Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These burgers are rich, juicy, and full of texture. The crispy beef contrasts beautifully with the soft croissant, while the melted cheese ties everything together. They cook quickly, require minimal ingredients, and feel indulgent without being complicated.
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Croissant Smash Burgers: Ultra-Buttery Buns Meet Crispy Beef Perfection
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers
- Diet: Halal
Description
Ultra-juicy smash burgers tucked into buttery toasted croissants, layered with melted cheese and classic burger toppings for an indulgent twist on a favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 large croissants, sliced in half
- 4 slices cheddar or American cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 lettuce leaves
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 1/4 cup pickles, sliced
- 1/4 cup burger sauce or mayonnaise
Instructions
- Divide ground beef into 4 equal balls and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat and add vegetable oil.
- Place beef balls onto the hot surface and smash flat using a spatula.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes until deeply browned, then flip.
- Top each patty with cheese and cook another 1–2 minutes until melted.
- Meanwhile, butter the cut sides of the croissants.
- Toast croissants cut-side down in a skillet until golden.
- Assemble burgers by spreading sauce on croissants, adding lettuce, tomato, pickles, and smash burgers.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use very hot heat for the best smash burger crust.
- Croissants add richness—serve with lighter sides.
- Double the patties for an extra-hearty burger.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef
Ground beef with a higher fat content works best for smash burgers. It creates crisp edges while staying juicy in the center.
Salt
Salt enhances the natural flavor of the beef and helps create a savory crust when smashed onto the hot surface.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds gentle heat and balances the richness of the meat and croissant.
Croissants
Croissants replace traditional burger buns, adding buttery flavor and a soft, flaky texture that elevates the entire burger.
Cheddar cheese
Cheddar cheese melts smoothly over the patties and adds sharpness that complements the beef.
Butter
Butter is used to toast the croissants, enhancing their flavor and helping them crisp lightly.
Onion
Thinly sliced onion adds sweetness and depth, especially when cooked directly with the smashed patties.
Pickles
Pickles provide acidity and crunch, cutting through the richness of the burger and croissant.
Burger sauce
Burger sauce ties all components together with creaminess and tang. It adds moisture and balance to each bite.
Directions
Begin by preheating a heavy skillet or griddle over high heat until very hot. While the pan heats, form the ground beef into loose balls without compacting them. This helps achieve crisp edges when smashed.
Slice the croissants horizontally and lightly butter the cut sides. Toast them in a skillet until just golden, then set aside.
Place the beef balls onto the hot skillet and immediately smash them flat using a sturdy spatula or press. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Add sliced onions directly on top of the patties and allow the burgers to cook undisturbed until deeply browned and crisp on the bottom.
Flip the patties, top with cheddar cheese, and cook briefly until the cheese melts and the burgers are cooked through. Remove from heat.
Assemble the burgers by spreading sauce on the toasted croissants, adding the smash patties, pickles, and any additional toppings. Serve immediately while hot.
Essential Equipment
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes.
Cooking time is about 15 minutes.
Total time is around 25 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Smash burgers are best enjoyed fresh. If needed, store cooked patties separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat quickly in a hot skillet. Croissants should be toasted fresh for best texture.
Variations and Customizations
Croissant Smash Burgers are easy to adapt to personal taste. For a richer version, add crispy bacon or sautéed mushrooms to the burger. I have tested this with caramelized onions, and the sweetness pairs exceptionally well with the buttery croissant.
Cheese choices can be swapped depending on preference. American cheese melts smoothly for a classic smash burger feel, while Swiss adds a mild nuttiness. For added heat, sliced jalapeños or a spicy sauce work well.
If you prefer a lighter option, use smaller croissants and thinner patties to create sliders. You can also add fresh lettuce or tomato for contrast, though keeping toppings minimal helps preserve the signature smash burger texture. These burgers are flexible and allow creativity while maintaining their indulgent appeal.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dish is high in protein and fat due to the beef and croissants. It is filling and best enjoyed in moderation. Pairing with a fresh salad or lighter side can help balance the meal.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Hot Surface
A very hot pan is essential for crisp smash burger edges.
Do Not Overwork Beef
Loose beef balls ensure tender burgers.
Toast the Croissants
Light toasting prevents sogginess and adds structure.
Minimal Toppings
Fewer toppings allow the beef and croissant to shine.
FAQs
Can I use frozen croissants?
Yes, thaw completely before slicing and toasting.
What beef ratio works best?
An 80/20 fat ratio is ideal for smash burgers.
Can I cook these on a grill?
Yes, use a flat griddle surface for best results.
Are croissants sturdy enough?
Light toasting helps them hold the burger well.
Can I make sliders?
Yes, use mini croissants and smaller beef portions.
What sauce works best?
Classic burger sauce or a simple mayo-based sauce works well.
Can I add eggs?
A fried egg adds richness but makes the burger heavier.
How thin should the patties be?
Smash them as thin as possible for crisp edges.
Can I use ground turkey?
Yes, though the texture will be less crispy.
What sides pair well?
Fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad pair nicely.
Conclusion
Croissant Smash Burgers are an indulgent and memorable twist on a classic favorite. With crispy beef, melted cheese, and buttery croissants, this recipe delivers bold flavor and satisfying texture in every bite. It is simple to prepare yet impressive enough to serve on special occasions or relaxed weekends.
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