Croissant Smash Burgers are the ultimate combination of buttery, flaky croissants and juicy, crispy-edged smash burger patties. Instead of regular burger buns, I use toasted croissants to elevate the whole experience with richness and softness that melts in every bite. These burgers are fast, flavorful, and perfect for when I want to turn a casual meal into something crave-worthy and special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how the croissants give this burger a luxurious twist—light, flaky layers that contrast perfectly with the crispy sear of the smash patty. It’s quick to make with minimal ingredients, and I can build it just the way I like it. Whether I go classic with cheese and pickles or load it up with special sauce and toppings, the croissant brings everything together in a way that regular buns just can’t.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Croissants (store-bought or homemade, halved and lightly toasted)
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Ground beef (80/20 for best flavor and texture)
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Salt and black pepper
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Cheese slices (American, cheddar, or Swiss work well)
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Pickles, lettuce, tomato, onions (optional toppings)
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Burger sauce or mayo
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Olive oil or butter for toasting croissants
Directions
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I preheat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot.
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While it heats, I portion the ground beef into loose balls (about 3–4 oz each) and season with salt and pepper.
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I toast the halved croissants in a pan with a bit of butter or oil until golden and crisp, then set them aside.
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I add the beef balls to the hot skillet and immediately smash them flat with a spatula. I cook for 2–3 minutes until the edges are crisp and browned.
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I flip, add cheese on top, and cook for another 1–2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the burgers are cooked through.
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I assemble the burgers by spreading sauce on the toasted croissant halves, then layering the patty, cheese, and my favorite toppings.
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I press the top half of the croissant gently and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 croissant smash burgers. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook—ready in 20 minutes total.
Variations
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I use spicy pepper jack cheese and jalapeños for a heat-packed version.
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I make double smash patties for extra meat and cheese.
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I add caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms for a gourmet twist.
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I spread garlic butter on the croissants before toasting for even more flavor.
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I use turkey, chicken, or plant-based patties for a different protein.
storage/reheating
I recommend assembling these fresh, but I store cooked patties separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the patties in a skillet and toast fresh croissants before assembling again. Fully assembled burgers can get soggy, so I avoid refrigerating them that way.
FAQs
Can I use mini croissants for sliders?
Yes. Mini croissants make great party-size sliders. I just use smaller beef portions and adjust cook time slightly.
What’s the best way to smash the patties?
I use a sturdy metal spatula or burger press. I press firmly for even, thin patties with crispy edges.
Do croissants hold up well as buns?
Yes, especially when toasted. They’re softer than regular buns but the flavor and texture are totally worth it.
Can I make this with pre-cooked patties?
Technically yes, but fresh smash patties have the best flavor and texture. I only use pre-cooked if I’m short on time.
What’s a good sauce for this burger?
I love a simple mix of mayo, ketchup, mustard, and pickle juice. Or I use garlic aioli, spicy mayo, or classic burger sauce.
Conclusion
Croissant Smash Burgers are a game-changer—crispy, juicy burger patties paired with soft, buttery croissants for a totally upgraded take on the classic. They’re fast to make, easy to customize, and perfect for casual dinners, backyard cookouts, or even brunch. Once I tried burgers on croissants, I knew I’d never look at regular buns the same way again.
