Classic Smash Burger Recipe
brandt beef, griddled onions, secret sauce, new school american cheese, potato chips
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Burger Patties
Onions
Buns & Cheese
Secret Sauce
Finish & Crunch
Method
Secret Sauce
- 1
Make sauce
In a small bowl combine 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tsp ketchup, 1 tsp dill pickle relish, 1 tsp yellow mustard, 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar, 1/4 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp sugar and 1/8 tsp salt. Whisk until smooth, taste and adjust seasoning. Refrigerate until assembly. Makes about 1/3 cup.
Onions
- 2
Griddle onions
Peel and halve the yellow onion, then slice into thin half-moons. Heat a large cast-iron griddle or skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp butter. When butter melts and foams, add sliced onions and 1/4 tsp salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and deeply golden at the edges, about 10–12 minutes. Reduce heat if onions begin to burn. Remove from pan and keep warm.
Burger Patties
- 3
Portion and chill
Divide 1 lb Brandt (high-fat) ground beef into four equal portions (about 4 oz each) and gently roll into loose balls. Do not overwork the meat. Place on a plate and chill in the fridge for 10–15 minutes to firm slightly — this helps with smashing.
- 4
- 5
Smash and sear
Working one or two at a time (do not crowd), place a meat ball on the hot griddle. Immediately press down firmly with a heavy spatula or burger press to flatten into a thin patty (about 1/4 inch). Season the exposed top with a light sprinkle of salt and pepper. Cook without moving for 2–2.5 minutes, until edges are deeply browned and crisp.
- 6
Flip and cheese
Use a thin spatula to scrape under the patty and flip. Immediately season the other side with a little salt and pepper, then place a slice of new school American cheese over the patty. Cook 45–60 seconds more until cheese melts and patty is cooked through. Repeat with remaining patties. Keep cooked patties warm on a low oven tray if needed.
Buns & Assembly
- 7
- 8
Assemble burgers
Spread a generous tablespoon of secret sauce on the bottom bun. Place a leaf of lettuce (if using) and a slice of tomato. Add the cheesy smash patty. Top with a spoonful of griddled onions. Add another cheesy patty if you prefer a double (optional). On the top bun smear a little more secret sauce and then press a handful (about 1 cup) of plain potato chips into the sauce so they adhere and provide crunch. Close the burger and press lightly.
- 9
Serve
Serve immediately while patties are hot and chips are crisp. Provide extra sauce on the side if desired.