If you love burgers and pancakes equally and wish you could eat them together, Smash Burger Pancakes are your new favorite obsession. These mini delights combine juicy, crispy-edged smash burger patties with fluffy silver dollar pancakes (or slider buns), all stacked with melty cheese, tangy sauce, and classic burger toppings. Whether you serve them as a playful brunch, party appetizer, or crowd-pleasing slider, Smash Burger Pancakes always deliver big flavor in every adorable bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to create these show-stopping Smash Burger Pancakes. Each element is chosen for maximum flavor and texture, so don’t skip a thing—every bite counts!
- Ground Beef (1 pound, 80/20 blend): The perfect fat-to-lean ratio for juicy, flavorful patties that smash beautifully on the griddle.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out all the savory goodness in your beef.
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle warmth and classic burger kick.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives each patty a delicious, aromatic depth.
- Slider Buns or Mini Pancakes (8): Choose fluffy silver dollar pancakes for the ultimate brunch twist, or go with classic slider buns for a more traditional vibe.
- American Cheese (4 slices, halved): Melts perfectly over each mini patty, providing that nostalgic, creamy finish.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): The creamy base for your special sauce.
- Ketchup (2 tablespoons): Brings sweetness and tang to the sauce.
- Yellow Mustard (1 tablespoon): Adds zip and color to the sauce.
- Pickle Juice (1 teaspoon): Infuses your sauce with a punch of tangy flavor.
- Dill Pickles (1/2 cup, sliced): Give each bite that iconic burger crunch.
- Shredded Lettuce (1/2 cup): For freshness and a bit of crisp texture.
- Diced Onion (1/4 cup, optional): Adds sharpness and bite—skip it if you’re not an onion fan.
- Butter or Oil (for cooking): Keeps everything sizzling and ensures those patties get irresistibly crispy edges.
How to Make Smash Burger Pancakes
Step 1: Season and Shape the Beef
Start by adding your ground beef to a mixing bowl and sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Use your hands to gently mix—just until the seasonings are evenly distributed. Divide the beef into eight equal portions and roll each into a ball. This is the secret to getting those signature crispy edges when you smash them later!
Step 2: Heat the Griddle or Skillet
Preheat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat, then lightly grease it with a little butter or oil. You want the surface hot enough to sizzle when the beef hits it. This ensures your Smash Burger Pancakes get that crave-worthy, caramelized crust.
Step 3: Smash and Cook the Patties
Place your beef balls onto the hot surface, spacing them apart. Press down firmly with a sturdy spatula or burger press until each patty is about 1/4 inch thick. Let them sizzle for 2 to 3 minutes per side—don’t fuss too much! The magic happens when you leave them undisturbed to develop those crispy, lacy edges. Flip, top each with half a slice of American cheese, and cook just until the cheese melts.
Step 4: Make the Special Sauce
While your patties are cooking, stir together the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, and pickle juice in a small bowl. This tangy, creamy sauce is what takes your Smash Burger Pancakes from delicious to downright addictive. Taste and adjust the pickle juice or mustard to suit your tanginess preference.
Step 5: Assemble the Smash Burger Pancakes
To build your Smash Burger Pancakes, layer a mini pancake or slider bun with a swipe of special sauce, some shredded lettuce, a few pickle slices, diced onion if you like, and a cheesy smash burger patty. Stack as tall as you dare or keep it simple with a single deck. Serve them hot and watch them disappear in minutes!
How to Serve Smash Burger Pancakes
Garnishes
A great garnish makes these already adorable stacks even more eye-catching. Sprinkle extra diced onion or chopped pickles over the top, add a toothpick with a mini gherkin for flair, or dust with a pinch of smoked paprika for a pop of color. If you’re doing a brunch version, a tiny fried quail egg perched on top is the ultimate showstopper.
Side Dishes
Smash Burger Pancakes pair perfectly with crispy shoestring fries, tater tots, or a simple green salad if you’re looking for something lighter. For a brunch spread, try hash browns or even a fruit salad on the side to balance the savory richness. And don’t forget a big pitcher of ice-cold lemonade or iced tea!
Creative Ways to Present
You can turn these into sliders for a party platter, stack them high for a dramatic brunch centerpiece, or even serve them deconstructed for a DIY burger pancake bar. Arrange the pancakes and toppings on a board and let guests build their own—it’s interactive and always a hit at gatherings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Smash Burger Pancakes (a rare miracle!), separate the patties, pancakes, and toppings. Store each component in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps everything fresh and prevents sogginess.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze the cooked burger patties and pancakes. Let them cool completely, then stack with parchment between each piece and freeze in a zip-top bag. To use, thaw overnight in the fridge or microwave straight from frozen for a quick snack.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the patties and pancakes in a hot skillet or on a griddle for a minute or two per side—this revives their crispy edges and fluffy texture. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it can make everything a bit rubbery. Add the fresh toppings and sauce after reheating for the best taste and crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course, Appetizer
Absolutely! American cheese is classic for that gooey melt, but cheddar, Swiss, or even pepper jack work beautifully. Try your favorite or mix it up for a fun twist on your Smash Burger Pancakes.
What’s the best way to make mini pancakes for this recipe?
Use your favorite homemade pancake batter or a boxed mix—just pour small circles (about 3 inches wide) onto a hot griddle. Cook until bubbles form, flip, and cook until golden. They should be thick enough to hold up to the juicy burger but still fluffy.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Definitely! Just use gluten-free slider buns or make gluten-free mini pancakes. Check that your pickles and condiments are also gluten-free and you’re all set for a celiac-friendly feast.
How do I prevent the patties from sticking when smashing?
Make sure your griddle is well-greased and fully preheated. You can also use a piece of parchment paper between the beef and the spatula for easy smashing and no sticking—just peel it off after smashing and let the patties cook undisturbed.
Can I prep anything ahead of time for a party?
Yes! You can shape the beef balls, mix the special sauce, and prep all your toppings a day in advance. When it’s party time, just cook the patties and pancakes fresh for that unbeatable crispiness and build your Smash Burger Pancakes right before serving.
Final Thoughts
These Smash Burger Pancakes are proof that playful food can also be seriously delicious. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, give this recipe a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite. Don’t forget to get creative with toppings and make them your own!
