Homemade Smash Burger with Special Sauce
Skip the drive-through with this irresistible homemade smash burger recipe — thin, crispy-edged beef patties stacked with melty American cheese and a tangy special sauce that beats any fast food burger at 620 calories per serving.
15m
4
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Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs 80/20 ground beef, divided into 8 equal balls (about 3 oz each)
- 8 slices American cheese
- 4 soft brioche or potato buns, split
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons finely diced dill pickles
- 1 teaspoon pickle brine
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more for seasoning patties)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1 medium white onion, very thinly sliced
- 8 dill pickle slices
Instructions
- 1
Make the Special Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, diced dill pickles, pickle brine, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika until fully combined and smooth. Cover and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- 2
Prepare the Buns
Spread softened butter on the cut sides of each brioche bun. Heat a large cast iron skillet or flat griddle over medium heat. Toast the buns butter-side down for 1–2 minutes until golden brown and lightly crisp. Remove and set aside.
- 3
Heat the Cooking Surface
Increase the heat under the cast iron skillet or griddle to high and allow it to preheat for 2–3 minutes until very hot and just beginning to smoke. A ripping-hot surface is essential for achieving the iconic lacy, crispy burger edges.
- 4
Smash the Patties
Place 2–3 beef balls onto the hot dry skillet, spacing them at least 3 inches apart. Immediately place a sheet of parchment paper over each ball and press firmly straight down with a heavy spatula or burger press for 10 seconds, smashing the patty to about 1/4-inch thickness. Remove the parchment. Season the tops generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
- 5
Cook First Side
Cook the smashed patties undisturbed for 2 to 2.5 minutes until the edges are deeply browned and lacy, and the tops look about 70% cooked through with juices rising to the surface. Do not move or press the patties again during cooking.
- 6
Flip and Add Cheese
Using a thin, sharp-edged spatula, scrape under each patty and flip in one confident motion. Immediately place a slice of American cheese on each patty. Cook for an additional 45–60 seconds until the cheese is fully melted and the bottom is browned. Repeat with remaining beef balls in batches.
- 7
Stack the Double Patties
For a double smash burger, stack two cheese-topped patties together on the griddle for the final 15 seconds so the cheese layers meld together. This gives you the classic fast food double-stack effect with maximum cheesy pull.
- 8
Assemble the Burgers
Spread a generous tablespoon of special sauce on both the top and bottom toasted bun. Layer shredded iceberg lettuce on the bottom bun, followed by thin-sliced white onion and pickle slices. Place the double smash patty stack on top, add any extra sauce if desired, and crown with the top bun.
- 9
Serve Immediately
Serve the smash burgers immediately while the patties are hot and the cheese is still melty. Pair with homemade fries, onion rings, or a simple coleslaw for the ultimate fast food experience at home.
Chef's Tips
The key to perfect smash burgers is using 80/20 ground beef — leaner beef won't produce the same crispy, flavorful crust. Never season the beef balls before smashing; salting beforehand draws out moisture and prevents the Maillard reaction that creates those delicious browned edges. A cast iron skillet or carbon steel pan works best; non-stick pans cannot handle the required high heat. Work in batches to avoid crowding and steaming the patties instead of searing them.
Nutrition Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about making this homemade smash burger with special sauce
How long does it take to make Homemade Smash Burger with Special Sauce?
This recipe takes 30 minutes total time, including 15 minutes prep time and 15 minutes cooking time.
How many servings does this Homemade Smash Burger with Special Sauce recipe make?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
What is the difficulty level of this Homemade Smash Burger with Special Sauce recipe?
This recipe is rated as Easy difficulty level, making it perfect for beginners.
Can I make substitutions in this Homemade Smash Burger with Special Sauce recipe?
Yes, you can make substitutions, but they may affect the final result. Common substitutions include using different types of ingredients for dietary restrictions or personal preferences.
Can I make this homemade smash burger with special sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this homemade smash burger with special sauce up to 1 day ahead. Assemble the dish completely, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bring to room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if needed.
How do I store leftover homemade smash burger with special sauce?
Store leftover homemade smash burger with special sauce covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
What side dishes go well with homemade smash burger with special sauce?
This homemade smash burger with special sauce pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts, or crusty bread. For a complete meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or a protein of your choice.
Can I freeze homemade smash burger with special sauce?
Yes, this homemade smash burger with special sauce freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.