Smash Burgers

• 1 1/2 lb Ground beef80/20 preferred
• 1 tsp Kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper
• 4 slices American cheese
• 4 Burger bunssplit and toasted
• 1/2 cup Dill pickle chips
• 1 cup Shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup Special sauceor mayonnaise and ketchup

Equipment

• Cast iron skillet or flat griddle
• Stiff metal spatula
• Parchment squares
• Instant-read thermometer

Instructions

1. 1

   Divide the beef into 8 loose balls, about 3 oz each. Do not pack them tightly.

   ⏱ 5 min

2. 2

   Heat the skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot. Toast the buns cut side down, then set them aside.

   ⏱ 3 min

3. 3

   Place 2 or 3 beef balls on the hot surface with room between them. Cover each with parchment and press hard with the spatula until very thin.

   ⏱ 1 min

4. 4

   Season the patties with salt and pepper. Cook until the edges are deeply browned and the tops are no longer glossy.

   ⏱ 2 min

5. 5

   Scrape under each patty to keep the crust attached, flip, add cheese to half of the patties, and cook until the beef reaches 160 F.

   ⏱ 2 min

6. 6

   Stack a plain patty on each cheese-topped patty. Build burgers with sauce, lettuce, pickles, and the toasted buns.

   ⏱ 2 min