The Smash Burger Grilled Cheese That Stole My Heart (And My Lunch)
It all started on one of those chaotic Tuesday afternoons when the fridge was nearly bare, but my craving for something indulgent was anything but. I stood there, staring at the last remnants of grocery shopping past: a half-empty package of ground beef, a few slices of cheddar that had seen better days, and a lonely onion rolling around the crisper drawer. Then it hit me—what if I combined my two great loves? The crispy-edged perfection of a smash burger and the gooey embrace of grilled cheese. Reader, what emerged from that desperate kitchen experiment became my most requested sandwich by friends and family alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need (And Why They Matter)
- 1/2 lb ground beef (80/20 blend) – That 20% fat content is your golden ticket to juicy, flavorful patties that crisp up beautifully.
- 4 slices thick-cut sourdough bread – The tangy chewiness stands up to the burger’s richness like a dream.
- 3 tbsp softened butter – Because when it comes to grilled cheese, butter isn’t optional—it’s the law.
- 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced – Caramelized slowly until they’re practically jam, these add a sweet counterpoint.
- 4 slices sharp cheddar – Aged just enough to have personality without overpowering the beef.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – Our secret umami booster that makes the beef sing.
- 1 tsp garlic powder – Because every great burger needs its garlicky backbone.
- Salt & pepper to taste – Simple, but don’t you dare skip seasoning those patties!
Let’s Make Magic Between Two Slices
Step 1: The Onion Jam
Start by melting a knob of butter in your cast iron over medium-low heat. Add those thinly sliced onions with a pinch of salt and let them work their magic—stirring occasionally until they turn golden and jammy (about 15 minutes). This patience-testing step is what separates good sandwiches from legendary ones.
Step 2: Smash Those Patties
While the onions work, mix your ground beef with Worcestershire, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Divide into two equal portions—no need to form perfect balls, just roughly portioned mounds. When your onions are done, remove them and crank the heat to medium-high. Place beef mounds in the hot pan and immediately press down HARD with a spatula (I use the bottom of a heavy measuring cup for maximum smash). Let them cook undisturbed for 2 minutes until a dark crust forms.
Step 3: The Flip & Cheese
Carefully scrape up your patties (that crust wants to stick—that’s good!) and flip. Immediately top each with a slice of cheddar, then cover the pan for 1 minute just to melt the cheese into luscious ribbons. This is when your kitchen will smell like a gourmet burger joint, and you might question why you’d ever eat anything else.
Smash Burger Grilled Cheese: Pro Tips & Variations
This indulgent sandwich is endlessly adaptable! Here are some ways to make it your own:
- Cheese Swap: American melts beautifully, but sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or even blue cheese crumbles add personality
- Veggie Boost: Sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or pickled jalapeños add texture
- Special Sauce Shortcut: Mix equal parts ketchup, mayo, and relish with a dash of garlic powder
- Bun Alternatives: Texas toast, brioche, or even sourdough work wonderfully
The Perfect Pairings
This hearty sandwich deserves equally comforting sides:
- Crispy steak fries dusted with smoked paprika
- A simple vinegary coleslaw to cut through the richness
- Classic dill pickle spears for that authentic burger joint vibe
- An ice-cold milkshake (vanilla or chocolate) for the ultimate nostalgic meal
Storage & Reheating Tips
While best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be saved:
- Fridge: Store assembled but uncooked sandwiches wrapped in parchment for up to 24 hours
- Reheating: Warm in a dry skillet over medium-low until cheese melts (about 3 minutes per side)
- Freezing: Not recommended – the texture of the beef changes upon thawing
Smash Burger Grilled Cheese FAQs
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Absolutely! Just add a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent dryness, and season well.
Q: My cheese isn’t melting fast enough – help!
A: Cover the skillet with a lid for the last minute of cooking to create a steamy environment.
Q: How do I prevent soggy bread?
A: Lightly toast the bread before assembling, and don’t overdo the sauce – a thin layer is plenty.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Try smashed portobello mushrooms or a plant-based burger patty with extra umami seasonings.
The Ultimate Comfort Food Hug
There’s something magical about the way crispy bread gives way to molten cheese and savory beef in every bite of this smash burger grilled cheese. It’s the kind of meal that turns an ordinary Tuesday into something special, the perfect edible antidote to a long day. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids after soccer practice or treating yourself to a nostalgic flavor bomb, this sandwich delivers pure, uncomplicated joy. Now go forth and get that skillet sizzling – your taste buds will thank you.
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Smash Burger Grilled Cheese
Description
A delicious fusion of a classic smash burger and grilled cheese sandwich, packed with flavor and melty cheese.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 8 slices thick-cut bread
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp ketchup (optional)
- 1 tbsp mustard (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- In a bowl, mix ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Divide the beef into 4 equal portions and form into thin patties.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the patties for 2-3 minutes per side, pressing down with a spatula to ‘smash’ them.
- Top each patty with a slice of American and cheddar cheese during the last minute of cooking.
- Butter one side of each bread slice. Spread ketchup and mustard on the unbuttered sides if desired.
- Assemble sandwiches by placing a cheesy patty between two bread slices, buttered sides out.
- Grill the sandwiches in the skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is fully melted.
- Serve hot with pickles or extra condiments if desired.
Notes
You can customize the seasonings to taste.
