I’ve gotta tell you about these Mushroom Swiss Smash Burgers that have completely changed my burger game. There’s something magical about that crispy-edged beef patty meeting whiskey-glazed mushrooms and melty Swiss cheese.
The secret? It’s all in the smash technique and that garlic butter drizzle that takes everything to the next level. Trust me, once you’ve tried making burgers this way, those thick, packed patties will seem like a distant memory. Want to know how easy it is to create this umami explosion at home?
Why You’ll Love these Mushroom Swiss Smash Burgers
Burger lovers, get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance.
These aren’t your average burgers – they’re an umami-packed masterpiece with crispy edges and a juicy center.
The whiskey-glazed mushrooms add a rich, caramelized sweetness that pairs perfectly with nutty Swiss cheese.
And that garlic butter drizzle? Pure genius. It seeps into every nook of the burger, creating mouthwatering bites.
What makes these truly special is the smashing technique, creating those coveted crispy edges while keeping the inside tender.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing friends at your next cookout.
What Ingredients are in Mushroom Swiss Smash Burgers?
To make these incredible Mushroom Swiss Smash Burgers, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that work together to create layers of savory, umami-packed flavor.
- 1lb ground beef (80/20 fat ratio)
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 8oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tbsp whiskey
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 4 burger buns
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper
For the best results, don’t skimp on the quality of your ground beef — the 80/20 ratio gives you that perfect balance of flavor and juiciness, while good Swiss cheese (not the pre-packaged singles) will melt beautifully over your patties.
How to Make these Mushroom Swiss Smash Burgers
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Take your 1lb of ground beef (80/20) and gently form it into 4 loose balls.
The key here isn’t to overwork the meat – we want these patties to stay tender, not tough!
Step 2: Start the Mushroom Glaze
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté your 8oz of sliced mushrooms until they begin to release their moisture and turn golden brown.
This usually takes about 5-7 minutes, and you’ll notice the most amazing earthy aroma filling your kitchen.
Step 3: Add the Whiskey Glaze
Once mushrooms are browned, pour in 2 tbsp whiskey and 2 tbsp brown sugar, stirring to combine.
Let this mixture reduce until it forms a sticky, sweet-savory glaze that coats the mushrooms.
The alcohol will cook off, leaving just that complex whiskey flavor behind.
Step 4: Smash and Season the Patties
Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle until screaming hot, then place your beef balls on the surface.
Using a spatula or burger press, firmly smash each ball into a thin patty.
Season generously with salt and pepper – don’t be shy here, the seasoning makes all the difference.
For professional-level results, consider investing in a high-end pancake griddle which provides the perfect flat cooking surface with consistent heat distribution for smashing burgers.
Step 5: Flip and Add Toppings
After about 2 minutes, when a nice crust has formed, flip each patty and immediately top with a slice of Swiss cheese and a generous portion of your whiskey-glazed mushrooms.
The residual heat will melt that cheese into gooey perfection.
Step 6: Prepare the Garlic Butter
While the cheese melts, mix 4 tbsp butter with 2 minced garlic cloves in a small bowl, then microwave for about 30 seconds until completely melted and fragrant.
This garlic butter is what takes these burgers from great to absolutely memorable.
Step 7: Toast the Buns
Quickly toast your 4 burger buns in the same pan you used for the mushrooms, cut-side down, just until they develop a slight golden color.
A toasted bun stands up better to all those juices and adds another textural element.
Step 8: Assemble and Serve
Place each cheesy, mushroom-topped patty on a toasted bun bottom, drizzle generously with the garlic butter, and cap with the top bun.
Serve immediately while everything’s still hot and the cheese is at peak meltiness.
What to Serve with Mushroom Swiss Smash Burgers
These indulgent whiskey-glazed burgers deserve equally delicious companions.
Crispy oven fries tossed with parmesan and herbs make a classic pairing, while a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through all that richness.
For something unexpected, try quick-pickled red onions—their tanginess balances the sweet whiskey glaze perfectly.
On the beverage front, a cold craft beer (preferably a malty amber ale) complements those umami mushroom flavors wonderfully.
If you’re feeling fancy, bourbon-spiked milkshakes make this dinner feel like a special occasion.
These hearty burgers work best for lunch or dinner, and honestly, you mightn’t even need sides—they’re substantial enough on their own!
Mushroom Swiss Smash Burgers Substitutions and Variations
- Mushroom varieties: White button mushrooms work great, but cremini, shiitake, or a wild mushroom mix adds gourmet flair.
- Flavor boosters: Add caramelized onions, crispy bacon, or a fried egg on top.
- Low-carb option: Skip the bun and serve over a bed of greens with all the toppings.
- Spice it up: Mix in a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the patties before cooking.
Leftovers and Storage for these Mushroom Swiss Smash Burgers
These smash burgers are definitely best enjoyed fresh off the griddle, but sometimes we can’t finish everything. Here’s how to handle the leftovers:
- Refrigeration: Store completely cooled burger components separately – keep patties, glazed mushrooms, and garlic butter in separate airtight containers for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Cooked patties can be frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then foil.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat patties in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Microwave is convenient but may toughen the meat.
- Prevent sogginess: Store buns separately from all other components and toast them fresh when ready to eat.
- Pro tip: The glazed mushrooms actually develop deeper flavor overnight, so you might enjoy them even more the next day!
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about the combination of whiskey-glazed mushrooms, melty Swiss cheese, and that garlicky butter drizzle that elevates this smash burger from everyday to extraordinary.
The contrast between the crispy-edged patty and the savory-sweet mushroom topping creates a burger experience that lingers in memory long after the last bite.
This recipe shines as the star of weekend gatherings, when you have just enough time to pay attention to those beautiful caramelized edges but still want something unfussy and crowd-pleasing.
Whether it’s a backyard cookout or a cozy indoor dinner, these burgers bring that restaurant-quality indulgence right to your table—no reservation required.
If you’re looking for another rich and satisfying dinner option, consider trying a Parmesan garlic butter chicken pasta that comes together in under 30 minutes.