Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Crispy Smash Burgers (Juicy, Golden & Diner-Style)

Sarah Smith
Jan 23
2 min read

Close-up of a juicy cheeseburger with pickles, tomatoes, and dripping sauce. Golden bun, vibrant toppings, and melted cheese create a tempting scene.

These Crispy Smash Burgers are thin, juicy, and seared hot, with deeply golden, crunchy edges and a tender center. Cooking the beef quickly on a screaming-hot skillet creates that classic diner crust while keeping the inside flavorful and satisfying, using just simple ingredients and high heat.

They’re perfect for cozy, unfussy dinners and pair beautifully with comfort sides like Crispy Roasted Potatoes, Creamy Coleslaw, or Crispy Awesome Blossom Onion Bites. This recipe fits seamlessly into a rotation of easy family favorites when you want bold flavor without extra prep or cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This

Ultra-crispy edges with a juicy center
Classic diner flavor using simple ingredients
Ready in under 20 minutes
Perfect for cast-iron or griddle cooking
Easy to double for family dinners or game day

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes Servings: 4 burgers

Nutrition Information

Nutrition values may vary based on ingredient brands and substitutions.

Estimated per serving:

Calories: 520
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 6g

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
Salt and black pepper
4 hamburger buns
4 slices American cheese (or cheddar)
1 tbsp neutral oil (optional, for pan)

Optional Toppings

Sliced pickles
Thinly sliced onion
Shredded lettuce
Burger sauce or mayo

Instructions

Divide ground beef into 4 loose balls. Do not over-pack.
Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat until smoking hot.
Lightly oil the surface if needed. Place beef balls into the hot pan.
Immediately smash each ball flat using a spatula or burger press.
Season generously with salt and pepper.
Cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until edges are deeply browned and crispy.
Flip, add cheese, and cook for another 1–2 minutes until melted.
Toast buns if desired. Assemble burgers with toppings and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Extra crispy: Use parchment paper when smashing to get thinner patties
Oklahoma-style: Smash sliced onions directly into the meat
Double smash: Stack two patties per bun for classic diner style
Sauce upgrade: Try burger sauce, garlic mayo, or spicy ketchup

Make-Ahead & Storage

Smash burgers are best enjoyed fresh. Cooked patties can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated briefly in a hot skillet, but crispiness will be reduced.

FAQ

What’s the best beef for smash burgers? An 80/20 blend gives the best balance of flavor and crisp edges.

Can I cook these without cast iron? Yes — any heavy-bottom skillet or flat griddle works well.

Why shouldn’t I pre-flatten the patties? Smashing in the pan creates better browning and crispy edges.

Final Thoughts

Crispy Smash Burgers are everything comfort food should be — fast, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. With their golden crust and juicy interior, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or anytime you’re craving a classic diner-style burger at home.