Irresistible Smash Burger Recipe with Easy Secret Sauce Recipe
Introduction
The smash burger is a classic American favorite known for its crispy edges and juicy interior. This recipe features a simple yet flavorful secret sauce and easy-to-follow steps that will help you create irresistible burgers right at home.
Ingredients
- 1 lb 80/20 ground beef
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 brioche buns
- Toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, onions
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp pickle juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and pickle juice to create the secret sauce.
- Step 3: Form the ground beef into four loose balls and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Step 4: Place each ball on the hot grill or skillet and smash down firmly to form patties. Cook for about 3 minutes until crispy edges form.
- Step 5: Flip the patties and immediately top each with a slice of cheese; cook for an additional minute until melted.
- Step 6: Assemble burgers by spreading secret sauce on both sides of brioche buns and layering with patties and desired toppings.
Tips & Variations
- Use a sturdy spatula or burger press to smash the patties evenly for extra crispy edges.
- Try swapping American cheese for cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor.
- Grill or toast the brioche buns lightly to add texture and prevent sogginess.
- Add caramelized onions or crispy bacon to elevate your burger experience.
Storage
Store any leftover patties and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat patties gently in a skillet over medium heat to preserve juiciness. Assemble fresh buns and toppings when ready to serve to maintain burger quality.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ground beef?
Yes, you can use leaner or fattier beef, but 80/20 ground beef is ideal for juicy and flavorful burgers with crispy edges.
What if I don’t have pickle juice for the sauce?
If you don’t have pickle juice, a splash of vinegar or lemon juice can add a similar tang to the secret sauce.
PrintIrresistible Smash Burger Recipe with Easy Secret Sauce Recipe
This irresistible smash burger recipe features juicy, crispy-edged beef patties smashed to perfection on a hot grill or skillet, topped with melty American cheese and a tangy, easy-to-make secret sauce. Served on soft brioche buns with classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onions, this homemade burger is sure to satisfy your cravings anytime.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Burger
- 1 lb 80/20 ground beef
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 brioche buns
- Toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, onions
Secret Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp pickle juice
Instructions
- Preheat the grill or skillet: Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat to ensure a perfect sear and crispy edges on your burger patties.
- Make the secret sauce: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and pickle juice until smooth and well combined to create the tangy secret sauce.
- Prepare the beef balls: Form the ground beef into four loose balls, being careful not to overwork the meat, and season each generously with salt and black pepper for balanced flavor.
- Smash and cook the patties: Place each beef ball onto the hot grill or skillet and immediately smash down firmly with a spatula to create thin patties with crispy edges. Cook for about 3 minutes without moving to develop a crust.
- Flip and cheese the patties: Flip each patty carefully and place a slice of American cheese on top. Cook for an additional minute to melt the cheese perfectly.
- Assemble the burgers: Spread the secret sauce generously on both the top and bottom halves of the brioche buns. Layer each bottom bun with lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, onions, and the cheesy patties, then finish with the top bun. Serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- For juicier burgers, avoid pressing down on the patties while cooking after smashing.
- Use a sturdy spatula for smashing to get the best thin crust on the patties.
- Feel free to customize toppings based on your preference, such as adding bacon or avocado slices.
- Allow the buns to toast lightly on the grill or skillet for an added crunch and warmth.
- The secret sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Keywords: smash burger, secret sauce, American cheese burger, brioche buns, homemade burger, grilled burger
