Print

Flavorful Giant Smash Burger Tower Recipe with Easy Cheese Sauce

giant smash burger tower - featured image
Print Recipe

A juicy, crispy, and cheesy giant smash burger tower layered with melty cheese sauce and fresh toppings, perfect for weeknights or cookouts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1½ pounds (680g) ground beef, 80/20 blend
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed
  • 1½ cups (170g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • 4 large burger buns, toasted (or sturdy sourdough slices)
  • Pickle slices
  • Fresh lettuce leaves, washed and dried
  • Thinly sliced red onion
  • Tomato slices
  • Mayonnaise or your favorite burger sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, gently mix ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Divide into 8 equal portions and shape each into a loose ball.
  2. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until smoking hot, about 5 minutes.
  3. Place one or two meat balls in the pan. Using a metal spatula, firmly press down until patties are about ¼-inch (6mm) thick. Hold pressure for 10 seconds, then release. Cook in batches if needed.
  4. Cook patties undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until edges are deeply browned and crispy. Flip and cook another 1-2 minutes. Remove from pan and keep warm.
  5. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly until smooth and slightly nutty.
  6. Gradually whisk in warm milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until thickened, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese and smoked paprika until smooth. Season with salt to taste.
  7. Lightly butter the cut sides of buns and toast in a pan or under a broiler until golden and crisp.
  8. Build the tower starting with the bottom bun, spread a thin layer of mayo or burger sauce if desired, then add a lettuce leaf. Stack a smashed patty, drizzle cheese sauce generously, add pickle slices, tomato, and onion. Repeat layers until top bun.
  9. Use a skewer or long toothpick to stabilize the tower while assembling.
  10. Serve immediately. Slice in half with a sharp knife for easier handling.

Notes

Use 80/20 ground beef for best juicy and crispy patties. Do not overcrowd the pan to maintain high heat. Warm milk helps cheese sauce come together smoothly. Toast buns well to prevent sogginess. Cheese sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently. Use a skewer to stabilize the burger tower while assembling.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, giant burger, cheese sauce, backyard cookout, easy burger recipe, crispy edges, juicy burger

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/flavorful-giant-smash-burger-tower-recipe-with-easy-cheese-sauce/