Ultra-Smashed Cheeseburgers

By MooK

Ingredients

• 1 soft hamburger roll, buttered and toasted
• Condiments and toppings as desired, such as mayonnaise, mustard, shredded lettuce, onions, tomatoes, or pickles
• 4 ounces freshly ground beef chuck, divided into two 2-ounce balls
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 slice good melting cheese, such as American or homemade melting cheese slices

Preparation

Step 1

Prepare burger bun by laying toppings on the bottom bun. Have it nearby and ready for when your burger is cooked.

Preheat a large stainless steel sauté pan or skillet over high heat for 2 minutes. Place balls of beef in the pan, and smash down with a stiff metal spatula, using a second spatula to add pressure. Smashed patties should be slightly wider than the burger bun.

Season generously with salt and pepper and allow to cook until well-browned and top is beginning to turn pale pink/gray in spots, about 45 seconds. Using a bench scraper or the back side of a stiff metal spatula, carefully scrape burger patties from pan, making sure to get all of the browned bits.

Flip patties and immediately place a slice of cheese over one patty and stack the second directly on top. Immediately remove from pan and transfer to waiting burger bun. Serve.