Cheddar Smash Burger Crowned with Buttered Lobster 🦞🧀

A luxurious surf-and-turf burger featuring crispy-edged smash patties, sharp melted cheddar, and tender lobster tossed in rich garlic butter—all served on a buttery toasted brioche bun.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Smash Burgers

• 2 lb (900 g) ground beef (80/20)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 8 slices sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 brioche burger buns
• 2 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)

Buttered Lobster

• 1 lb (450 g) cooked lobster meat, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Pinch of paprika (optional)

Burger Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika

Toppings

• Lettuce leaves
• Tomato slices
• Thinly sliced red onion
• Dill pickle slices
• Extra melted butter for brushing (optional)

Instructions

1. Make the Sauce

Whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Refrigerate until ready to use.

2. Prepare the Lobster

1. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in the lobster meat.
4. Add the lemon juice, parsley, and paprika.
5. Cook for 2–3 minutes, just until warmed through. Avoid overcooking.

3. Toast the Buns

Butter the cut sides of the brioche buns and toast them in a skillet until golden brown.

4. Cook the Smash Burgers

1. Divide the ground beef into 8 loosely packed balls.
2. Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat until very hot.
3. Place 2 beef balls on the hot surface and smash each into a thin patty using a sturdy spatula or burger press.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Cook for about 2 minutes until deeply browned.
6. Flip and immediately top each patty with a slice of cheddar cheese.
7. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts.
8. Stack two patties together for each burger.

5. Assemble

Spread the burger sauce on both halves of each toasted bun.

Layer:

• Bottom bun
• Lettuce
• Double cheddar smash burger
• Generous spoonful of garlic-butter lobster
• Tomato
• Red onion
• Pickles
• Top bun

Brush the top bun with a little melted butter if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Crispy French fries
• Truffle fries
• Onion rings
• Coleslaw
• Garlic Parmesan fries
• Dill pickle spears

Chef’s Tips

• Use 80/20 ground beef for juicy smash burgers with crispy edges.
• Pat the lobster dry before adding it to the butter to keep it from becoming watery.
• Sharp cheddar provides a bold flavor that complements the sweet lobster.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when smashing the burgers—cook in batches if necessary.
• A squeeze of fresh lemon over the lobster just before serving brightens the flavors.

This indulgent burger combines the rich savoriness of a classic smash burger with the sweet, buttery taste of lobster for an unforgettable surf-and-turf meal.