Classic Smash Burgers with Special Sauce

Classic Smash Burgers with Special Sauce ingredients

• 0.5 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
• 0.25 tsp garlic powder
• 0.25 tsp onion powder
• 0.25 tsp smoked paprika
• 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean/fat ratio)
• 4 potato buns
• 4 American cheese slices
• 2 tbsp butter, softened
• 4 romaine lettuce leaves
• 1 medium tomato, sliced
• 0.25 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 0.5 cup dill pickles, sliced
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper

How to make Classic Smash Burgers with Special Sauce

1. Prepare the special sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 0.5 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp ketchup, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish, 0.25 tsp garlic powder, 0.25 tsp onion powder, and 0.25 tsp smoked paprika. Cover and refrigerate until serving to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Divide the 1.5 lbs ground beef into 8 equal portions, about 3 ounces each, and gently roll them into loose balls. Do not press or overwork the meat.
3. Prepare your toppings: Wash and dry 4 romaine lettuce leaves, slice 1 medium tomato, thinly slice 0.25 small red onion, and arrange 0.5 cup dill pickle slices on a plate. Split 4 potato buns in half.
4. Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat until it begins to smoke lightly, about 5-7 minutes. This high heat is crucial for a good crust.
5. Lightly spread 2 tbsp softened butter on the cut sides of the potato buns. Place the buns cut-side down on the hot skillet and toast for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
6. Add 2 beef balls to the hot skillet, ensuring they are not touching. Immediately place a piece of parchment paper or a square of foil over each beef ball, then use a sturdy spatula or burger press to firmly smash each ball down into a thin patty, about 1/4-inch thick. You should hear a strong sizzle.
7. Season the smashed patties generously with 0.5 tsp salt and 0.25 tsp black pepper. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until a deep brown crust forms and the edges look crispy.
8. Flip the patties over. Immediately place one slice of 4 American cheese on top of each patty. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the patties are cooked through. Remove the cooked patties and repeat with the remaining beef balls and cheese.
9. Assemble the burgers: Spread a generous amount of special sauce on both the top and bottom toasted bun halves. Layer with lettuce, tomato, sliced red onion, and pickles.
10. Place two cheesy patties on the bottom bun. Top with the prepared vegetables and the top bun. Serve immediately with extra special sauce on the side.

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