Description
Smash burgers with creamy burger sauce are crispy-edged, juicy patties topped with melty cheese and a zesty homemade sauce. They’re fast, flavorful, and deliver classic diner-style satisfaction at home.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices American cheese (or cheddar)
- 4 burger buns, soft and toasted
- 1–2 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, sliced pickles, tomato slices, onion slices
- For the creamy burger sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp pickle juice or lemon juice
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together all burger sauce ingredients until smooth. Chill until ready to use.
- Divide ground beef into 4 loose balls (2–3 oz each), handling minimally.
- Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over high heat until very hot.
- Place beef balls on the hot surface and smash flat with a spatula or burger press.
- Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until crispy and browned on the edges.
- Flip patties, top with cheese, and cook another 1–2 minutes until cheese melts.
- Meanwhile, toast buns in butter until golden and crisp.
- Assemble burgers: spread sauce on bottom bun, add patty, desired toppings, more sauce, then top bun.
Notes
- Add hot sauce or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy version.
- Use ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter option.
- Try caramelized onions or sweet pickles for extra contrast.
- Sauce can be made ahead and stored up to 5 days in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
