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Flavorful Garlic Herb Smash Burgers Recipe Easy Homemade Brioche Buns

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A quick and easy garlic herb smash burger recipe featuring juicy beef patties with a crispy crust, served on soft, buttery brioche buns. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) 80/20 ground chuck
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 soft brioche buns
  • 4 slices sharp cheddar or American cheese (optional)
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • A few leaves fresh lettuce, washed and dried
  • 4 medium tomato slices
  • Pickles (dill or bread-and-butter), to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or neutral oil for cooking

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef with garlic powder, dried thyme, dried parsley, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently to combine without overworking the meat (3-5 minutes).
  2. Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking (about 5 minutes).
  3. Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz or 115g each) and roll into loose balls.
  4. Place one ball in the hot skillet and immediately smash it down firmly with a spatula or burger press to about ½ inch thick. Hold pressure for 10 seconds to create a sear. Repeat for remaining patties, cooking 2 at a time if needed.
  5. Cook patties undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until edges are dark and crispy. Flip carefully and place a slice of cheese on top if using. Cook another 1-2 minutes for medium doneness (internal temperature ~160°F). Adjust time for preferred doneness.
  6. While patties cook, spread softened butter on brioche buns and toast in a pan or under broiler for 1-2 minutes until golden and slightly crisp.
  7. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and Dijon mustard to make the sauce.
  8. Assemble burgers by spreading sauce on both bun halves, adding lettuce to the bottom bun, then the burger patty with melted cheese, tomato slices, and pickles. Top with the other bun half.
  9. Serve immediately while patties are juicy and buns are warm.

Notes

Do not overwork the meat to keep burgers tender. Use high heat for a crispy crust. Smash patties only once and let them cook undisturbed to develop a good sear. Let burgers rest briefly before assembling. Clean pan between batches to avoid burnt bits. For gluten-free option, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. For leaner meat, substitute ground turkey or chicken but expect different flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic herb smash burgers, brioche buns, easy burger recipe, homemade burgers, quick dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food