There is nothing quite like a freshly cooked smash burger enjoyed outdoors. With crispy caramelised edges, melted cheese, a soft toasted bun and a delicious homemade sauce, smash burgers are the perfect choice for a relaxed lunch, weekend barbecue or evening meal with family and friends.

As outdoor cooking continues to grow in popularity across the UK, more homeowners are creating comfortable garden spaces where they can cook, dine and entertain outside. With a good outdoor griddle, plancha or barbecue setup, you can create restaurant-quality smash burgers from your own garden, patio or terrace.

This easy smash burger recipe serves two people and can be prepared in around 20 minutes.

Recipe Information
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Serves: 2 people

Ingredients
For the Smash Burgers
300g beef mince (around 20% fat)
Salt and black pepper
2 slices of burger cheese
2 soft burger buns
½ white onion, thinly sliced
Pickle or gherkin slices
Fresh lettuce leaves
Cooking oil
For the Burger Sauce
4 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon finely chopped gherkins
½ teaspoon white wine vinegar
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon paprika
A small pinch of sugar
How to Make the Burger Sauce
Start by preparing the burger sauce before cooking the meat.

Mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, chopped gherkins, white wine vinegar, garlic powder, paprika and sugar together in a small bowl until smooth.

Taste the sauce and adjust the flavour depending on your preference. Add more mustard for extra sharpness or more ketchup for a sweeter taste.

Place the sauce in the fridge while you prepare the burgers.

Preparing the Beef
Divide the beef mince into two equal portions and gently shape each portion into a loose ball.

Avoid overworking the meat. Keeping the mince loose helps create the soft texture and crispy edges that make smash burgers so popular.

Season the outside of each beef ball with salt and pepper just before cooking.

Cooking Smash Burgers on a Griddle
Heat your outdoor griddle or plancha until it is extremely hot.

A high cooking temperature is essential because it creates the delicious browned crust on the outside of the burger while keeping the inside juicy.

Add a small amount of oil to the cooking surface and place the beef balls onto the hot griddle.

Immediately press each ball firmly down with a strong spatula until it becomes a thin burger patty.

Leave the burgers untouched for around two minutes. Avoid moving or pressing them again, as this helps develop the crispy edges and rich flavour.

Carefully flip the burgers, add a slice of cheese to each one and cook for another minute until the cheese has melted.

Toasting the Burger Buns
Cut the burger buns in half and place them cut-side down on the griddle.

Toast them briefly until lightly golden.

Toasting the buns adds extra flavour and creates a slightly firmer texture, helping prevent the sauce from making the bread too soft.

Building Your Smash Burger
Spread the homemade burger sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun.

Add:

  • Fresh lettuce
  • The cheese-covered smash burger
  • Sliced onions
  • Pickles or gherkins
  • Another spoonful of burger sauce
  • The top half of the bun

Serve immediately while the burger is hot, the cheese is melted and the edges are crispy.

Tips for the Perfect Smash Burger
Choose Beef with Enough Fat
For the best results, choose beef mince with around 20% fat. Leaner mince can create a drier burger, while a higher fat content helps create the flavour and juiciness that make smash burgers so enjoyable.

Use a Very Hot Cooking Surface
The secret to a great smash burger is heat. A properly heated griddle creates the crispy, golden crust that makes this style of burger different from a traditional barbecue burger.

Do Not Press After the Initial Smash
Only press the burger when you first place it on the griddle. Pressing repeatedly during cooking can release moisture and make the burger less tender.

Prepare Everything Before Cooking
Smash burgers cook quickly, so prepare your sauce, toppings and buns before placing the beef on the griddle.

Burger Topping Ideas
The classic smash burger is delicious on its own, but you can easily customise it with additional toppings.

Popular options include:

  • Crispy bacon
  • Caramelised onions
  • Jalapeños
  • Grilled peppers
  • Extra cheese
  • Barbecue sauce
  • Spicy mayonnaise
  • Fried egg
  • Crispy onions

Experimenting with different toppings is a great way to create your own signature outdoor burger.

What to Serve with Smash Burgers
Smash burgers pair perfectly with simple outdoor sides such as:

  • Homemade chips
  • Sweet potato fries
  • Onion rings
  • Coleslaw
  • Grilled vegetables
  • Fresh salad
  • Potato wedges
  • Corn on the cob

For outdoor gatherings, place sauces and toppings on the table so guests can customise their own burgers.

Creating the Perfect Outdoor Cooking Space
Cooking outdoors is one of the best ways to make the most of your garden, patio or terrace. A comfortable outdoor space allows you to prepare meals while spending time with family and friends.

Whether you are cooking burgers on a griddle, hosting a barbecue or enjoying a relaxed evening meal, having the right outdoor furniture can make the experience even better.

A well-designed outdoor area with a dining set, garden sofa, parasol or pergola can transform your garden into an extension of your home.

GardenFurnitureBrands offers a wide range of outdoor furniture, including garden dining sets, outdoor sofas, parasols, pergolas and accessories designed to help you create the perfect outdoor living space.

Prepare your ingredients, heat up the griddle and enjoy a delicious homemade smash burger in your own garden.