How to make the viral Reddit Smash Burger with Caramelized Onions

If your feed has been full of crispy-edged smash burgers lately, Reddit’s latest obsession is a rich, diner-style smash burger loaded with deeply caramelized onions, gooey cheese, and a soft toasted bun. Inspired by a trending r/food post, this version leans into what commenters loved most: aggressively smashed beef, extra onions, and melty cheese. 

Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients (Makes 4 Burgers)

For the burgers:

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 chuck preferred)
• Salt and black pepper
• 8 slices American cheese or cheddar
• 4 brioche or potato buns
• Butter for toasting

For the caramelized onions:

• 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: splash of Worcestershire or balsamic

Optional toppings:

• Pickles
• Burger sauce
• Mustard
• Mayo

Step 1: Make the Caramelized Onions

1. Heat butter and oil in a skillet over medium-low heat.
2. Add onions with a pinch of salt.
3. Cook slowly for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. When deeply golden and sweet, add Worcestershire or balsamic if desired.

Tip: Don’t rush this step—slow cooking builds the sweet-savory flavor Reddit users rave about.

Step 2: Prep the Beef

• Divide beef into 8 loosely packed 4-oz balls.
• Keep them cold until cooking.
• Season only right before smashing.

Step 3: Smash Time

1. Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle until very hot.
2. Place beef balls down.
3. Smash hard with a spatula or burger press for maximum crust.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Cook 1–2 minutes until edges crisp.
6. Flip once.
7. Add cheese immediately.

Step 4: Toast the Buns

• Butter buns
• Toast cut-side down until golden

Step 5: Build the Burger

Layer:

• Bottom bun
• Smash patty
• Caramelized onions
• Second patty
• More onions
• Pickles or sauce
• Top bun

Pro Tips for Viral-Level Results

• Use 80/20 beef for best flavor
• Smash only once
• Use a ripping hot pan
• Go heavier on onions than you think
• Soft buns > dense buns
• Double patties create the best meat-to-bun ratio

The Final Verdict

This burger nails the internet-famous formula because it balances:

• Beefy crispness
• Sweet onion depth
• Cheese richness
• Simplicity

It’s essentially a hybrid between a classic diner smash burger and an Oklahoma onion burger, and it absolutely lives up to the hype. ()

Serve With:

• Crispy fries
• Onion rings
• Dill pickles
• Ice-cold soda or beer

Once you make this, standard burgers may start feeling underwhelming.