Smash burger pancakes represent everything I love about creative cooking – taking two beloved comfort foods and combining them into something completely unexpected yet absolutely delicious. Today, I’m sharing this innovative smash burger pancakes recipe that transforms your typical breakfast into an exciting culinary adventure that’s guaranteed to surprise and delight everyone at your table.
These smash burger pancakes aren’t just a novelty – they’re a thoughtfully crafted combination where fluffy, golden pancakes serve as the perfect “buns” for ultra-thin, crispy-edged burger patties. The contrast between the soft, slightly sweet pancakes and the savory, deeply caramelized beef creates an incredible flavor and texture experience that’s both familiar and completely new. Add in the classic burger accompaniments of melted cheese, tangy gherkins, and creamy burger sauce, and you have something truly special.
Whether you’re looking to shake up your weekend brunch routine, want to create a memorable family meal, or simply love the idea of breakfast that breaks all the rules, these smash burger pancakes deliver pure fun and satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Fluffy Pancakes:
- 1 large egg, separated
- 75g plain flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon caster sugar
- 100ml milk
- 1 tablespoon neutral-tasting oil
For the Smash Burger Elements:
- 250g 15%-fat beef mince
- 2 slices American cheese or mild cheddar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
For Assembly:
- 30ml burger sauce
- 40g sliced gherkins
Instructions
1. Create Light and Fluffy Pancake Batter Begin by separating your egg, placing the white in a clean bowl for whipping and the yolk in your mixing bowl. Using an electric whisk, beat the egg white to soft peaks – this is what will give your smash burger pancakes their incredible lightness and fluffiness. In a separate bowl, mix the egg yolk with flour, baking powder, and caster sugar. Slowly whisk in the milk to form a smooth paste, being careful to avoid lumps. The key to perfect smash burger pancakes is gently folding the whipped egg white into the yolk mixture, which creates that airy texture that makes these pancakes so special.
2. Cook the Perfect Pancake “Buns” Heat half the oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat – the temperature control is crucial for smash burger pancakes because you want them golden but not too dark. Spoon a quarter of the mixture into the pan, creating pancakes roughly the size you want for your burger “buns.” Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the edges are set and beautifully golden. The pancakes should be fluffy and spring back lightly when touched. Repeat to make four pancakes total, keeping them warm in a low oven while you prepare the burger components.
3. Master the Smash Burger Technique Turn your heat up to high – this is essential for achieving the crispy, caramelized edges that make smash burgers so incredible. Divide your beef mince into two portions and gently mold them into loose patties. Season generously with salt and pepper. Drizzle the remaining oil into your hot pan, then add one patty. Here’s where the magic happens for smash burger pancakes – cover the patty with baking parchment and use a second smaller pan to press down as hard as possible, wearing oven gloves for safety. You want the patty to be as thin as possible and roughly the same size as your pancakes.
4. Achieve Perfect Caramelization Cook the pressed patty for 2-3 minutes without moving it – this creates that incredible crust that makes smash burgers so addictive. Remove the pan and parchment, then flip the patty. The top should be deeply browned and crispy. Press down with a spatula and immediately top with a slice of cheese. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 1 minute until the cheese melts and the patty is cooked through. Keep this warm while you repeat the process for the second patty.
5. Assemble Your Masterpiece Now for the fun part – building your smash burger pancakes! Spread two pancakes with burger sauce, creating that classic burger flavor base. Top each sauced pancake with a cheesy burger patty, add your sliced gherkins for that essential tangy crunch, and crown with the remaining pancakes. The combination of sweet pancakes, savory beef, melted cheese, and tangy pickles creates an absolutely incredible flavor experience.
Tips & Variations
Pancake Perfection: The separated egg technique creates incredibly light pancakes. Don’t skip this step – it’s what makes these smash burger pancakes special rather than dense.
Beef Selection: Choose beef mince with some fat content (15-20%) for the juiciest, most flavorful smash burger pancakes. Lean mince will result in dry patties.
Smashing Technique: Press as hard as you can when smashing – the thinner the patty, the more surface area for caramelization and the better the final flavor.
Temperature Control: High heat for the burgers, medium for the pancakes. This ensures proper cooking for both components of your smash burger pancakes.
Make-Ahead Options: Pancakes can be made ahead and reheated. The burgers are best cooked fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
Cheese Choices: American cheese melts beautifully, but cheddar, Swiss, or even blue cheese work wonderfully depending on your preference.
Sauce Variations: Try sriracha mayo, thousand island dressing, or even a simple ketchup-mustard combo for different flavor profiles.
The Art of Fusion Cooking
What makes smash burger pancakes so successful is understanding how to balance contrasting elements. The slight sweetness of the pancakes doesn’t compete with the savory burger – instead, it enhances the overall flavor profile, much like how a brioche bun works in gourmet burgers.
The texture contrast is equally important. The fluffy, tender pancakes provide a soft foundation that contrasts beautifully with the crispy-edged, thin burger patties. This interplay of textures keeps each bite interesting and prevents the dish from feeling heavy despite its indulgent nature.
The technique of separating the eggs for the pancakes and using the smash method for the burgers ensures that both components are executed at their highest level, creating smash burger pancakes that are greater than the sum of their parts.
Perfect for Special Occasions
These smash burger pancakes are ideal for those moments when you want to create something memorable and fun. They’re perfect for weekend brunches when you have a little extra time to play in the kitchen, birthday breakfasts, or any time you want to surprise your family with something completely unexpected.
The interactive nature of assembling and eating smash burger pancakes makes them perfect for family cooking sessions where everyone can get involved. Kids especially love the novelty of “burgers” made with pancakes, while adults appreciate the sophisticated flavor combinations.
Nutritional Balance in Indulgence
While smash burger pancakes are definitely an indulgent treat, they do provide a good balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats that make for a satisfying meal. The beef provides high-quality protein and iron, while the pancakes contribute energy-giving carbohydrates.
The beauty of this dish is that it feels incredibly indulgent while actually being quite reasonable in portion size. The rich flavors and varied textures mean a little goes a long way in terms of satisfaction.
Creative Serving Ideas
Consider serving smash burger pancakes with a side of crispy hash browns or fresh fruit to round out the meal. A cold glass of milk or freshly brewed coffee makes the perfect beverage pairing.
For entertaining, you could set up a “build your own” smash burger pancakes station with various toppings and sauces, letting guests customize their creations. This interactive element makes for a memorable dining experience.
Final Thoughts
These smash burger pancakes represent everything I love about cooking – creativity, comfort, and the joy of surprising people with something unexpected yet delicious. There’s something so satisfying about taking familiar foods and reimagining them in completely new ways.
The beauty of this recipe lies in how it challenges our expectations while delivering on pure flavor and fun. Don’t worry about making them look perfect – the rustic, homemade appearance is part of their charm and appeal.
I hope these smash burger pancakes inspire you to think outside the box in your own kitchen. Sometimes the most memorable meals come from the most unexpected combinations.
From my kitchen to yours – happy cooking!
Smash Burger Pancakes
Ingredients
Method
- Mix the egg yolk with flour, baking powder, and caster sugar. Slowly whisk in the milk to form a smooth paste. Gently fold the whipped egg white into the yolk mixture.
- Heat half the oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Spoon a quarter of the pancake batter into the pan, creating a pancake the size of your burger bun.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and fluffy. Repeat to make four pancakes total, keeping them warm.
- Turn heat up to high. Divide beef mince into two portions and mold into loose patties seasoned with salt and pepper.
- Drizzle remaining oil into the hot pan and add one patty. Cover with baking parchment and press down with a smaller pan to flatten.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes without moving, then flip and top with a slice of cheese. Cover and cook for 1 minute until cheese melts.
- Repeat for the second patty.
- Spread two pancakes with burger sauce and top each with a cheesy burger patty and sliced gherkins.
- Crown with remaining pancakes.