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A close-up of an irresistible smash burger with two juicy patties, melted cheddar cheese, crisp lettuce, red onion, and pickles.

Irresistible Smash Burger Recipe with Secret Sauce Magic

Learn how to make juicy, flavorful smash burgers at home with this easy recipe. Featuring a special burger sauce and tips for perfect searing, this recipe is ideal for a quick and impressive meal.
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Prep Time 18 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 burgers
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 730
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Smash Burger Patties
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef, 80/20 divided into 8 portions (3oz each)
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper
  • to taste garlic powder optional
  • 4 slices medium cheddar cheese thick-sliced recommended
Burger Sauce
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp yellow mustard
Toppings
  • 4 burger buns brioche buns recommended
  • 2 cups iceberg lettuce shredded
  • 1 large tomato sliced
  • 1/2 red onion sliced into thin rings
  • 2 dill pickles cut into 12 slices

Equipment

  • Griddle or large skillet
  • Burger press or spatula
  • Parchment paper
  • Metal spatula

Method
 

  1. Divide beef into 8 even portions, about 3 oz each. Loosely roll them into balls. Cover and refrigerate while preparing remaining ingredients. The meat must be cold when it hits the griddle.
  2. Remove wilted leaves from lettuce to keep it crunchy then finely shred lettuce. Slice tomatoes, onions, and pickles. Butter and toast buns over medium heat until golden on the buttered side.
  3. Increase griddle to medium/high heat. Place 2-4 burger balls onto the hot griddle. Place a square of parchment paper over the meat and use a burger press or spatula to firmly smash straight down into a thin patty.
  4. Peel back and discard parchment papers. Season patties with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add 1/2 teaspoon of burger sauce. Cook for 2 minutes on the first side, or until seared and juices start to come to the surface.
  5. Scrape under the burger with a metal spatula at a 45-degree angle and flip. Cook for another 1 minute. Top half of the patties with sliced cheese and cover cheese with the second patty. Repeat with remaining burgers and transfer them to a platter as they finish cooking.
  6. Place sauce on the bottom of the bun. Top with 3 pickle slices, shredded lettuce, 2 tomato slices, and thin sliced onion. Add the double patty and top with the bun.

Nutrition

Calories: 730kcal

Notes

This recipe is perfect for making delicious smash burgers on your stovetop. The key is to use cold meat and a hot griddle for a great sear.

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