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Smash Burger Recipe with Secret Sauce

Smash Burger Recipe with Secret Sauce

This Smash Burger Recipe with Secret Sauce delivers crispy-edged, juicy burgers topped with melty cheese and a creamy homemade burger sauce. Perfect for lazy dinners, quick meals, and easy cooking at home, these smash burgers are simple, fast, and packed with classic diner flavor.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Burgers
  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 recommended
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4 burger buns split
  • 4 slices American cheese
  • 1 tbsp butter or oil for the pan
  • For the Secret Sauce
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp pickle relish
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika optional

Method
 

  1. Make the Secret Sauce
  2. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  3. Heat the Pan
  4. Place a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat. Add butter or oil and let it get very hot.
  5. Form the Beef
  6. Divide ground beef into 4 loose balls. Do not compact.
  7. Smash the Burgers
  8. Place beef balls onto the hot pan and immediately smash flat with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper.
  9. Cook and Flip
  10. Cook for 2–3 minutes until edges are crispy. Flip, top with cheese, and cook 1–2 minutes until melted.
  11. Toast the Buns
  12. Toast buns in the skillet until lightly golden.
  13. Assemble
  14. Spread secret sauce on buns, add burger patties, and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not press the burgers again after the initial smash.
Use high heat to achieve crispy edges.
Brioche or potato buns work best.
Add pickles, onions, or lettuce if desired.
Sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance