The Ultimate Smash Cheeseburger

1. Prepare Burger Bun

Lay your favorite condiments and toppings on the bottom half of the buttered and toasted hamburger roll.

2. Preheat Pan

Preheat a large stainless steel sauté pan or skillet over high heat for about two minutes.

3. Form and Cook Patties

Place the two balls of freshly ground beef chuck in the hot pan. Using a stiff metal spatula and a second spatula for leverage, press down firmly on each ball to flatten them into patties. Season the patties generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Allow to cook until well browned and the tops begin to turn pale pink or gray in spots, about 45 seconds.

4. Flip and Add Cheese

Carefully scrape under each patty with a bench scraper or stiff metal spatula and flip them over. Immediately place a slice of good melting cheese over one of the patties. Stack the second patty on top of the cheese-covered patty, allowing the cheese to melt between them.

5. Assemble Burger

Once the cheese has melted and the patties are cooked through, transfer the stacked patties straight from the pan onto the prepared bottom half of your bun. Finish by placing the top half of the bun over the patties.