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Crispy Classic Smash Burger Recipe with American Cheese and Onion Strings

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A quick and easy homemade smash burger with crispy edges, melted American cheese, and crunchy onion strings, perfect for casual meals and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 4 slices American cheese
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour alternative)
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 soft burger buns (brioche or potato buns recommended)
  • Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, pickles, condiments

Instructions

  1. Peel and slice the yellow onion thinly (about 1/8 inch or 3 mm thickness). Separate the rings gently into strings.
  2. Toss onion strings in a mixing bowl with ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon salt, and a pinch of black pepper until evenly coated. Set aside.
  3. Pour about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of vegetable oil into a deep frying pan and heat over medium-high heat to around 350°F (175°C).
  4. Fry the coated onion strings in batches (about 1 cup or 100 g at a time) for 2-3 minutes or until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
  5. Divide ground beef into four equal portions (about 4 oz or 113 g each) and gently roll into loose balls.
  6. Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot (about 3-4 minutes).
  7. Place one beef ball in the skillet and press down firmly with a sturdy spatula to flatten to about ¼ inch (6 mm) thickness. Hold for 10 seconds.
  8. Season the exposed side with salt and pepper. Cook without moving for 2-3 minutes until edges are browned and crispy.
  9. Flip the patty gently, place a slice of American cheese on top, and cook another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and patty reaches 160°F (71°C) internal temperature.
  10. Toast burger buns face-down in another skillet or oven until golden brown.
  11. Assemble burgers by placing cheesy patty on bottom bun, topping with crispy onion strings and optional toppings, then cap with top bun.
  12. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

Use 80/20 ground beef for juicy patties. Press patties firmly once only to avoid dryness. Keep onion strings thin and dry before frying for best crunch. Onion strings can be fried ahead but are crispiest fresh. Use a sturdy spatula for smashing patties. Avoid overcrowding the pan.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, crispy burger, American cheese burger, onion strings, easy homemade burger, quick dinner, classic burger

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/crispy-classic-smash-burger-recipe-with-american-cheese-and-onion-strings-perfect-for-easy-homemade-meals/