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This croissant smash burger recipe blends the rich, buttery flakiness of croissant buns with the irresistible crispy edges of smashed beef patties. It’s a quick and satisfying twist on classic burgers that you can whip up in under 30 minutes for a delicious weekday dinner or weekend treat.
I first made these when I wanted a special burger but didn’t want to fuss with homemade buns. Now they’re a go-to whenever I crave something juicy with a little extra flair.
Ingredients
- Ground beef 80/20 blend: perfect balance of fat for juicy patties and good browning
- Large croissants: choose fresh bakery croissants for the best buttery layers and softness
- Kosher salt: brings out the meat’s flavor better than fine table salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper: adds a mild heat and aroma when freshly ground
- Sharp cheddar cheese: melts beautifully and gives a sharp counterpoint you can swap for Swiss or pepper jack if you want a different twist
- Unsalted butter: for toasting the croissants to golden perfection and adding richness
- Optional toppings like lettuce, tomato, pickles, red onions, bacon, mayo, ketchup, or spicy aioli: customize to your taste and add crunch or tang
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sear the skillet:
- Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for about five minutes until just smoking hot. This ensures the beef patties get that signature crispy crust. Don’t skip this step because a properly heated pan is key to smash burger success.
- Form and smash patties:
- Divide the ground beef into four equal balls, about four ounces each. Place one ball into the hot skillet and immediately smash it down flat using a spatula until it’s about a quarter-inch thick. Smash all patties in batches if the pan is small to avoid overcrowding.
- Season and crisp:
- Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper onto the smashed side of the patties. Cook without disturbing for three minutes. The goal here is to get the edges deeply browned and crispy. Use a thin metal spatula to carefully flip.
- Melt cheese and toast croissants:
- Right after flipping the patties, place cheese slices onto each patty so they can melt while the other side cooks for another two to three minutes. Meanwhile, slice croissants in half. Spread butter on the cut sides and toast them butter-side down in a separate pan or the same skillet once the patties are done. Toasting takes about two to three minutes until golden and flaky.
- Assemble and serve:
- Place each cheesy patty on the bottom croissant half. Add your favorite toppings and sauces, then crown with the top croissant half. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
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My favorite part is smashing the patties thin enough to get maximum crispiness while keeping the inside juicy. One family dinner I made these, everyone fought over the last burger half because the buttery croissant combined with melted cheddar and bacon was pure magic.
Storage Tips
Store leftover cooked patties and toasted croissant buns separately in airtight containers for up to two days. Reheat patties in a skillet over medium heat to bring back their crispy edges and warm the cheese. Toast the croissants briefly in a toaster oven or skillet to refresh their flakiness before assembling leftover burgers.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used but will yield a milder flavor and firmer texture
- Vegetarian patties could work if smashed thin and crisped well, though the texture will differ
- Try swapping cheddar for gouda or a smoky provolone to change up the cheese flavor
- Butter can be replaced with olive oil to lower saturated fat, though you lose a bit of that rich aroma
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these croissant smash burgers with crispy sweet potato fries or a simple green salad
- Pickles and spicy aioli add a tangy contrast that really lifts the burger’s richness
- For a brunch twist, top with a fried egg or avocado slices
Cultural Context
The smash burger is an American classic originating from diners aiming for crispy, flavorful burger edges. Using croissants as buns is a fun modern twist inspired by the French pastry’s buttery layers, bringing a café vibe to a backyard favorite. This recipe bridges comfort food and a subtle gourmet flair effortlessly.
Pro Tips
- Make sure your pan is screaming hot before smashing the patties for maximum crisp crust
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet or the patties will steam instead of sear
- Butter the croissants just before toasting to get that perfect golden exterior with flaky texture every time
Recipe FAQs
- → What cut of beef is best for these burgers?
An 80/20 ground beef blend works best, offering enough fat for juicy, flavorful patties with crispy edges.
- → How do I achieve crispy edges on the patties?
Press the beef balls thin and cook on a preheated skillet without disturbing them, allowing the edges to brown and crisp.
- → Why use croissants instead of regular buns?
Croissants add buttery flakiness and a tender texture that contrasts nicely with the savory, crisp patties.
- → Can I toast the croissants in the same pan as the patties?
Yes, after cooking the patties, spread butter on the croissant halves and toast in the same skillet for enhanced flavor.
- → What toppings complement these burgers well?
Lettuce, tomato, pickles, crispy bacon, and spicy aioli add freshness, crunch, and heat to balance the rich patties and croissants.