Description
These juicy smash burgers are ready in just 15 minutes, featuring crispy, lacy edges and a tender center, topped with a tangy, creamy homemade special sauce that beats takeout every time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (680g) 80/20 ground chuck
- 8 hamburger buns (Brioche or Potato)
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 8 slices cheddar cheese (or American cheese)
- 1 teaspoon oil (for skillet)
- Coarse kosher salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- Optional toppings: sliced onions, pickle slices, lettuce, tomato
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and vinegar. Set aside.
- Divide ground beef into 8 equal portions and roll into loose balls. Keep cold until ready to cook.
- Slice onions, tomatoes, and pickles. Have cheese and buns ready.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat until smoking hot (3-5 minutes).
- Add oil to the skillet and swirl to coat. Place a beef ball in the pan and immediately smash flat with a burger press or heavy spatula until about 1/4 inch thick.
- Season the top of the smashed patties generously with salt and pepper.
- Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until a deep brown crust forms.
- Flip the patties and immediately place a slice of cheese on each. Let melt for 30 seconds.
- While burgers finish, spread butter on the cut sides of the buns and toast them in the skillet for 1-2 minutes until golden.
- Assemble burgers: bottom bun, special sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, patty with cheese, pickles, more sauce, top bun.
Notes
Keep the meat cold until cooking to ensure it holds its shape. Do not press the patties again after smashing to retain juices. Ensure the pan is very hot to achieve a proper sear. The special sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger with bun, c
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 32
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 28
Keywords: smash burgers, special sauce, quick dinner, cast iron recipes, juicy burgers, easy weeknight meals, homemade burger sauce