Few burgers hit the taste buds quite like a smash burger. With its crispy, caramelized crust, juicy interior, and decadent toppings, the smash burger is in a league of its own. What makes it even more special? Giving it a unique Canadian twist—infusing local flavours, ingredients, and flair into the process. In this guide, you'll learn how to make the ultimate smash burger at home – Canadian style, step by step. And if you’re not in the mood to cook, remember that you can always order your favourite smash burger from Burger Bloc, where quality meets crave-worthy comfort food.

What is a Smash Burger?

A smash burger is a burger made by smashing a ball of ground beef onto a hot griddle or skillet, creating a thin patty with a crisp, lacy edge and a rich, beefy flavor. Unlike thick burgers that aim for a pink center, smash burgers thrive on surface area, unlocking a deep, savory crust known as the Maillard reaction. The result? A burger that’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and impossible to resist.

Why Make a Canadian-Style Smash Burger?

Canada’s diverse culinary landscape allows us to enhance a classic smash burger with local ingredients and regional influences. Think maple-glazed bacon, sharp Canadian cheddar, or even poutine-inspired toppings. This version brings comfort food to a whole new level, highlighting the flavors we all know and love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make the ultimate Canadian smash burger at home, gather the following ingredients:

For Patty

• 1 lb of high-quality ground beef (80/20 fat ratio for best flavor)

• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper

• Butter or neutral oil for greasing

For the Buns:

• Soft brioche or potato buns, lightly buttered and toasted

For the Canadian Flair:

• Maple-glazed bacon or peameal bacon (Canadian back bacon)

• Sharp aged Canadian cheddar cheese

• Caramelized onions with a touch of maple syrup

• House-made burger sauce (mayo, Dijon mustard, ketchup, chopped pickles)

• Optional: a spoonful of cheese curds and gravy for a poutine-style twist

Tools You'll Need

• Cast iron skillet or flat-top griddle

• Spatula (preferably metal and heavy)

• A burger press or another spatula for smashing

• Mixing bowl

• Small saucepan for caramelizing onions

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Toppings

Start by caramelizing onions. Slice 2 medium onions and sauté them in a pan with a tablespoon of butter on medium-low heat. Add a splash of maple syrup and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly for about 20–25 minutes until deep golden brown and sweet.

Meanwhile, cook your bacon of choice. If using peameal bacon, pan-fry until golden on both sides. If using maple-glazed bacon, cook on a baking sheet in the oven at 375°F for about 15 minutes until crisp and sticky.

Grate your cheddar cheese and set aside. Prepare your burger sauce by mixing ½ cup mayo, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp ketchup, and 2 tbsp finely chopped pickles.

2. Toast the Buns

Butter the inside of your buns and toast them on a dry skillet or griddle until golden and crispy. Set aside and keep warm.

3. Form and Smash the Patties

Divide the ground beef into four equal portions (about 4 oz each). Roll them gently into balls. Do not overwork the meat, as you want it to stay tender.

Heat your skillet or griddle on high heat until it’s ripping hot. Add a small dab of butter or a splash of oil. Place a beef ball on the surface and smash it down hard with a metal spatula or burger press. You’re aiming for a thin patty, about ¼-inch thick.

Season immediately with salt and pepper.

4. Let the Maillard Magic Happen

Do not move the patties while they sear. Let them cook for about 1.5 to 2 minutes until the edges are brown and crispy. Flip the burger using a sharp spatula to scrape up all those browned bits.

Add cheese on top immediately and let it melt while the second side cooks for another 1–2 minutes.

5. Assemble Your Canadian Smash Burger

On the bottom bun, spread your homemade burger sauce. Add a layer of caramelized onions, then place the cheesy smash burger patty on top. Stack on the bacon, another spoonful of sauce, and any optional toppings like pickled red onions or lettuce.

Top with the other half of the bun and press gently.

Optional Canadian Variations

If you're feeling adventurous, give your Smashburger a regional upgrade:

• Poutine Smash Burger: Top your patty with cheese curds and drizzle hot beef gravy over the burger before adding the top bun.

• Montreal-Inspired Smash Burger: Add Montreal smoked meat and yellow mustard.

• East Coast Flavour: Incorporate donair sauce for a sweet and tangy twist.

• Maple Dijon Glaze: Brush a mixture of maple syrup and Dijon mustard on the patties right after flipping for a sweet and savory crust.

Tips for Smash Burger Success

1. Don’t flip too early – Let the crust form fully.

2. Smash immediately – As soon as the meat hits the pan, smash it.

3. Use a hot surface – A screaming-hot skillet or griddle is non-negotiable.

4. Choose the right beef – 80/20 ground chuck gives the best balance of flavor and moisture.

5. Keep it simple – Let the beef shine, and don’t overload with toppings.

The Perfect Pairings

Pair your smash burger with:

• Crispy sweet potato fries

• A classic Caesar salad

• Ice-cold craft soda or a local Canadian brew

Craving a Smash Burger Without the Mess?

If this sounds delicious but you don’t feel like cooking tonight, you can always order your favorite smash burger from Burger Bloc. At Burger Bloc, we serve premium, hand-smashed burgers crafted with quality beef, bold flavors, and a nod to Canadian tradition. Whether you’re after a classic smash burger or a creative twist, Burger Bloc delivers satisfying bites every time.

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Final Thoughts

Making the ultimate smash burger at home, especially Canadian style, is not just about following a recipe. It’s about experimenting with flavors, sourcing quality ingredients, and getting that perfect sear that turns a simple patty into a crispy, juicy masterpiece. With this guide, you now have everything you need to elevate your smash burger game in the kitchen.

And remember, if you're ever short on time or just want to experience a burger crafted by the pros, head to Burger Bloc—your go-to destination for irresistible smash burgers that hit all the right notes.

Smash burger lovers, your moment has arrived. Whether you cook it yourself or order from Burger Bloc, get ready for a next-level burger experience—Canadian style.