Smash Burgers with Special Sauce

Ingredients

Gather everything before you start cooking.

Steps

1. 1

   Prepare the Special Sauce

   In a small bowl, combine all Special Sauce ingredients: mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, dill pickle relish, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Stir until well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

   ~5 min

2. 2

   Prepare the Patties

   Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions (about 3 ounces each). Form them loosely into balls; do not overwork the meat. Season generously with salt and fresh cracked pepper on one side.

   ~2 min

3. 3

   Heat the Skillet and Toast Buns

   Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot, about 3 minutes. Lightly butter the cut sides of the potato buns with softened butter. Place buns, cut-side down, in the hot skillet and toast for 1-2 minutes, until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

   ~3 min

4. 4

   Smash and Cook the Patties

   Increase skillet heat to high. Place two beef balls, seasoned side down, in the hot skillet. Immediately place a piece of parchment paper over each ball and use a sturdy spatula or burger press to firmly smash each ball into an even, thin patty, about ¼-inch thick. Remove parchment paper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the edges are crispy and browned.

   ~4 min

5. 5

   Flip, Melt Cheese, and Finish Cooking

   Flip the patties. Immediately place a slice of American cheese on one patty, then place the other patty directly on top of the cheese. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the burger reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for medium. Repeat with remaining beef balls, cleaning the skillet if necessary between batches.

   ~3 min

6. 6

   Assemble the Burgers

   Spread a generous amount of Special Sauce on the toasted bottom bun. Add the cheese-topped burger patties. Layer with optional toppings like lettuce, pickles, and sliced onion. Spread more Special Sauce on the top bun and place it on top of the burger.

   ~3 min