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–+ servings
Smash Burgers with Special Sauce

Smash Burgers with Special Sauce: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Smash Burgers with Special Sauce bring comfort and taste together in a quick, delightful meal.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 burgers
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Patties
  • 1 lb Fresh Ground Beef Chuck (80/20 blend, kept cold)
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 0.5 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
For the Cheese
  • 4 slices American Cheese (deli-style)
For the Buns
  • 4 Potato Buns (preferably Martin's style)
For the Toppings
  • 1 Small Yellow Onion (shaved paper-thin)
  • 16 slices Dill Pickle Chips
For the Special Sauce
  • 0.5 cup Full-Fat Mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp Ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Yellow Mustard (or Dijon)
  • 1 tbsp Dill Pickle Brine
  • 1 tbsp Finely Minced Dill Pickles
  • 0.5 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 0.25 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 0.125 tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional)
For Cooking
  • 1 tbsp Neutral High-Smoke-Point Oil or Beef Tallow
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (softened)

Equipment

  • cast-iron skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • spatula
  • parchment paper

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Smash Burgers with Special Sauce
  1. Make the Special Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle brine, and minced dill pickles. Add paprika, garlic powder, and optional cayenne. Blend until smooth, then cover and refrigerate.
  2. Prep the Beef: Divide chilled ground beef into four loose balls, season with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat the Pan: Preheat a cast-iron skillet over high heat for about 5 minutes.
  4. Toast the Buns: Spread butter on the cut sides of buns and toast in a pan until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Create Patties: Place a beef ball on the skillet, press down with a spatula, and season the exposed side.
  6. Cook Patties: Cook for 60-90 seconds, flip, and add cheese on top. Cook for an additional 30-45 seconds until the cheese melts.
  7. Complete Cooking: Remove patties from heat and let them rest.
  8. Assemble Burgers: Spread special sauce on toasted buns, layer with pickles, add cheesy patty, onions, close burgers, and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1burgerCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This recipe is perfect for families and can be customized with various toppings and cheeses.

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