Juicy Smash Burgers (Print Version)
Smash-style burgers with golden onions, zippy sauce, and pickles, all tucked into soft buns for an unforgettable bite.
# Ingredients:
→ Burger Patties
01 -
4 slices of cheddar or American cheese
02 -
1½ pounds of 80/20 ground beef shaped into loose balls, 3-4 oz each
03 -
Salt and black pepper, to season
→ Buns and Toppings
04 -
Dill pickle rounds
05 -
4 potato or brioche-style buns
06 -
1 large yellow onion, sliced thinly
→ Caramelized Onions
07 -
1 teaspoon balsamic glaze
08 -
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
09 -
A pinch of salt
10 -
1 tablespoon of butter
11 -
1 tablespoon of olive oil
→ Burger Sauce
12 -
1 teaspoon paprika
13 -
Dash of hot sauce, optional
14 -
1 tablespoon mustard (yellow)
15 -
½ cup mayonnaise
16 -
2 tablespoons ketchup
17 -
1 tablespoon pickle brine
# Steps:
01 -
Set a griddle to medium heat and add the butter and olive oil. Toss in the onion slices with a sprinkle of salt and cook them for about 10-15 minutes until they turn golden. Mix in the balsamic glaze and Worcestershire sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Set them aside when done.
02 -
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, paprika, pickle juice, and hot sauce (if using). Mix until smooth, then stash it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
03 -
Heat the griddle to a temperature between 450-500°F. Gently roll the ground beef into loose 3-4 oz balls, being careful not to press them too tightly.
04 -
Lay the beef balls onto the griddle, then press down on them immediately with sturdy pressure. Sprinkle on the salt and black pepper. Let them cook for around 1½-2 minutes until they’re crispy at the edges.
05 -
Flip the patties, top them with cheese slices, and let them cook for another minute. Also, toast the cut sides of the buns on the griddle until they’re golden.
06 -
Stack pickles on the bottom half of the bun, then lay down a patty with melted cheese. Add caramelized onions on top, spread the sauce generously on the top bun, and enjoy right away.
# Notes and Tips:
01 -
Since smash burgers are thin, they don’t take long to cook. A high-heat griddle makes sure there’s a crispy, caramelized crust.