Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›2 Doors Down Food & Wine Halifax›Mini Smash Burger Recipe

Mini Smash Burger Recipe

Inspired by 2 Doors Down Food & Wine Halifax
Time30m
Serves4

Make Mini Smash Burger Recipe in just 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Burger Patties & Seasoning

Buns & Cheese

Toppings (Kids-friendly)

Method

Burger Patties & Seasoning

  1. 1

    Portion beef

    Divide the 1 lb ground beef into 8 equal portions (about 2 oz / 56 g each). Roll each portion gently into a loose ball; do not overwork the meat to keep burgers tender.

  2. 2

    Preheat griddle or skillet

    Heat a large cast-iron skillet or flat griddle over medium-high heat until very hot (about 3–5 minutes). Add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil and spread evenly.

  3. 3

    Smash the patties

    Place 2–3 meat balls on the hot surface (work in batches). Using a sturdy spatula or a flat metal press, firmly press each ball down to about 1/4-inch thickness. Hold pressure for 10–15 seconds to get a crisp edged crust. Repeat with remaining balls.

  4. 4

    Season

    Immediately sprinkle each smashed patty with a little kosher salt and black pepper (about 1/8 tsp salt and a pinch of pepper per patty) while the top is still raw so seasoning adheres.

  5. 5

    Flip and cheese

    Cook the patties for 1.5–2 minutes until the bottom is browned and edges are crispy. Flip each patty and immediately place a cut-to-fit American cheese slice on top. Cook another 30–60 seconds until cheese melts and the patty is cooked through (internal temp ~160°F / 71°C for small kids servings). Remove to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

Buns & Cheese

  1. 6

    Toast buns

    While cooking the second or final batch of patties, spread softened butter on the cut sides of the 8 mini buns. Place buttered buns cut-side down on the hot griddle for 30–60 seconds until golden and lightly crisp. Remove and set on a platter.

  2. 7

    Assemble cheesy burgers

    Place a cheesy patty on the bottom half of each toasted bun.

Toppings (Kids-friendly)

  1. 8

    Add toppings

    For each assembled patty on the bottom bun, add a thin layer (about 1 tsp) of mayonnaise if desired, a small dollop of ketchup (about 1 tsp), and 1–2 pickle slices. Add a small pinch of shredded lettuce if using. Top with the bun top.

  2. 9

    Serve

    Arrange the 8 mini smash burgers on a kid-friendly plate. Serve immediately while warm. Provide extra ketchup on the side for dipping.

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