Smash Burger Pancakes Unique Twist is a fun and surprising way to enjoy two favorite comfort foods in one bite! Imagine fluffy pancakes stacked with juicy, perfectly smashed burger patties, melted cheese, and classic burger toppings all layered together. The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes it a real treat, and the crispy edges of the smash burger add a wonderful texture alongside the soft pancakes.
I love making these for a weekend brunch when I want something different that gets everyone talking. It’s easy to switch up toppings depending on what you like—whether that’s pickles, crispy bacon, or a little drizzle of ketchup or maple syrup. I often add a fried egg on top because it brings everything together with that extra richness. This twist on the classic burger and pancake feels like a cool little surprise every time I bite into it.
Serving these smash burger pancakes with a side of fresh fruit or crispy fries totally works, and I’ve found they’re always a big hit with both kids and adults. It’s perfect for when you want to mix up your breakfast or lunch options and try something playful yet delicious. Honestly, once you give it a try, it’s hard to go back to regular pancakes or burgers without thinking about this combo!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Pancakes
- Using all-purpose flour and baking powder gives pancakes their classic fluffiness. You can swap whole milk for a plant-based milk like oat or almond if you prefer dairy-free.
- Ground Beef
- Choose an 80/20 mix for juicy, flavorful patties. If you'd like less fat, go for 90/10 but expect a bit less juiciness. For a different protein, ground turkey works too.
- Cheddar Cheese
- Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds bold flavor. Try American cheese for extra creaminess or Swiss for a milder taste.
- Maple Syrup
- It’s the sweet contrast that makes this dish special. You can use honey or agave syrup as alternatives.
How Do You Perfectly Smash and Cook the Burger Patties?
The key to smash burgers is a quick, firm press on the beef balls to get thin, crispy edges:
- Heat your pan until really hot—that sizzle is important.
- Place the beef ball down and press immediately with a spatula or sturdy press to flatten it thin.
- Don’t move it while cooking to let the edges crisp, about 2 minutes.
- Flip, season, add cheese, and cook briefly more to melt the cheese without drying out.
Using a cast iron pan helps get that great crust. Quick pressure and high heat lock in juices while creating crispy edges you’ll love!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Non-stick skillet or griddle – perfect for cooking evenly golden, fluffy pancakes without sticking.
- Cast-iron skillet – great for getting a hot sear and crispy edges on your smash burger patties.
- Spatula – a sturdy one helps you press down the beef balls to make thin, crispy patties.
- Mixing bowls – for whisking pancake batter and handling burger meat separately with ease.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, leaner burger option.
- Add crispy bacon strips between pancake layers for a smoky crunch that pairs well with syrup.
- Try pepper jack or Swiss cheese instead of cheddar for a different flavor twist.
- Mix finely chopped jalapeños into your batter or burger for a spicy kick if you like heat.
Smash Burger Pancakes Unique Twist
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pancakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted, plus more for cooking
For the Smash Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
Toppings:
- Butter, for topping pancakes
- Maple syrup, for drizzling
- Fresh chives or green onions, finely chopped, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25-30 minutes total, including about 10 minutes to prepare the pancake batter and smash burger patties, plus 15-20 minutes to cook everything and assemble your stack. It’s perfect for a hearty brunch or special breakfast.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Pancake Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk milk, egg, and melted butter until smooth. Pour wet ingredients into the dry and gently stir until just combined—don’t worry about a few lumps! Set your batter aside.
2. Prepare the Smash Burger Patties:
Divide the ground beef into 4 equal balls. Keep them loosely packed so they stay tender. Ready to smash!
3. Cook the Pancakes:
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle on medium heat and lightly butter it. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form and edges look set (2-3 minutes). Flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until golden. Keep pancakes warm as you finish cooking the rest.
4. Cook the Smash Burgers:
Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy pan over medium-high heat until very hot. Place a ball of beef in the pan and press down firmly with a spatula to flatten into a thin patty. Don’t move it for around 2 minutes to get crispy edges. Flip the patty, season with salt and pepper, and add a slice of cheddar cheese on top. Cook for another minute or until cheese melts. Repeat with remaining patties.
5. Assemble the Smash Burger Pancakes:
On a plate, start with one pancake, add a cheese-topped burger patty, then another pancake, burger, and pancake – stacking three layers each. Finish with a pancake on top.
6. Finish and Serve:
Add a small pat of butter on top of your stack. Drizzle warm maple syrup over everything, letting it trickle deliciously down the layers. For a fresh finish, sprinkle finely chopped chives or green onions if you like.
7. Enjoy!
Best served right away while the cheese melts perfectly and syrup shines. Enjoy the fun and tasty combo of savory smash burgers and fluffy pancakes!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for the Smash Burgers?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the beef completely in the refrigerator overnight before shaping and cooking. This helps the patties cook evenly and develop a nice crust.
Can I Make the Pancake Batter Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter up to 2 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just give it a gentle stir before cooking to recombine any separated ingredients.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover pancakes and burger patties separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat burgers in a skillet over medium heat and pancakes in a toaster or microwave for best texture.
Can I Customize the Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to add crispy bacon, fried eggs, pickles, or your favorite sauce to personalize your smash burger pancakes. Maple syrup adds a lovely sweet-savory balance but isn’t mandatory.