If you’ve ever bitten into a perfectly crisped, juicy smash burger, you know it’s more than just a hamburger—it’s an experience. That delicious crust, tender centre, and bold flavour profile make Smash Burger stand out from the average grilled patty. And in Canada, where comfort food meets gourmet taste, learning how to make the ultimate smash burger at home is a culinary skill worth mastering.
Whether you're in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, or Halifax, you can bring restaurant-quality smash burgers to your kitchen with the right ingredients, techniques, and a bit of Canadian flavour. Plus, if you want to skip the cooking and still indulge, you can always grab your favourite smash burger from Burger Bloc, known for crafting burgers that Canadians crave.
What is a Smash Burger?
Before diving into the method, let’s understand what sets a smash burger apart from a traditional burger. The concept is simple: instead of forming a thick patty and grilling it, you roll ground beef into a ball and smash it directly onto a hot griddle or skillet. This technique maximises contact with the cooking surface, creating a golden-brown, crispy crust known as the Maillard reaction.
This intense sear locks in juices while delivering a crunchy, flavour-packed exterior—something that thicker patties often lack. The result? A burger that’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and full of bold, beefy flavour.
Ingredients for the Ultimate Smash Burger (Canadian Style)
Here’s everything you need to make the ultimate smash burger at home:
Core Ingredients:
Ground Beef (80/20 fat ratio) – Look for fresh, high-quality Canadian ground chuck or brisket for the best results.
Salt and Pepper – Keep it simple. You want the beef flavour to shine.
Soft Burger Buns – Potato buns or brioche are perfect for their soft texture and slight sweetness.
Cheese – American cheese is classic, but sharp cheddar adds a distinctly Canadian twist.
Butter – For toasting the buns.
Burger Sauce – A tangy blend of mayo, ketchup, mustard, pickles, and a touch of maple syrup (for that Canadian flair).
Toppings – Pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, onions (raw or grilled), and optional bacon.
Tools You’ll Need
Cast iron skillet or griddle (must hold heat well)
Heavy-duty spatula (metal, with a flat edge for smashing)
Cooking press (optional but helpful for even smashing)
Parchment paper (to prevent sticking during smashing)
Burger press ring (optional for shaping)
Step-by-Step: Making the Ultimate Smash Burger at Home
1. Start with Quality Beef
Buy fresh, not frozen, Canadian ground beef with at least 20% fat. This higher fat content is essential for creating juicy, flavourful smash burgers. Form the beef into loose balls—around 3 oz each. Do not pack them tightly; loose meat makes for better smashing and a more tender result.
2. Preheat Your Cooking Surface
Heat your cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high to high heat. You want it scorching hot—when a drop of water sizzles and evaporates instantly, you're ready.
3. Smash the Beef
Place a ball of beef on the hot surface, cover with parchment paper, and smash it down with your spatula or burger press until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. Hold the press for about 10 seconds. Remove the paper. This step creates the signature crispy crust that makes a smash burger unbeatable.
4. Season Generously
Sprinkle salt and pepper immediately after smashing. Keep the seasoning simple—smash burgers are all about the beef and crust.
5. Flip and Add Cheese
After 90 seconds to 2 minutes, the edges should be crispy and brown. Flip the patty carefully and place a slice of cheese on top (Canadian cheddar if you want that true north twist). Let it melt as the other side cooks for another minute.
6. Toast the Buns
While the patties cook, toast your buns in butter either on the skillet or in a pan. This adds flavour and prevents sogginess from the sauce.
7. Assemble with Care
Spread your homemade burger sauce on the bottom bun, add the cheesy patty, and top with lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles. Add another patty if you want a double smash burger—many Canadians do!
Bonus Canadian Touches for Your Smash Burger
Want to level up your smash burger and make it a true Canadian classic? Try these ideas:
Maple Bacon: Add crispy bacon glazed with maple syrup for a sweet-salty crunch.
Poutine-Inspired Toppings: Add a thin layer of cheese curds and gravy (yes, seriously).
Smoked Cheddar: Use local smoked cheese for a rich depth of flavour.
Montreal Steak Spice: Use it as a seasoning for a bold, smoky, peppery profile.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Pressing After the First Smash:
Once you smash the burger, do not press it again while cooking. You’ll lose all those precious juices.
2. Overcooking:
A smash burger cooks quickly—overcooking results in dry meat and burnt edges. Two minutes per side is plenty.
3. Using Lean Beef:
Don’t go below 80/20. Fat equals flavour—and in a smash burger, fat is your best friend.
Why Canadians Love Smash Burgers
Smash burgers are the perfect union of simplicity and indulgence—quick to make, packed with flavour, and endlessly customizable. They also embody a nostalgic comfort that feels right at home in any Canadian kitchen. Whether it’s a summer BBQ, a weekend treat, or a snowy night in, the smash burger always hits the spot.
Prefer Not to Cook? Visit Burger Bloc
Not everyone has time to fire up a skillet and master the art of the perfect sear. If you’re craving a handcrafted smash burger without the mess, head over to Burger Bloc. Known across Canada for their crispy, juicy smash burgers, Burger Bloc combines premium ingredients, expert technique, and local flair to deliver burgers that rival anything you can make at home.
Whether you’re after a classic single, a loaded double, or a creative twist with Canadian toppings, Burger Bloc has a smash burger for every appetite. Plus, their sides, sauces, and freshly toasted buns make the whole meal unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to make the ultimate smash burger at home is one of those culinary adventures that’s equal parts rewarding and delicious. With a few simple ingredients, the right tools, and the perfect technique, you can craft a Canadian-style smash burger that rivals the best diners and burger joints in the country.
But when hunger strikes and you want it done right—no spatula required—treat yourself to your favourite smash burger at Burger Bloc, where quality and flavour come first.
Smash burger perfection, whether in your kitchen or from Burger Bloc—the choice is yours.
