Mushroom Smash Burgers Recipe

Introduction

Mushroom smash burgers are a delightful vegetarian twist on the classic burger, featuring tender, flavorful portobello mushrooms instead of beef patties. These juicy mushrooms are smashed and seared to develop a delicious crust, then topped with melted sharp Cheddar for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup neutral oil, such as grapeseed, plus more as needed
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper
• 4 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed, wiped clean
• 4 slices sharp Cheddar
• 2 hamburger buns
• Toppings such as lettuce, sliced tomato, sliced onion, and pickles, as desired
• Condiments such as mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard, as desired

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, stir together the oil and onion powder and season with salt and black pepper. Score the top of the mushrooms with an X. Coat the mushrooms all over with the oil mixture.
2. Step 2: Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and place a second heavy skillet on top of the mushrooms (wrapping the top skillet in foil can make cleanup easier). Cook, flipping the mushrooms every two minutes. Once the mushrooms are flattened, about 4 minutes in, occasionally press down firmly on the top skillet to encourage browning. Continue flipping and pressing until the mushrooms are browned and thin, about 8 to 10 minutes total, reducing the heat if they start to char. If the mushrooms become matte and wrinkly, drizzle on another tablespoon of oil.
3. Step 3: Reduce the heat to low and top each mushroom with a slice of cheese. Cover with a lid or sheet pan and cook until the cheese melts, about 1 to 2 minutes. Place two mushrooms on each bun and add your desired toppings and condiments before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use a heavy skillet or pan for smashing to get an even, crispy sear on the mushrooms.
• Try different cheese varieties like Swiss or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
• For vegan options, substitute the cheese with a plant-based alternative and use vegan buns and condiments.
• Add sautéed onions or mushrooms to the toppings for extra umami flavor.

Storage

Store leftover mushroom smash burgers wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in a toaster oven until warmed through and cheese is melted. To maintain the best texture, avoid microwaving as it can make the mushrooms soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of mushrooms for this recipe?

Portobello mushrooms work best because of their size and meaty texture, but you can use large cremini caps if portobellos aren’t available. Smaller mushrooms may not hold up as well when smashed.

How do I prevent the mushrooms from becoming soggy?

Make sure to score and coat the mushrooms with oil before cooking and press firmly with a heavy skillet to promote browning. Cooking over medium-high heat and flipping regularly will help create a nice crust and prevent sogginess.

Mushroom Smash Burgers Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 91 reviews

These Mushroom Smash Burgers are a delicious, vegetarian-friendly alternative to traditional beef burgers. Featuring large portobello mushrooms flattened and seared to a perfect golden-brown with melted sharp Cheddar cheese, they are served on toasted buns with your favorite fresh toppings and condiments. The mushrooms are seasoned with onion powder and a mild neutral oil, and cooked in a cast-iron skillet to achieve maximum flavor and texture. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a satisfying meatless meal.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Mushroom Patties

• 1/4 cup neutral oil, such as grapeseed, plus more as needed
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 4 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed, wiped clean
• 4 slices sharp Cheddar cheese

Buns and Toppings

• 2 hamburger buns
• Lettuce, sliced tomato, sliced onion, and pickles, as desired
• Mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard, as desired

Instructions

1. Prepare Oil Mixture and Mushrooms: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup neutral oil with 1 teaspoon onion powder, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. Score the top surface of each portobello mushroom with an X pattern to allow flavors to penetrate. Coat the mushrooms thoroughly with the oil and seasoning mixture.
2. Cook Mushrooms in Skillet: Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Place the mushrooms in the skillet and then place a second heavy skillet on top of the mushrooms, wrapping it in foil for easier cleanup. Flip the mushrooms every two minutes and press down firmly on the top skillet once the mushrooms have flattened (after about 4 minutes), to encourage browning. Continue flipping and pressing the mushrooms for 8 to 10 minutes or until they become thin and browned. Reduce heat if mushrooms start to char, and add additional oil if they become dry or wrinkly.
3. Melt Cheese and Assemble Burgers: Lower the heat to low. Place a slice of sharp Cheddar cheese on each mushroom, then cover the skillet with a lid or an inverted sheet pan to help the cheese melt, about 1 to 2 minutes. Toast the hamburger buns if desired. Place two cheese-topped mushroom patties on each bun and add preferred toppings such as lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and condiments like mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Use a heavy skillet to apply even pressure when smashing the mushrooms, which helps achieve a burger-like texture.
• Scoring the mushrooms before cooking allows the oil and seasoning to absorb better.
• Adjust cooking time slightly depending on the thickness of the mushrooms and heat of your stove.
• For extra flavor, you can add garlic powder or smoked paprika to the oil mixture.
• To make this recipe vegan, substitute the Cheddar cheese with a plant-based cheese and use vegan buns and condiments.

Keywords: mushroom burger, portobello burger, vegetarian burger, smashed mushroom burger, mushroom smash burger recipe, easy vegetarian burgers