Juicy Sausage Smash Burgers Recipe: A Game-Changing Twist

Crafting the ultimate sausage smash burgers requires skill and passion for bold flavors.

My kitchen experiments have revealed unexpected delights with this technique.

Crispy edges and juicy centers emerge from a hot griddle’s magic touch.

Italian sausage brings remarkable depth to traditional burger expectations.

Seasoned cast-iron skillets become the secret weapon for achieving restaurant-quality results.

Fat drippings create incredible caramelization that transforms ordinary meat into something extraordinary.

You’ll want to gather friends and savor every magnificent bite of these irresistible burgers.

FAQs

• Why use both ground beef and Italian sausage?

The combination creates a more complex, richer flavor profile. The beef provides a classic burger texture while the sausage adds extra seasoning and juiciness to the patty.

• What's the secret to a perfect smash burger?

The key is using high heat and pressing the meat ball into a thin patty. This creates crispy, caramelized edges and maximizes the meat’s flavor by increasing the surface area that gets browned.

• How do I get the cheese to melt perfectly?

Sprinkle the cheese immediately after flipping the burger and cover briefly with a lid or metal bowl. This traps heat and helps the cheese melt evenly and quickly over the hot patty.

Sausage Smash Burgers Packed With Bold Flavor

• Blast Quick Cooking: Minimal prep and speedy cooking make this recipe perfect for hungry crowds who want delicious food fast.
• Master Flavor Fusion: Combining ground beef and Italian sausage creates an incredible taste profile that elevates traditional burger recipes with unexpected depth and richness.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible ingredients allow personal tweaks like adding different cheeses, changing toppings, or adjusting spice levels to match individual preferences.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Professional cooking technique of smashing patties delivers crispy edges and juicy centers, mimicking gourmet burger restaurant experience without leaving your kitchen.

Ingredients To Make Sausage Smash Burgers

• Ground Beef: A juicy and flavorful base for the burger patties.
• Italian Sausage: Adds extra richness and distinctive spiced flavor to the meat blend.

• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and provides a sharp, creamy element to the burger.
• Shredded Lettuce: Adds fresh crunch and lightness to the burger.
• Tomato Slices: Brings a fresh and slightly acidic note to balance the rich meat.
• Red Onion: Offers a sharp and crisp texture with a mild bite.
• Pickles: Provides a tangy and crunchy contrast to the savory patty.

• Brioche Buns: A soft and buttery bread that complements the rich burger.
• Mayonnaise, Dijon Mustard: Creamy and tangy spreads that enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the meat's natural taste.
• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle flavor when cooking.

How To Cook Sausage Smash Burgers Perfectly

Step 1: Blend Meat Mixture

Mix ground beef and Italian sausage in a large bowl using your hands. Gently combine until well integrated.

Create four equal meat balls by dividing and rolling the mixture.

Step 2: Heat Cooking Surface

Prepare a grill or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.

Add a touch of olive oil to prevent sticking if using a skillet.

Step 3: Create Burger Patties

Place meat balls onto hot cooking surface.

Use a sturdy spatula or burger press to firmly smash each ball into a thin patty, roughly half an inch thick. Sprinkle salt and black pepper across the surface.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

Allow patties to sizzle for 3-4 minutes on the first side. Carefully flip each patty.

Immediately shower each patty with shredded cheddar cheese. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until cheese melts and edges turn golden brown.

Step 5: Toast Bun Halves

Split brioche buns and lightly toast on the cooking surface until they reach a beautiful golden color.

Step 6: Build Delicious Burgers

Spread mayonnaise and Dijon mustard on bottom bun halves.

• Cheesy sausage smash patty
• Shredded lettuce
• Fresh tomato slices
• Thinly sliced red onion
• Pickles (optional)

Top with remaining bun halves.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your sausage smash burgers immediately.

Pair with crispy fries, potato chips, or a light side salad for a complete meal.

Tips To Nail Sausage Smash Burgers Every Time

• Gently combine ground beef and Italian sausage with clean hands to prevent overworking the meat, which can make burgers tough and dense.
• Use a sturdy spatula or burger press to create ultra-thin patties, ensuring crispy edges and maximum flavor development during cooking.
• Add shredded cheddar immediately after flipping for perfect melting and maximum cheese coverage across the entire burger surface.
• Lightly toast brioche buns on the same cooking surface for added flavor and preventing soggy bottoms, creating a delightful crispy texture.
• Spread condiments directly on bun before adding patty to enhance overall taste and ensure even distribution of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard.

Variations To Change Up Sausage Smash Burgers

• Lean Protein Burger: Replace ground beef and Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a lower-fat version that maintains similar flavor profiles.
• Vegetarian Smash Patty: Swap meat with black bean and quinoa mixture, using plant-based binding ingredients like flaxseed and nutritional yeast to create a hearty alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps, ensuring all condiments and seasonings are certified gluten-free for individuals with dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Incorporate diced jalapeños into meat mixture, top with pepper jack cheese, and add chipotle mayo for a zesty, bold southwestern-inspired burger experience.

Pairing Ideas To Go With Sausage Smash Burgers

Select an IPA or amber ale that complements the rich, meaty sausage burger with its hoppy and robust profile.

Whip up a tangy coleslaw with apple cider vinegar dressing to cut through the burger’s richness and provide a crisp, refreshing contrast.

Serve garlic-parmesan french fries or herb-seasoned potato wedges that echo the burger’s savory Italian sausage undertones and provide a satisfying crunch.

Add a homemade chipotle mayo or sriracha aioli to intensify the burger’s flavor complexity and provide a subtle heat kick that enhances the overall taste experience.

Storage Advice To Keep Sausage Smash Burgers Fresh

• Store leftover burgers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Separate patties with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual patties tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Frozen burgers stay fresh for 2-3 months.
• Warm patties on a medium-low skillet for 2-3 minutes per side. Add a splash of water to prevent drying and maintain moisture.
• Reheat burgers on a microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep them juicy and prevent rubbery texture.

Sausage Smash Burgers Recipe

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4.9 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Juicy sausage smash burgers bring classic American comfort to your dinner table with irresistible crispy edges and bold flavor. Melted cheese, caramelized onions, and perfectly seasoned meat make you crave another bite of this ultimate backyard grilling sensation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage
• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (80% lean)
• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Produce and Garnishes:

• 1 cup lettuce, shredded
• 1 large tomato, sliced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• Pickles (optional)

Buns, Condiments, and Seasonings:

• 4 hamburger buns (preferably brioche)
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Blend ground beef and Italian sausage gently in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of meats. Form the mixture into 4 compact spherical portions.
2. Ignite a cast-iron skillet or grill to medium-high temperature. Lightly coat the cooking surface with olive oil to prevent adhesion.
3. Position meat spheres onto the heated surface. Utilize a sturdy spatula to compress each ball into an ultra-thin, crispy-edged patty approximately 1/2 inch thick. Liberally season with salt and freshly cracked pepper.
4. Allow patties to sizzle for 3-4 minutes until edges caramelize and bottom develops a rich golden crust. Carefully flip each patty and instantaneously blanket with shredded cheddar cheese. Continue cooking 2-3 minutes until cheese melts completely and meat reaches desired doneness.
5. Simultaneously slice brioche buns horizontally and toast cut surfaces until achieving a delicate golden-brown color and slight crispness.
6. Craft burger foundation by spreading creamy mayonnaise and tangy Dijon mustard across bottom bun. Layer the melted cheese-topped patty, then garnish with crisp lettuce, juicy tomato rounds, sharp red onion rings, and optional pickle slices.
7. Serve piping hot accompanied by complementary sides like crispy french fries, crunchy potato chips, or a refreshing garden salad.

Notes

• Use high-fat ground beef for juicier, more flavorful burgers that hold together perfectly when smashing.
• Work quickly when smashing patties to create those crispy, caramelized edges that give smash burgers their signature texture.
• Consider using a sturdy metal spatula with a flat edge to achieve the ultimate thin, crispy burger surface when smashing.
• For gluten-free version, swap brioche buns with lettuce wraps or gluten-free burger buns to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 670 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 52 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 1.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 2.5 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg