Description
This irresistible smash burger features crispy, caramelized edges, juicy beef, melty cheese, and a creamy, tangy secret sauce—all packed into a buttery toasted bun. Quick to make and loaded with flavor, it’s the ultimate diner-style indulgence made at home.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 burger buns (brioche or potato buns)
- 4 slices cheddar or American cheese
- 1–2 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)
- Optional toppings: pickles, lettuce, sliced onions
- For the secret sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 tbsp finely chopped pickles or relish
- ½ tsp paprika or smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp vinegar or pickle juice (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together all secret sauce ingredients. Chill in the fridge while prepping burgers.
- Divide ground beef into 4 loose balls (about 2–3 oz each), without compacting them.
- Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot.
- Place one beef ball onto the skillet and smash it flat using a spatula or burger press. Press hard for thin, crispy edges.
- Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 1.5–2 minutes until browned and crispy on the bottom.
- Flip the patty, add a slice of cheese, and cook another minute until the cheese melts.
- Butter the buns and toast on the skillet until golden and crisp.
- Assemble each burger: bottom bun, secret sauce, smash patty, toppings of choice, more sauce, top bun.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- Double up on patties for a diner-style double burger.
- Swap cheddar with pepper jack or Swiss for different flavors.
- Serve in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
- Add caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms for a gourmet twist.
- Secret sauce keeps in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger with sauce
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
