Hot Honey Cheddar Smash Burgers
These Hot Honey Cheddar Smash Burgers are juicy, crispy-edged, cheesy, and packed with sweet-and-spicy flavor. Instead of making a plain burger, this recipe takes the classic smash burger and gives it a SwaggyEats twist with hot honey sauce, garlic, cheddar cheese, crunchy pickles, and a soft roll.
The burger mixture uses ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, ketchup, garlic powder, and hot honey sauce to create a flavorful patty that holds together well and cooks up tender in the center. Once the burgers are smashed on a hot skillet, the outside gets beautifully browned. The cheddar melts right over the top for the perfect cheesy finish. Finally, serve these burgers with roasted potatoes, air fryer fries, a side salad, or fresh fruit for a family-friendly meal everyone will want again.
Why You’ll Love These Hot Honey Cheddar Smash Burgers
- Big flavor with simple ingredients: sweet, spicy, cheesy, and savory.
- High-protein comfort food: satisfying and filling.
- Beginner-friendly: no fancy burger skills needed.
- Family dinner approved: easy to customize for kids or adults.
- Crispy edges, juicy center: everything you want in a smash burger.
Recipe Tips
- Use a hot skillet. That way, the burgers can create crispy smash burger edges.
- Do not overmix the beef. Instead, mix just until the ingredients come together so the burgers stay tender.
- Smash only once. After that, let the burgers cook without moving them so the edges can brown.
- Toast the buns. As a result, the rolls hold up better and add more flavor.
- Adjust the heat. For a milder burger, use less hot honey. For more spice, add an extra drizzle before serving.
Smash Burger Variations
- High-Protein Lean Burger: Use 93% lean ground beef or ground turkey. Then, add an extra egg white for more protein.
- Spicy Jalapeño Cheddar Burger: Add sliced jalapeños and extra hot honey sauce. As a result, the burger gets a bigger sweet-and-spicy kick.
- BBQ Hot Honey Burger: Swap ketchup for barbecue sauce in the burger mixture. This way, the burger has a smoky-sweet flavor.
- Low-Carb Burger Bowl: Skip the roll and serve the burger over lettuce with pickles, cheddar, ketchup, and hot honey drizzle. Instead of a bun, the lettuce keeps it lighter and bowl-style.
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Hot Honey Cheddar Smash Burgers
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Make the burger mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, ketchup, hot honey sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix gently: Use clean hands or a spoon to mix until just combined. Do not overmix or the burgers can become tough.
- Form the patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a loose ball.
- Heat the skillet: Place a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Let it get hot before adding the beef.
- Smash the burgers: Add the beef balls to the hot skillet. Use a spatula to firmly press each one into a thin patty. Parchment paper, optional for smashing
- Cook the first side: Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the edges are browned and crispy.
- Flip and add cheese: Flip each burger, then place a slice of cheddar cheese on top. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the beef is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
- Toast the rolls: Toast the burger rolls in the skillet for 1 to 2 minutes, if desired.
- Assemble the burgers: Place each cheesy smash burger on a roll. Add pickles, ketchup, and an extra drizzle of hot honey sauce.
- Serve warm: Serve immediately while the cheese is melted and the edges are crispy.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving
Based on 1 burger with cheddar, roll, pickles, and sauce.- Calories: 520
- Protein: 31g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
FAQ: Smash Burgers
Yes. Ground turkey works well, but it is leaner than beef. Add a little extra ketchup or hot honey sauce to keep the patties moist.
An 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef works best for juicy smash burgers. Leaner beef can also be used for a lighter option.
Yes. You can mix and form the burger balls up to 24 hours ahead. Store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Breadcrumbs help bind the mixture and keep the burgers tender. You can use crushed crackers or panko instead.
Hot honey sauce is usually sweet with mild to medium heat. The spice level depends on the brand.
Use less hot honey sauce in the beef mixture and skip the extra drizzle on top.
Yes, but they work best on a flat-top griddle or cast iron pan. Smash burgers need direct contact with a hot flat surface.
You can, but they will not get the same crispy smash burger edges. Cook patties at 375°F until they reach 160°F internally.
Yes. Add shredded cheddar after flipping the burger and cover the pan briefly to help it melt.
Brioche rolls, potato rolls, sesame rolls, or whole wheat rolls all work well.
Serve them with fries, roasted potatoes, coleslaw, salad, fruit, or air fryer vegetables.
Use enough fat in the beef, avoid overmixing, and do not overcook the patties.
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