Go Back

Crispy Smashburgers with Special Sauce

Griddle-smashed crispy beef patties with melted cheese and a tangy homemade special sauce.
Print Recipe
Cook Time 5 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

For the Burgers

  • 2 pounds 80/20 or 85/15 lean ground beef
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • 2 teaspoons neutral oil e.g., avocado, grapeseed, or canola
  • 2 medium yellow onions thinly sliced, optional
  • 4 potato buns or your favorite buns
  • 4 slices cheese American, sharp white cheddar, or your choice

For the Special Sauce

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped pickles
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon pickle juice or vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon sugar
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Divide the ground beef into six equal portions, rolling them into balls about the size of a golf ball to a mandarin orange. Gently compress to remove excess air, then chill them uncovered in the fridge.
  • Whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Chill until ready to use.
  • Preheat the griddle to medium-high. Lightly oil the surface and toast the buns, top side down, until golden and crisp. Set aside.
  • Crank the griddle to high and add a little more oil. Place the chilled beef balls on the hot surface, then use a heavy burger press or sturdy spatula to smash each one firmly into a thin patty.
  • Season with salt and let them sizzle for 2 to 3 minutes, until the edges are browned and crispy. Flip, top with cheese, and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until melted.
  • Spread the special sauce generously on the toasted buns. Add the patties and your favorite toppings — lettuce, tomato, pickles, or grilled onions. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don't press down after the initial smash — let them develop that crust undisturbed.