The Secret to the Perfect Smashburger: Why Cheeseheads Has It Down to an Art

By Joe Morey Founder/Owner of Cheeseheads & Squeezer's Lemonade

The humble smashburger has taken America by storm in recent years, but its roots stretch back far earlier than the modern foodie movement. Long before social media made crispy-edged burgers famous, short-order cooks in old roadside diners discovered something magical... when a ball of fresh beef met an ultra-hot griddle and was smashed with confidence, something incredible happened. The caramelization, the sizzling crust, the deep, almost nostalgic flavor… that was the birth of the smashburger. It wasn’t fancy, and it wasn’t complicated. It was simply delicious.

At Cheeseheads, we didn’t just adopt that tradition—we elevated it into a craft.

Every smashburger we make starts with quality beef, ground fresh and blended with brisket right here at local Prime Cuts, and portioned into the perfect 5 ounce size for a hearty, flavor-packed patty. It hits the griddle as a tight, cold ball of meat, and then comes the key moment... the smash. We press it down hard for exactly ten seconds, just long enough to create that signature seared edge and lock in the natural juices, but not so long that it becomes dense or overworked. Ten seconds. That’s the sweet spot.

The moment the burger is flattened, before it even has time to think about cooling off, we shake on our signature Cheeseheads seasoning blend, a carefully tested combination of savory herbs and spices that enhances the beef rather than overpowering it. It’s a flavor that catches you by surprise, hits all the right notes, and makes you realize this is how a burger is supposed to taste.

Then comes the flip. A perfectly smashed patty releases from the griddle with that satisfying crackle, revealing its crispy lace edges—those golden, delicate bits that true smashburger lovers dream about. On goes the cheese, melting effortlessly into every crevice, followed by whatever topping adventure you choose.

And at Cheeseheads, you’ve got options. Twenty-three unique specialty flavors, all inspired by the creativity that came from your years on the summer food trail. Some of our favorites include:

🔥 Jalapeño Popper Smashburger

A fiery crowd favorite—pepper jack cheese, crispy bacon, jalapeños, and two secret flavor elements that take the classic popper flavor and crank it up Northwoods style.

🌿 Spinach & Artichoke Smashburger

Rich spinach-artichoke dip, a drizzle of our house secret sauce, smoked bacon, and provolone come together in a comforting, creamy, unforgettable bite.

🌶️ Sicario Smashburger

Bold, zesty, unapologetic heat layered with cheese and attitude. For the brave and the hungry.

🧀 The True Wisconsin

A true tribute to the dairy state—piled high with four melty cheeses: American, Colby, cheddar, and cheese whiz. It’s indulgence, pride, and Midwest comfort all in one glorious stack.

💙 The Supper Club Bleu

Inspired by classic Friday-night supper clubs. Bacon, grilled onions, crumbled bleu cheese, and our incredible A1–garlic mayo blend create a savory, tangy, smoky masterpiece.

🍄 The Shroom House Melt

A warm, hearty combination of grilled mushrooms, cheddar cheese, grilled onions, and garlic mayo. Earthy, melty, and downright addictive.

And that’s only a handful of what we serve. Whether you're craving spice, richness, nostalgia, or pure Wisconsin cheese bliss, there’s a Cheeseheads specialty flavor waiting for you.

We created this menu to bring something new to Barron County and the Northland, something fun, flavorful, and unlike anything you’ll find at a typical fast-casual stop. Our passion is crafting burgers that people don’t just enjoy… but talk about.

So we invite you, our friends, neighbors, and fellow food lovers, to come taste the magic for yourself. Try a smashburger, savor every bite, and then spread the word. Because great food is meant to be shared, and at Cheeseheads, we’re cooking up something unforgettable.

The Cheeseheads California Burger