The Double Smash Burger with Cheddar and Caramelized Onions is a bold, flavorful masterpiece featuring crispy-edged smashed beef patties, oozing sharp cheddar cheese, and sweet, tender caramelized onions, all stacked high on a toasted sesame seed bun. This ultimate comfort burger delivers rich flavor, satisfying texture, and classic diner-style appeal—perfect for burger nights, casual cookouts, or whenever you crave something irresistibly indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This burger is everything a great homemade burger should be: juicy, crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. The smash technique creates a deeply caramelized crust on each patty, while the cheddar adds sharpness and the onions a melt-in-your-mouth sweetness. It’s easy to prepare on a stovetop with minimal ingredients, yet the result is restaurant-worthy. Whether served with fries, chips, or a fresh slaw, this double smash burger brings big flavor in every bite.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef (80/20 blend)
Sharp cheddar cheese slices
Caramelized onions
Sesame seed burger buns
Butter (for toasting buns)
Salt and pepper

Optional toppings:

Ketchup
Pickles
Burger sauce

directions

Divide the ground beef into four equal balls (about 4 oz each).
Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over high heat until very hot.
Place the beef balls onto the hot surface and immediately press each one down firmly with a spatula to form thin patties. Smash until they are about 1/4 inch thick.
Season the patties with salt and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes without moving until the edges become deeply browned and crispy.
Flip the patties and immediately place a slice of cheddar cheese on each. Cook for another 1–2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the patties are cooked through.
Meanwhile, butter the insides of the sesame seed buns and toast them in a separate pan or on the griddle until golden brown.
To assemble:
- Place one cheesy patty on the bottom bun.
- Spoon a tablespoon of caramelized onions over it.
- Add the second patty and another tablespoon of onions.
- Top with any additional condiments or toppings of your choice.
- Finish with the top bun.
Serve hot, ideally with fries, chips, or a simple side salad.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2 burgers
Calories: Approximately 780 kcal per burger

Variations

Bacon Smash Burger: Add crispy bacon strips between the patties for extra richness.
Spicy Version: Add sliced jalapeños, spicy burger sauce, or pepper jack cheese.
Mushroom Lover’s: Add sautéed mushrooms along with the onions for an earthy twist.
Garlic Butter Bun: Brush buns with garlic butter before toasting for a savory touch.
Pickle Stack: Add layers of thinly sliced pickles for acidity and crunch.
BBQ Smash Burger: Replace ketchup with barbecue sauce and add onion rings on top.
Mini Smash Sliders: Make smaller patties and use slider buns for a party-friendly option.
Blue Cheese Blend: Swap cheddar for blue cheese crumbles for a bold, tangy flavor.

storage/reheating

Smash burgers are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store patties and buns separately for best results. Reheat the patties in a skillet over medium heat until warm, and toast the buns before reassembling. Avoid microwaving, as it can soften the crisp burger edges.

FAQs

What is a smash burger?

A smash burger is made by pressing a ball of ground beef flat onto a hot griddle or skillet, creating a thin patty with a crisp, caramelized crust.

Why use an 80/20 beef blend?

The 80/20 ratio provides enough fat to keep the patties juicy and flavorful while allowing for that perfect sear.

How do I properly smash the burger?

Use a flat spatula and apply firm pressure right after placing the meat on the skillet. Smash only once and do not press after flipping.

Can I use store-bought caramelized onions?

Yes, store-bought can work in a pinch, though homemade will deliver a deeper, richer flavor.

What kind of pan should I use?

A cast iron skillet or flat griddle works best for achieving a high-heat sear and even browning.

How do I prevent the patties from sticking?

Ensure your skillet is hot enough and slightly greased before placing the beef. A stainless or cast iron surface with good heat retention is ideal.

Can I make this burger on a grill?

You can, but the flat cooking surface of a griddle is essential for the true smash burger texture. Use a grill pan or griddle attachment if grilling.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, just use gluten-free buns and check that your condiments are gluten-free.

How do I keep the burger from falling apart?

Use a sturdy spatula to flip and support the patties when stacking. Chilling the beef briefly before cooking can also help them hold shape better.

Are these good for a crowd?

Absolutely. Prepare all beef balls ahead of time and cook in batches on a griddle. Set up a toppings station for easy assembly.

Conclusion

The Double Smash Burger with Cheddar and Caramelized Onions is a decadent delight for burger lovers. With crisp-edged patties, melted cheddar, and savory-sweet onions stacked on a toasted sesame bun, this burger hits every note of texture and flavor. Whether served at a casual family dinner or your next backyard BBQ, it’s a simple yet satisfying way to bring bold flavor and gourmet flair to a classic favorite.

Double Smash Burger with Cheddar and Caramelized Onions

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This Double Smash Burger with Cheddar and Caramelized Onions features two crispy-edged beef patties, sharp melted cheddar, and sweet caramelized onions stacked high on a toasted sesame bun. It’s the ultimate indulgent homemade burger—perfect for BBQs, comfort food cravings, or fast-food-style nights in.

Author: Asma
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 2 burgers
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-Searing / Griddling
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
4 tbsp caramelized onions
2 sesame seed burger buns
1 tbsp butter (for buns)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: ketchup, pickles, burger sauce

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Instructions

Divide the ground beef into four equal 4 oz balls.
Heat a cast iron skillet or flat-top griddle over high heat until smoking hot.
Place two beef balls in the pan. Smash flat immediately using a spatula (use parchment between meat and spatula if needed).
Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes without moving until edges are crispy and browned.
Flip, top each patty with cheddar, and cook another 1–2 minutes until cheese is melted.
Butter the inside of the burger buns and toast them in the pan until golden.
Assemble: Place one patty on the bottom bun, top with caramelized onions, stack the second patty, add more onions, and crown with the top bun.
Serve hot with fries, coleslaw, or your favorite sides.

Notes

Use a metal spatula or burger press for the best smash.
Caramelized onions can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.
Add burger sauce, ketchup, or pickles to layer even more flavor.
Toasted buns add texture and prevent sogginess from juicy patties.