smash burger hitting a scorching grill—the way the edges crisp up while the inside stays juicy is pure magic. I remember summer evenings as a kid in my grandparents’ backyard, watching my grandpa smash fresh beef patties on his old cast-iron griddle. Those burgers were messy, flavorful affairs piled high with whatever was in the fridge, and they sparked my lifelong love for grilling. Fast-forward to last weekend, when I turned my patio into a smash burger lab, experimenting with wild toppings and bold flavors. With grilling season in full swing, these recipes are my way of elevating that nostalgic bite into something crave-worthy and easy.

Smash burgers are the ultimate grill hack: thin patties mean faster cooking, maximum crust, and endless customization. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, these 14 recipes prove you don’t need fancy equipment—just high heat, quality beef, and creativity. Let’s fire up the grill!

Classic Cheese Smash Burger

For the purist, this is smash burger perfection: ultra-thin patties with melty American cheese and simple toppings. Ingredients (makes 2 burgers): 8 oz 80/20 ground beef (divided into 4 loose balls), salt, pepper, 4 slices American cheese, burger buns, lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo, ketchup, pickles.

Form beef into loose balls, smash flat on a preheated 500°F grill with a spatula and parchment square for 2-3 minutes until crispy. Season, flip, add cheese to melt. Stack two patties per bun with toppings. Benefits: Quick (under 10 minutes), crispy edges lock in juices for unbeatable flavor without drying out.

Bacon Avocado Smash Burger

Creamy avocado and smoky bacon take this smash burger to indulgence heaven. Ingredients (makes 2): 8 oz ground beef (4 balls), salt/pepper, 4 slices cheddar, 8 bacon strips (cooked), 1 avocado sliced, burger buns, chipotle mayo.

Smash beef balls on hot grill for 2-3 minutes per side, seasoning generously; top with cheddar on flip. Layer bacon and avocado on double patties in toasted buns with chipotle mayo. Benefits: Healthy fats from avocado balance richness, bacon adds crunch—high-protein and satisfying for post-grill hunger.

BBQ Brisket Smash Burger

Smoky brisket vibes meet tangy BBQ sauce for a grill-master’s dream. Ingredients (makes 2): 8 oz ground beef (4 balls), salt/pepper, 4 slices pepper jack, ½ cup chopped smoked brisket, BBQ sauce, coleslaw, onion rings, buns.

Smash and cook patties 2-3 minutes per side on screaming-hot grill, add cheese. Pile with brisket, sauce-drizzled slaw, and rings on buns. Benefits: Tender brisket boosts beefy flavor; coleslaw adds cool crunch—perfect for smoky summer nights, packed with protein.

Mushroom Swiss Smash Burger

Earthy sautéed mushrooms and gooey Swiss elevate this umami bomb. Ingredients (makes 2): 8 oz ground beef (4 balls), salt/pepper, 4 slices Swiss cheese, 1 cup sautéed mushrooms/garlic, caramelized onions, Dijon mustard, buns.

Grill-smash patties 2-3 minutes per side, melt Swiss on top. Stack with mushrooms, onions, and Dijon on buns. Benefits: Mushrooms add veggie nutrition and depth; low-carb option if skipping bun—rich yet light.

Jalapeño Popper Smash Burger

Spicy, cheesy popper filling stuffed into a smash burger shell. Ingredients (makes 2): 8 oz ground beef (4 balls), salt/pepper, 4 oz cream cheese mixed with diced jalapeños, 4 slices pepper jack, ranch, buns.

Smash patties, top one with popper mix and cheese before flipping to seal. Double-stack with ranch. Benefits: Heat from jalapeños boosts metabolism; cream cheese keeps it moist—fun, fiery twist on game day eats.

Hawaiian Luau Smash Burger

Tropical pineapple and teriyaki bring beachy vibes to the grill. Ingredients (makes 2): 8 oz ground beef (4 balls), salt/pepper, 4 slices provolone, grilled pineapple rings, teriyaki sauce, red onion, buns.

Smash and grill patties 2-3 minutes per side, add provolone. Layer with pineapple, sauce, onion. Benefits: Pineapple’s enzymes tenderize; sweet-savory balance aids digestion—vacation in burger form.

Blue Cheese Buffalo Smash Burger

Wings meet burgers with tangy blue cheese and fiery buffalo sauce. Ingredients (makes 2): 8 oz ground beef (4 balls), salt/pepper, 4 oz blue cheese crumbles, buffalo sauce, celery slaw, buns.

Cook smashed patties, toss in buffalo, top with blue cheese. Add slaw. Benefits: Blue cheese probiotics for gut health; spicy kick revs endorphins—bold flavor without excess calories.

Pesto Caprese Smash Burger

Fresh Italian twist with basil pesto and bursty tomatoes. Ingredients (makes 2): 8 oz ground beef (4 balls), salt/pepper, fresh mozzarella slices, pesto, cherry tomatoes/basil, balsamic glaze, buns.

Smash patties, melt mozz. Top with pesto, sliced tomatoes, basil, glaze. Benefits: Antioxidant-rich tomatoes/basil; lighter cheese option—summer-fresh and vibrant.

Korean BBQ Smash Burger

Gochujang heat and kimchi funk for an Asian fusion smash. Ingredients (makes 2): 8 oz ground beef (4 balls), salt/pepper, 4 slices gouda, gochujang mayo, kimchi, sesame seeds, buns.

Grill-smash patties, add gouda. Slather mayo, pile kimchi, sprinkle seeds. Benefits: Fermented kimchi for probiotics; bold spices enhance flavor without heaviness—adventurous and gut-friendly.

Truffle Aioli Smash Burger

Luxurious truffle elevates simple beef to gourmet status. Ingredients (makes 2): 8 oz ground beef (4 balls), salt/pepper, 4 slices Gruyère, truffle aioli, arugula, fried shallots, buns.

Smash and cheese patties. Spread aioli, add peppery arugula and shallots. Benefits: Truffle’s earthiness satisfies cravings; arugula adds vitamins—elegant yet grill-simple.

Chili Cheese Smash Burger

Hearty chili tops crispy smashed patties for comfort food glory. Ingredients (makes 2): 8 oz ground beef (4 balls), salt/pepper, 4 slices sharp cheddar, 1 cup warm chili, pickled jalapeños, buns.

Double-smash patties with cheddar. Spoon chili, add peppers. Benefits: Chili’s fiber/protein fills you up; warms from the inside—ideal for cooler grill nights.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Smash Burger

Surf-and-turf magic with garlicky shrimp on beef. Ingredients (makes 2): 8 oz ground beef (4 balls), salt/pepper, garlic butter shrimp (½ lb sautéed), American cheese, Old Bay aioli, buns.

Smash beef, melt cheese, top with shrimp tossed in garlic butter. Aioli finish. Benefits: Shrimp doubles lean protein; garlic boosts immunity—decadent but balanced.

Pickle Lovers Smash Burger

Tangy pickles inside and out for dill pickle perfection. Ingredients (makes 2): 8 oz ground beef (4 balls, mixed with chopped pickles), salt/pepper, 4 slices muenster, pickle relish mayo, extra pickles, buns.

Smash pickle-infused patties, cheese ’em. Mayo, more pickles. Benefits: Pickles’ probiotics aid digestion; low-cal crunch—addictively briny without sogginess.

Mediterranean Feta Smash Burger

Tzatziki, feta, and olives scream Greek island grill. Ingredients (makes 2): 8 oz ground beef (4 balls), salt/pepper, feta crumbles, tzatziki, cucumber/olive/tomato slices, oregano, buns.

Grill-smash, top with feta. Tzatziki sauce and veggie medley. Benefits: Feta’s calcium, veggies’ freshness; Mediterranean diet-approved for heart health.

Fire up your grill and smash your way through these 14 juicy recipes—they’re foolproof, customizable, and guaranteed to impress. Which one will you try first? Tag me in your creations; I can’t wait to see those crispy edges!