When the summer sun is high and the grill is hot, there's nothing quite like gathering friends for a backyard barbecue. The key to a memorable cookout? A classic, crowd-pleasing main course that pairs perfectly with a bold, full-bodied wine. Today, we're sharing the second course from our 3-course summer food & wine pairing recipes series: Classic Smash Burgers, perfectly paired with a rich Cabernet Sauvignon.
This recipe takes the humble burger to new heights. Thin, crispy-edged patties with a juicy, flavorful center, topped with melted cheese and all your favorite fixings. It's the ultimate summer meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds before the dessert course even arrives.
The Perfect Wine Pairing: Why Cabernet Sauvignon?
When selecting a food & wine pairing for this summer main course, we need something that can stand up to the savory, smoky, and rich flavors of a perfectly grilled burger. A bold Cabernet Sauvignon is the absolute star here.
Here's why:
Bold & expressive: Cabernet Sauvignon offers rich aromas of blackberry, cassis, and dark cherry, with hints of mocha and cedar. These flavors complement the savory notes of the beef without overpowering them.
Full-bodied structure: The wine's full body and smooth tannins stand up beautifully to the richness of the patty and melted cheese, creating a harmonious bite every time.
Flavor enhancement: The dark fruit notes in the wine add a layer of richness that takes every bite of your burger to the next level.
💡Pro Tip: For a truly memorable pairing, serve it slightly chilled, around 55-60°F, to enhance its refreshing qualities.
Classic Smash Burgers Recipe
Yields: 4 servings (8 patties, enough for double-stacked burgers)
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
For the Burger Sauce:
-
½ cup mayonnaise
-
2 tablespoons ketchup
-
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
-
1 tablespoon dill pickle relish
-
½ teaspoon burger seasoning (or a pinch each of salt, pepper, and garlic powder)
For the Smash Burgers:
-
1½ pounds ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 for the best flavor and juiciness)
-
2 teaspoons burger seasoning, divided
-
8 slices American cheese (or cheddar, for a sharper flavor)
-
4 hamburger rolls, toasted
-
Assorted toppings: shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, sliced red onions, pickles
Instructions
Step 1: Make the sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, and ½ teaspoon of burger seasoning. Cover and set aside in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Step 2: Prepare the beef
Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions (about 3 ounces each) and gently roll them into loose balls. Do not overwork the meat or pack them too tightly—this ensures a tender patty .
Step 3: Heat the cooking surface
Preheat a large cast-iron skillet, flat-top grill, or griddle over high heat until it's very hot. A heavy pan is essential for achieving that signature crispy crust .
Step 4: Smash the patties
Place 4 of the beef balls on the hot surface, leaving plenty of space between them. Using a large, heavy metal spatula or a burger press, firmly smash each ball down into a thin patty, about ¼-inch thick. The thinner, the better for that epic crust .
Step 5: Season and cook
Sprinkle the tops of the patties evenly with half of the remaining burger seasoning. Cook for 2–3 minutes, without moving them, until a deep, golden-brown crust forms on the bottom and the edges become lacy and crispy.
Step 6: Flip and add cheese
Using a sharp spatula, carefully scrape the patties from the pan and flip them. Immediately top each patty with a slice of cheese. Cook for another minute, or until the cheese is melted and the burgers are cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F).
Step 7: Assemble and serve
Spread the prepared burger sauce on the cut sides of the toasted rolls. For double-stacked burgers, place two patties on each bottom bun. Top with your favorite fixings—lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles—and finish with the top bun.
Tips for the Best Summer Burger
-
Choose the right beef: Look for ground beef with at least 20% fat content. The fat renders during cooking, keeping the patties juicy and helping form that delicious crust .
-
Don't overwork the meat: Handle the beef as little as possible. Form loose balls and smash them on the hot surface—this prevents tough, dense patties.
-
Get your pan screaming hot: A hot cooking surface is non-negotiable. You should hear a loud sizzle when the beef hits the pan. No sizzle means your pan isn't ready .
-
Scrape, don't lift: When it's time to flip, use a sharp spatula to scrape the patty from the pan. This ensures you keep all that delicious, crispy crust intact.
-
Toast the buns: Lightly toast your hamburger buns on the grill or in the skillet. It adds texture and prevents the bottom bun from getting soggy.
What to Serve Next: Completing the Summer Menu
This is the centerpiece of our perfect summer meal. Missed our first course? Catch up with the first recipe of the summer food & wine pairing series Grilled Peach & Burrata Crostini paired with Chardonnay. And don't go anywhere—stay tuned for our showstopping dessert finale!
Final Thoughts
There you have it—a stunning, simple, and utterly delicious summer food & wine pairing that will become your go-to for warm-weather entertaining. The combination of crispy, juicy smash burgers, melted cheese, and a bold, fruit-forward Cabernet Sauvignon is pure summer magic. Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ, a game day gathering, or a casual weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers every single time.
Don't forget to browse our collection of wine gifts at winegiftshop.com to find the perfect bottle for your next gathering. From elegant wine openers to personalized glasses, we have everything you need to make your summer celebrations unforgettable.
Shop Our Favorite BBQ Accessories
To complete your summer main course with wine pairing, make sure you have the right tools:
-
Heavy-Duty BBQ Tools Set: Makes grilling feel effortless and adds a touch of sophistication to your cookout.
-
Waxed Canvas BBQ Tool Roll: Keep your grilling tools neatly stored and easily transportable.
-
Heat-Resistant Grilling Gloves: Protect your hands while flipping those perfect smash burgers.
Visit winegiftshop.com/collections/bbq to explore our full collection. Cheers to summer, good food, and even better wine!