Introduction
Croissant Smash Burgers are an indulgent twist on the classic smash burger, swapping traditional buns for rich, flaky croissants that elevate the entire experience. This recipe combines crispy-edged beef patties with soft, buttery layers that soak up all the savory juices beautifully. I first made these when I wanted a burger that felt a little more special than usual, and they instantly became a favorite. The contrast between the crisp smashburger crust and the tender croissant is what truly makes this dish stand out. Despite their gourmet feel, these burgers are quick to prepare and perfect for both weeknight dinners and casual entertaining. Whether you keep the toppings classic or dress them up with sauces and extras, Croissant Smash Burgers deliver bold flavor, satisfying texture, and an unforgettable bite every time.
Print
Croissant Smash Burgers – Juicy Burgers on Buttery, Flaky Croissants
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 4 burgers
- Diet: Halal
Description
Croissant Smash Burgers are indulgent, buttery burgers made by smashing seasoned beef patties and layering them inside toasted croissant halves with cheese, sauce, and classic toppings.
Ingredients
- 4 large croissants, sliced in half
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 4 slices cheddar or American cheese
- 1 tbsp butter (for toasting croissants)
- Lettuce leaves
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced pickles
- Burger Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1 tsp pickle juice
Instructions
- Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and pickle juice to make the burger sauce; set aside.
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
- Divide ground beef into 4 loose balls and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Place a beef ball on the hot skillet and smash it into a thin patty with a spatula.
- Cook until edges are crispy, flip, and top with cheese; cook until melted. Repeat with remaining patties.
- In another skillet, melt butter and toast the cut sides of the croissants until golden.
- Assemble burgers: spread sauce on croissant bottoms, add lettuce, tomato, pickles, and the cheesy smash patty.
- Top with the croissant lid and serve warm.
Notes
- Add caramelized onions for extra richness.
- Double patties for an extra-large burger.
- Toast croissants in the oven for a flakier texture.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is fast, indulgent, and packed with flavor. It delivers classic smashburger crispiness with a rich, bakery-style upgrade, all using simple ingredients and one pan.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Croissants
Croissants replace traditional buns, adding buttery richness and soft layers.
Ground beef
Ground beef is smashed thin for crispy edges and juicy centers.
Salt
Salt enhances the natural flavor of the beef.
Black pepper
Pepper adds subtle heat and balance.
American cheese
American cheese melts smoothly and creates a classic burger texture.
Butter
Butter is used to toast the croissants for extra flavor.
Pickles
Pickles add crunch and acidity that cut through the richness.
Onion
Onions add savory depth and mild sweetness when cooked.
Burger sauce
Burger sauce ties everything together with creamy, tangy flavor.
Directions
Start by slicing the croissants in half horizontally. Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly butter the cut sides of the croissants. Toast them cut-side down until golden and lightly crisp, then remove and set aside.
Increase the heat to high. Divide the ground beef into small portions and place them directly into the hot skillet. Using a spatula, press each portion flat to create thin patties. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Cook without moving until deeply browned and crispy on the bottom, then flip and immediately add a slice of American cheese to each patty. Cook briefly until the cheese melts.
Assemble the burgers by spreading burger sauce on the toasted croissants. Add the smashburger patties, followed by onions and pickles. Top with the remaining croissant halves and serve immediately.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling:
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 4 people. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, with a cooking time of 15 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Croissant Smash Burgers are best enjoyed fresh. Leftover patties can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in a skillet. Assemble with fresh croissants for best results.
Variations and Customizations
Croissant Smash Burgers are easy to customize. Add crispy bacon for extra richness or sautéed mushrooms for depth. Swap American cheese for cheddar, Swiss, or provolone. A fried egg turns these into an indulgent brunch burger. For a lighter option, use ground turkey instead of beef. You can also add arugula or lettuce for freshness, though keeping toppings minimal helps preserve the croissant’s delicate texture.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dish contains gluten and dairy and is high in protein and fat due to the croissants and beef. Nutritional values vary depending on toppings and portion size.
Expert Tips & Customizations
High Heat Is Key
Cook patties over high heat for crispy edges.
Toast Gently
Lightly toast croissants to avoid crushing layers.
Simple Toppings
Avoid overloading to maintain structure.
FAQs
Can I use mini croissants?
Yes, they work well for sliders.
What beef percentage is best?
An 80/20 blend provides the best flavor.
Can I prepare patties ahead of time?
Yes, portion the beef in advance but smash while cooking.
Are croissants too soft for burgers?
Light toasting helps them hold up well.
Can I make these on a griddle?
Yes, a flat-top works perfectly.
What sauce works best?
Classic burger sauce or a simple mayo-ketchup mix.
Can I make them kid-friendly?
Yes, keep toppings simple.
Can I freeze the patties?
Yes, freeze uncooked portions and cook fresh.
What sides pair well?
Fries, chips, or a simple salad.
Are these good for entertaining?
Yes, they are impressive and quick to assemble.
Conclusion
Croissant Smash Burgers are a rich, satisfying upgrade to the classic burger, combining crispy beef with buttery, flaky croissants. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, this recipe is perfect when you want comfort food with a touch of indulgence.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!