Introduction
What if your favorite breakfast food teamed up with your go-to fast-food indulgence? That’s right — Smash Burger Pancakes are here to change the game. Imagine fluffy, golden pancakes hugging a juicy, cheesy burger patty, dripping with creamy burger sauce and crunchy gherkins. It’s breakfast meets dinner — a match made in comfort food heaven.
This mouthwatering combo is perfect for anyone craving something bold, fun, and seriously satisfying. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making Smash Burger Pancakes at home — from the ingredients to the step-by-step process, plus tips, variations, and FAQs.
What Are Smash Burger Pancakes?
Smash Burger Pancakes are the delightful fusion of two beloved classics — pancakes and burgers. Instead of the usual burger buns, you use soft, fluffy pancakes to sandwich a juicy smash burger patty. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of savory and sweet, crispy and soft, cheesy and creamy.
Think of it as a culinary mashup where breakfast and dinner collide — the comfort of pancakes meets the boldness of a cheeseburger. It’s the kind of dish that makes you wonder: Why didn’t I think of this sooner?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll fall in love with this Smash Burger Pancakes recipe because it’s:
Unique and fun – Perfect for impressing friends or family with something unexpected.
Easy to make – Simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and no fancy tools required.
Versatile – Works great for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.
Comforting and indulgent – Every bite is rich, cheesy, and flavorful.
If you love experimenting with flavors or need a show-stopping meal idea, this recipe is a guaranteed win.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make your Smash Burger Pancakes:
1 egg, separated
75g plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tbsp caster sugar
100ml milk
1 tbsp neutral-tasting oil
250g 15%-fat beef mince
2 slices American cheese or mild cheddar
30ml burger sauce
40g sliced gherkins
Each ingredient plays a key role — from the lightness of the pancakes to the richness of the cheese and tang of the gherkins. Together, they create an irresistible fusion of textures and flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Smash Burger Pancakes:
Beat the egg white to soft peaks using an electric whisk.
Mix the egg yolk with flour, baking powder, and sugar in a bowl.
Whisk in the milk slowly until you have a smooth paste.
Fold the whipped egg white into the yolk mixture gently.
Heat half the oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
Cook the pancakes: Spoon in a quarter of the batter, cook 2–3 minutes on each side until golden. Repeat for three more pancakes.
Keep them warm in a low oven.
Heat the remaining oil over high heat.
Divide the mince into two balls and smash each one in the hot pan into a thin patty.
Cook until browned and crispy (2–3 minutes per side).
Add cheese on top, cook 1–2 minutes until melted.
Assemble: Layer pancake, patty, sauce, gherkins, and another pancake.
Repeat for the second burger.
Enjoy immediately!
Making the Perfect Pancake Layer
The pancakes are the backbone of this recipe — they replace traditional buns. The trick? Achieving a light, fluffy texture without being too sweet.
Separate the egg: This helps incorporate air and makes the pancakes soft.
Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing leads to dense pancakes.
Use medium heat: This ensures even cooking and a golden surface.
Think of the pancakes as your edible “burger buns” — soft enough to bite through but sturdy enough to hold the patty.
Cooking the Juicy Smash Burger Patties
The magic of the “smash” technique lies in caramelization. Pressing the meat onto a hot pan maximizes contact, creating a crispy crust while locking in juicy flavor.
Use a spatula to press down the patty.
Avoid moving it too soon — let it brown fully before flipping.
Add cheese right after flipping so it melts perfectly.
It’s like turning your kitchen into a mini burger joint — sizzling sounds, mouthwatering aroma, and golden edges!
Assembling the Smash Burger Pancakes
This is where all the elements come together. The layering is simple but crucial:
Place one pancake at the base.
Add a cheesy smash patty on top.
Drizzle burger sauce generously.
Add sliced gherkins for crunch.
Top it with another pancake.
Repeat for the second burger. The result? A tall, layered masterpiece that looks as good as it tastes.
Tips for the Best Smash Burger Pancakes
Use high heat for the burger to get that perfect crust.
Don’t skip the gherkins — they balance the richness with tangy freshness.
Serve immediately while warm; the cheese should still be gooey.
Try different sauces — BBQ, spicy mayo, or garlic aioli all work great.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
Cheese: Swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for extra kick.
Beef: Use chicken or turkey mince for a lighter option.
Gluten-free: Replace plain flour with a gluten-free blend.
Vegetarian: Try a plant-based patty instead of beef.
The recipe is flexible — adapt it to your taste or dietary needs without losing its essence.
Serving Suggestions
Breakfast version: Add a fried egg on top.
Brunch style: Pair with crispy hash browns or salad.
Dinner delight: Serve with fries and a milkshake.
You can even serve them as sliders for parties — mini versions are crowd favorites!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat in a skillet or oven: Avoid the microwave to maintain crispiness.
Freeze components separately: Pancakes and patties can be frozen individually for quick future meals.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking pancakes: They should be golden, not dry.
Pressing burgers too thin: They might lose juiciness.
Skipping the sauce: It ties all flavors together.
Not heating the pan properly: Prevents that signature smash crust.
Nutritional Information (approximate per serving)
Calories: 580 kcal
Protein: 32g
Fat: 34g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
It’s indulgent, yes, but totally worth every bite!
Conclusion
If you’ve ever wanted to break the rules of mealtime, Smash Burger Pancakes are your answer. They bring together everything we love about comfort food — the fluffiness of pancakes, the savory bite of a burger, and the creamy, tangy balance of sauce and cheese.
Whether for brunch with friends or a fun weekend dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to spark conversation and satisfy cravings. So go ahead — grab your spatula, fire up your pan, and create this unforgettable fusion!
FAQs
1. Can I make Smash Burger Pancakes without a whisk?
Yes! You can whisk the egg whites by hand or skip whipping entirely for a denser texture.
2. What’s the best cheese to use?
American cheese melts best, but cheddar or Swiss also work well.
3. Can I prepare the pancakes ahead of time?
Absolutely. Make them a day before and reheat in a toaster or skillet.
4. Can I use plant-based meat for this recipe?
Yes, plant-based mince works perfectly — just cook it the same way.
5. Are Smash Burger Pancakes kid-friendly?
Definitely! They’re fun to eat and easy to customize for milder flavors.
