Ultimate Smash Burger Recipe with Burger Booster

Crispy Edges, a Juicy Center, and Bold Buttery Ranch Flavor

A smash burger lives or dies on the crust. Press the beef hard against a screaming-hot pan and the edges caramelize into a craggy, crispy lacework that a thick pub patty never gets close to. That crust is the whole point.

The flavor comes from Cleve's Burger Booster. It is a low-sodium butter and ranch blend built for ground beef, so you get savory depth and a little richness without burying the meat in salt.

This version makes two double burgers, start to finish, in about 15 minutes. High heat, loose patties, and one good smash are all it takes.

Ingredients

(Makes 2 burgers)

• 1 lb ground beef, 80/20 preferred
• 2 tablespoons Cleve's Burger Booster
• 4 slices American or cheddar cheese
• 2 brioche buns
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion

Simple Burger Sauce (optional)

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• 1 teaspoon pickle juice

Whisk all the sauce ingredients together until smooth and set aside.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat the Pan

Preheat a cast iron skillet or flat top over high heat until very hot. A ripping-hot surface is what builds the crust.

2. Form Loose Balls

Divide the beef into four loose balls. Do not overwork the meat or the patties turn dense.

3. Smash the Patties

Lightly oil the pan, set the beef balls down, and smash each one hard and flat with a spatula.

4. Season Generously

Sprinkle each patty generously with Cleve's Burger Booster right after smashing.

5. Sear and Flip

Cook 2 to 3 minutes until crispy edges form, then flip once.

6. Add the Cheese

Lay a slice of cheese on each patty immediately after flipping and cook another 1 to 2 minutes.

7. Toast the Buns

Butter the buns and toast them cut side down until golden.

8. Stack and Top

Stack two patties per burger, then add the sauce and your toppings.

Pro Tips

• High heat is the key to that crispy smash burger crust
• Season right after smashing so the flavor locks into the forming crust
• Use 80/20 beef, since the fat is what crisps the edges
• Smash once and leave the patties alone until it is time to flip
• Keep toppings simple so the Burger Booster stays center stage
  
  

Serving Suggestions

This burger pairs well with:

• Hand-cut fries or tater tots
• Onion rings
• A crisp dill pickle spear
• A simple side salad

Juicy beef. Crispy edges. Bold, buttery ranch flavor with real savory depth. This is not a plain weeknight burger.

Cleve's Burger Booster does the work in the crust, where every bite starts. Make it once and a plain patty will never taste like enough again.

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