Irresistible Smash Burger Recipe with Easy Secret Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Discover the simplicity and bold flavors of the irresistible smash burger. Juicy beef patties with crispy edges, melted American cheese, and a tangy secret sauce come together perfectly on buttery brioche buns. It’s a classic American delight that’s easy to make 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

1. Step 1: Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and pickle juice to create the secret sauce.
3. Step 3: Form the ground beef into four loose balls and season generously with salt and pepper.
4. 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.
5. Step 5: Flip the patties and immediately top each with a slice of cheese; cook for an additional minute until melted.
6. Step 6: Assemble burgers by spreading secret sauce on both sides of brioche buns and layering with patties and desired toppings.

Tips & Variations

• Use 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.
• For a smoky twist, add a dash of smoked paprika to the seasoning.
• Try swapping American cheese for cheddar or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
• Toast the brioche buns lightly for extra texture and flavor.
• Add caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms for a gourmet upgrade.

Storage

Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat to retain juiciness. It’s best to assemble fresh burgers when ready to serve for optimal texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the smash burger patties ahead of time?

Yes, you can form the beef into balls and season them a few hours ahead, but it’s best to smash and cook the patties just before serving to maintain their crispy edges and juiciness.

What can I substitute for pickle juice in the secret sauce?

If you don’t have pickle juice on hand, a teaspoon of vinegar (apple cider or white) plus a pinch of sugar can mimic the tangy flavor well in the sauce.

Irresistible Smash Burger Recipe with Easy Secret Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 114 reviews

This Irresistible Smash Burger recipe features juicy 80/20 ground beef patties smashed to crispy perfection on a hot grill or skillet. Topped with melty American cheese and served on soft brioche buns with a flavorful secret sauce made from mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and pickle juice, this classic American burger is elevated with fresh toppings like lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onions for a mouthwatering meal perfect for any burger lover.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 burgers 1x
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

1. Preheat the grill or skillet: Heat your grill or a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it is hot enough to sear the burgers, about 5 minutes.
2. Make the secret sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and pickle juice until well combined. Set aside.
3. Prepare the beef balls: Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and gently form each into a loose ball without compacting too tightly. Season generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.
4. Smash the patties: Place each beef ball on the hot grill or skillet. Using a sturdy spatula or a burger press, firmly smash down each ball to form thin patties. Cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes until crispy edges develop.
5. Flip and add cheese: Carefully flip each patty and immediately place a slice of American cheese on top. Cook for an additional minute, until the cheese is melted and the patty is cooked through.
6. Assemble the burgers: Lightly toast the brioche buns if desired. Spread a generous amount of secret sauce on the top and bottom buns. Layer the bottom bun with lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, and onions, then add the cheesy burger patty. Top with the other bun and serve immediately.

Notes

• For best results, use 80/20 ground beef for optimal juiciness and flavor.
• Press the patties firmly but avoid overhandling the meat to keep them tender.
• Customize toppings to your preference—add bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or jalapeños for extra flavor.
• If you don’t have a grill, a heavy cast iron skillet works equally well for smashing the burgers.
• Secret sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: smash burger, classic burger, American cheese burger, secret sauce, brioche buns, grilled burgers, easy burger recipe, homemade burger sauce