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Juicy All-American Smash Burgers Recipe with Creamy Secret Sauce

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A quick and easy smash burger recipe featuring juicy, crispy patties and a tangy creamy secret sauce made from pantry staples. Perfect for casual gatherings and weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or canola oil
  • 4 soft hamburger buns (brioche or potato buns recommended)
  • 4 slices American cheese (sharp cheddar as a substitute)
  • ½ cup (120ml) mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons pickle relish
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Pinch of smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Secret Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, ketchup, pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika if using. Stir well until smooth. Cover and refrigerate while prepping burgers.
  2. Divide and Shape the Beef: Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions (~4 ounces or 113g each). Roll each loosely into a ball without packing tightly.
  3. Preheat Skillet: Heat cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add vegetable or canola oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  4. Smash the Patties: Place one beef ball in the skillet. Using a sturdy spatula, press down firmly to flatten into a thin patty about ¼-inch thick. Hold pressure for 10 seconds. Repeat for remaining balls, cooking 2 at a time if needed.
  5. Season and Cook: Immediately season patties with salt and pepper. Cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes until edges are crispy and browned. Flip, add a slice of cheese, and cook another 2-3 minutes until cheese melts and burger is cooked through (target 135°F for medium).
  6. Toast the Buns: While patties cook, slice buns and toast face down in a clean skillet or under broiler until golden brown.
  7. Assemble the Burgers: Spread a generous layer of secret sauce on both bun halves. Place cheesy patty on bottom bun, add desired extras like lettuce, tomato, or pickles, then crown with top bun.
  8. Serve Immediately: Enjoy hot off the skillet for best crispy crust and fresh sauce.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if needed to maintain high heat and perfect crust. Add cheese immediately after flipping to melt perfectly. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. Sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated to deepen flavors. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns and Worcestershire sauce. For dairy-free sauce, substitute mayonnaise with coconut yogurt.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burgers, all-american burger, secret sauce, quick burger recipe, easy dinner, cast iron skillet burger

Find it online: https://avabake.com/juicy-all-american-smash-burgers-recipe-with-creamy-secret-sauce-easy-and-perfect/