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–+ servings

California Smash Burgers with Special Sauce

These smash burgers are ultra-crispy, juicy, and loaded with a tangy special sauce. A quick weeknight dinner that beats any drive-thru.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Burgers, Dinner, Quick Meals
Cuisine: American
Calories: 780
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Smash Burgers
  • 12 oz ground beef (80/20)
  • to taste salt
  • to taste freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 slices cheddar cheese American or sharp cheddar
  • 2 brioche buns split
  • 4 slices dill pickles or bread-and-butter pickles
  • 2 leaves butter lettuce or romaine
  • 1/2 small red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 medium tomato sliced
For the Special Sauce
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Method
 

Prepare the Patties
  1. Divide the ground beef into 3 equal portions, each about 4 ounces (85 g). Roll each portion into a tight ball.
  2. Place each ball between two pieces of parchment paper. Use the flat bottom of a small skillet or a heavy glass to press each ball into a very thin, flat round, about 1/4 inch thick.
Make the Special Sauce
  1. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, ketchup, yellow mustard, and black pepper. Stir until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Cook the Burgers
  1. Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until smoking hot. Season one side of each patty generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Place the patties seasoned-side down onto the hot skillet. Season the top side with salt and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the edges are deeply browned and crispy.
  3. Flip the patties. Immediately place a slice of cheddar cheese on one patty, then stack the other patty on top of it. Continue cooking for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the cheese is melted and the second side is browned. Remove the double patties from the skillet.
Assemble the Burgers
  1. Toast the brioche buns cut-side down in the same skillet for about 30 seconds, until golden. Transfer to plates.
  2. Spread a generous spoonful of the special sauce onto the bottom bun. Top with lettuce, tomato slices, and red onion. Place the double patty on top. Add pickles, more sauce, and close with the top bun. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 780kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 38gFat: 52gSaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 1100mgFiber: 2gSugar: 12g

Notes

For extra crispiness, use a metal spatula to press the patties down firmly while cooking.
If you don't have brioche buns, use potato rolls or sesame seed buns.
The special sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge.
Don't overwork the meat; handle it as little as possible to keep the burgers tender.
For a California twist, add sliced avocado and a squeeze of Meyer lemon juice.
Leftover patties can be reheated in a dry skillet over medium heat.
Serve with a side of sweet potato fries or a crisp green salad.

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