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Crispy Smash Burger Sliders with Special Sauce

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These crispy smash burger sliders feature a perfectly crusted patty and a tangy, creamy special sauce, making them an irresistible crowd-pleaser perfect for quick meals and casual parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef, 80/20 blend
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp finely diced dill pickles or relish
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Slider buns or small dinner rolls, lightly toasted
  • Cheddar cheese slices or American cheese
  • Thinly sliced red onions
  • Fresh lettuce leaves
  • Tomato slices (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the Special Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, diced pickles, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and apple cider vinegar. Stir well until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the rest.
  2. Prepare the Burger Patties: Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions (about 2 oz / 57g each). Roll each into a loose ball — don’t overwork the meat.
  3. Heat the Skillet: Place your cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Let it get hot until shimmering but not smoking.
  4. Smash the Patties: Place two to three beef balls in the skillet spaced apart. Using a spatula or grill press, firmly press down on each ball until about ¼ inch thick. Hold for 10 seconds to create a crispy crust.
  5. Season and Cook: Sprinkle salt and pepper on each patty immediately after smashing. Cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side until edges are brown and crispy.
  6. Flip and Add Cheese: Flip patties carefully, place a slice of cheese on each, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and burger is cooked through but juicy.
  7. Toast the Buns: While the last batch cooks, toast slider buns lightly in a separate pan or under a broiler until golden.
  8. Assemble the Sliders: Spread a generous spoonful of special sauce on the bottom bun. Add cheesy patty, then top with sliced red onions, lettuce leaf, and tomato slice if using. Finish with top bun.
  9. Serve Immediately: Enjoy hot with melty cheese and crispy crust.

Notes

Use cold beef balls for juicier patties. Do not press down after the initial smash to retain juices. Toast buns while cooking the second side of patties. The special sauce tastes better after resting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps; for dairy-free, use vegan mayo and dairy-free cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, sliders, special sauce, crispy burger, easy burger recipe, game night food, homemade sauce

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/crispy-smash-burger-sliders-recipe-easy-homemade-special-sauce-for-ultimate-flavor/