What to Season Burgers With – And How to Do It Right
Great burgers don’t happen by accident. They start with high heat, smart seasoning, and the right build from the griddle up.
At Smash House Burgers in Midtown, flavor begins before toppings reach the bun. Every smashed patty gets hit with just the right seasoning to let the beef stand out – crisp on the outside, juicy in the center, full of bite.
Here’s how to get it right.
Why Burger Seasoning Actually Matters
The right seasoning pulls everything together.
- Salt creates the crust and brings the beef forward
- Pepper cuts through fat and balances each bite
- Clean seasoning complements toppings, buns, and sauce – without overpowering
When the base is great, the whole burger lands better.
What to Season Burgers With
Here’s your toolkit – no fluff, just what works:
- Kosher salt – coarse enough to stick, clean enough to enhance
- Cracked black pepper – fresh is key
- Garlic powder – savory depth that builds flavor
- Onion powder – mellow, sweet, and reliable
- Smoked paprika or chili powder – adds subtle heat or smoke
- Dried herbs – oregano or rosemary can sharpen the profile
- Brown sugar – a tiny pinch adds contrast (when used with control)
Build your own mix based on what you want to highlight – spice, smoke, or straight-up meat.
How to Season Smash Burgers
This is where method meets flavor.
- Season right before the patty hits the heat – surface-only, no mixing
- Cover both sides evenly without piling it on
- Smash onto a hot griddle – the crust locks the flavor in
- Give it time before flipping – crust equals texture
Every bite off the line at Smash House is built this way – structured, balanced, and intentionally seasoned.
Smash House Style
Our seasoning blend is simple on purpose – kosher salt, cracked pepper, and technique that keeps the beef front and center.
No distractions. Just crisp sear, juicy middle, and flavor built for repeat cravings.
You’ll taste the difference across the board – from the Double Smashed to the Jalapeño Burger. Everything starts with this foundation.
Explore the full lineup on the Smash House menu.
Common Mistakes That Kill Flavor
Here’s what gets in the way:
- Oversalting hides the beef
- Undersalting flattens the bite
- Seasoning too early dries the patty
- Overcomplication makes it harder to enjoy
Stay focused. Choose purpose over noise. Let the sear and seasoning carry the experience.
Get It Right at Smash House Midtown
Every patty at our Midtown location is seasoned with intent – clean, hot, and built for craveable texture. Try it for yourself with a delivery in Manhattan order or head to the counter and catch the flavor straight from the griddle.
Everybody’s a winner.