There’s something magical about the first bite of a properly made smashed burger.
When I first came to Sugarbush Golf Club, I wanted to elevate the food experience just as much as the golf. Sure, you can grab a hot dog at the turn—but what if you could finish 9 holes and bite into something that tastes like it belongs at your favorite gastropub?
That’s how the Smashed Burger made its way onto our menu.
🔥 The Idea
I’ve always believed that great food doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to be intentional. I was inspired by the simplicity of roadside diners and street burgers: fresh beef, seared hot, and seasoned right. No gimmicks. No fluff. Just bold, beefy flavor with a satisfying crunch around the edges.
🍳 The Technique
It’s all about the smash. We start with a fresh beef patty (never frozen), rolled into a ball and smashed to paper thinness on a scorching-hot grill. That’s the key. The extreme thinness creates maximum surface contact, giving you those perfectly crisp, golden-brown edges and deep, beefy flavor. It’s that caramelized crust—born from a serious Maillard reaction—that separates average burgers from unforgettable ones.
Then we top it with classic American cheese—because when it comes to melted perfection, nothing else melts quite like it. It’s oozy, salty, nostalgic, and just right.
Served on a toasted bun with classic fixings—or however you like it.
👨🍳 Why It Matters
At Sugarbush, we’re not just making burgers—we’re on a mission to serve the best burger in town.
Golfers come for the course, but they stay for the experience—and food is part of that. The smashed burger isn’t just a menu item. It’s a commitment to quality. It’s a reflection of the same care we put into our greens, our service, and everything we do at Sugarbush.
Next time you play a round at Sugarbush, treat yourself to the Smashed Burger. Your taste buds will thank you.
👉 Want more behind-the-grill details? Check out our full Sugarbush Smashed Burger Blog Post