The first time I tried Smashburger’s Buffalo Burger, I was skeptical. Being a buffalo wing purist, I wondered how those flavors would translate to beef instead of chicken. One bite in, and I was converted! That perfect combination of spicy buffalo sauce and cooling blue cheese, paired with a crispy-edged burger patty, became my go-to order. Now when friends visit from out of town, it’s my secret weapon for impressing them with something uniquely delicious they can’t get everywhere else.
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Why This Buffalo Sauce Burger Works
What makes the Smashburger Buffalo Burger so unique is the cooking technique. By literally “smashing” the meat onto a hot cooking surface, you create a beautiful caramelized crust while locking in juices. When combined with the tangy buffalo sauce and the rich creaminess of blue cheese, you get a perfect balance of flavors and textures that elevate this beyond an ordinary burger.
Ingredients
- Ground beef chuck – Provides the ideal fat-to-lean ratio (80/20) for a juicy, flavorful burger
- Butter – Creates the rich base for the buffalo sauce
- Frank’s Red Hot sauce – Delivers the authentic buffalo flavor with the perfect balance of heat and tang
- Worcestershire sauce – Adds depth and umami to enhance the burger’s savory notes
- Kosher salt – Enhances all the flavors in the meat and sauce
- Ground black pepper – Adds subtle heat and complexity to the seasoning
- Seasoned salt – Provides a flavor boost to the burger patty
- Blue cheese crumbles – Offers a creamy, tangy contrast to the spicy buffalo sauce
- Brioche hamburger buns – Provides a slightly sweet, buttery foundation that stands up to the bold flavors
- Lettuce – Optional addition for freshness and texture
- Tomato – Optional addition for juiciness and brightness
Ingredient Notes
I recommend using ground chuck for this recipe. It has the right amount of fat-to-lean ratio to make a flavorful burger.
The supporting cast for this burger includes a brioche bun, making it a step above the average burger bun.
Buffalo Burger Toppings
The Smashburger Buffalo Burger is dressed very simply.
You will make a homemade buffalo sauce and you will need crumbled blue cheese. I like Maytag blue cheese, if available, you may want to purchase this, if not, use what your grocery store sells.
If desired, you can add tomatoes and fresh lettuce to this recipe.
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How to Cook a Smashed Burger
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions and gently form into loose balls, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Preheat your cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until it is very hot.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then add Frank’s Red Hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine. Reduce heat and keep warm.
- Mix kosher salt, black pepper, and seasoned salt in a small bowl to create your burger seasoning.
- Place a beef ball on the hot cooking surface and immediately smash it down firmly with a spatula to about ½-inch thickness.
- Season the patty generously with your seasoning mixture.
- Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes until edges are crispy and browned.
- Flip once and cook for another 1-2 minutes for medium doneness.
- Toast brioche buns until lightly golden.
- To assemble: Spread buffalo sauce on the bottom bun, add the burger patty, sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles, and add lettuce and tomato if desired.
- Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.
Copycat Smashburger Buffalo & Blue Cheese Burger
Ingredients
Buffalo Style Sauce
- 4 ounces butter
- 4 ounces Frank’s Red Hot sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Burger Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
Burger Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground chuck
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 4 hamburger buns brioche style
- 1 cup lettuce shredded, optional
- 1 tomato sliced
Instructions
- Prepare hot sauce by combining all ingredients in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir until butter is melted, and all is well blended. Set aside.
- Prepare burger seasoning by combining kosher salt, ground black pepper, and seasoned salt in a small bowl.
- Divide ground chuck into 4 different portions. Roll meat into a ball. Heat grill to a medium-high heat. Place meat portions on the grill. Press meat into the grill, and then liberally season with burger seasoning. Flip meat patty once the bottom has browned, season the top of the burger. Brush buns with butter, and toast on the grill.
- To assemble burger place down the bottom bun, the burger, add about 1 to 2 teaspoons of hot sauce to the burger, and then top burger with blue cheese crumbles. Add shredded lettuce and tomatoes if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Homemade Buffalo Sauce
Buffalo sauce is the ideal sauce for this burger. You will make a simple buffalo sauce.
I do have a brand recommendation for this sauce recipe. My recommendation is Frank’s Red Hot Sauce. Frank’s RedHot Sauce has a great flavor; it isn’t too hot, and it has a well-rounded taste. Unlike Tobasco, it gives flavor in addition to heat.
Everyone who loves buffalo-style food is going to love this burger!
Love Smashburger? Try these copycat recipes!
Favorite Burger Recipes
- Backyard Burger
- Breakfast Burger
- Culver’s Butter Burger
- Double Cheeseburger
- Frisco Burger
- Garlic Burger
- Juicy Lucy
- Pimento Cheese Burger
- Vegan Burger
Check out my easy burger recipes and the best fast food recipes here on CopyKat!
Im so hungry when come here. I need a big burger right now. I must go to the supermarket right away.
Smashburger Buffalo & Blue Cheese looks delicious and attractive
Hi… I am looking for a copycat recipe for a place in Ojai California… By the name of… The deer lodge… They serve an incredible roasted brussels sprouts… Any ideas?
Thank you for your comment, I am sorry I do not have this recipe.
Do you have the recipe for the Chipotle hamburger buns.
Thank you
Did you mean Chipotle Mexican Grill or another restaurant named Chipotle, or perhaps hamburger buns with Chipotle peppers?
We were actually going to order in for my birthday tomorrow however after seeing this I am cooking by choice now. Looks delicious!
Just love this burger!! Made them tonight for my Friday night poker group, I just know they are going to love them. Did them on the grill and are keeping warm in the oven. Agree with you on Tobasco Sauce. Heat with no flavor. Frank’s, Cholula and Crystal are all in our home. If I wanted a full-house I would add Sriracha and Texas Pete. You sure do offer some great recipes!
I hope you enjoy this recipe. I loved how Smashburger used beef instead of chicken for this one. I bet they will be great on the grill! Good luck tonight!