Smash Burger Recipe with Easy Secret Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Smash burgers are a beloved classic known for their crispy edges and juicy centers. This easy recipe features a simple secret sauce that adds a tangy, creamy kick to every bite. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or weekend cookout.

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 thin 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 a sturdy spatula or burger press to smash the patties evenly and achieve crispy edges.
• Swap American cheese for cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor twist.
• Toast the brioche buns lightly to add extra texture and prevent sogginess.
• Try adding crispy bacon or sautéed mushrooms for more depth.

Storage

Store leftover patties and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat patties gently in a skillet to keep them juicy, and refresh buns by toasting lightly. Assemble fresh before serving to keep the buns from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the secret sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the secret sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld and develop even more.

What type of beef is best for smash burgers?

Using 80/20 ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat) is ideal because the fat content keeps the patties juicy while crisping up nicely when smashed.

Smash Burger Recipe with Easy Secret Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 85 reviews

This Smash Burger recipe delivers juicy, crispy-edged beef patties topped with melted American cheese and a flavorful, easy-to-make secret sauce. Using 80/20 ground beef, the patties are smashed on a hot grill or skillet to achieve the perfect sear, then layered on soft brioche buns with fresh lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onions. The secret sauce combines mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and pickle juice for a tangy, creamy finish that elevates the classic burger experience.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 4 burgers 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Burger Patties

• 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 Grill or Skillet: Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat to ensure a hot surface ideal for smashing the patties and achieving crispy edges.
2. Prepare Secret Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and pickle juice. Mix well until smooth and set aside to develop flavor.
3. Form Patties: Divide the ground beef into four loose balls, then season generously with salt and black pepper on all sides for even flavor.
4. Smash and Cook Patties: Place each beef ball on the hot grill or skillet and firmly smash down to create a thin patty. Cook for about 3 minutes or until crispy edges form and the bottom is well seared.
5. Flip and Add Cheese: Flip the patties carefully, add a slice of American cheese on top immediately, and cook for an additional 1 minute until the cheese melts.
6. Assemble Burgers: Spread the prepared secret sauce on both the top and bottom of each brioche bun. Layer with lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, onions, and the cheesy smashed patties. Serve immediately for best flavor.

Notes

• Use 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness.
• Smashing the patties thin helps achieve a crispy crust while keeping the inside juicy.
• Preheat the cooking surface thoroughly to prevent sticking and to develop the characteristic crust.
• You can customize toppings based on personal preference or add pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Serve immediately as smashed burgers are best enjoyed fresh off the skillet or grill.

Keywords: smash burger, secret sauce, American cheese burger, crispy edges burger, brioche bun burger, easy burger recipe, classic American burger