Name: Topgolf Knoxvilles Fairway Feast Platter: Smash Burger Sliders Recipe
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.25 lbs ground beef (80/20); 1 tsp fine sea salt; 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 2 tbs vegetable oil or canola oil; 12 to taste mini slider buns (potato or brioche); 12 slices American cheese slices (or cheddar), halved; 2 tbs unsalted butter (softened); 24 to taste dill pickle slices; 0.5 cup red onion; 1 medium tomato, thinly sliced; 1 cup butter lettuce leaves (small) or shredded iceberg; 6 tbs ketchup; 3 tbs yellow mustard; 6 tbs mayonnaise; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 0.5 tsp garlic powder; 0.25 tsp smoked paprika

Method

Smash Burger Patties

Portion meat

Divide the ground beef into 12 even portions (approximately 1.6 oz / 45 g each). Gently roll each portion into a loose ball — do not overwork the meat.

Preheat griddle

Heat a large cast-iron griddle or heavy skillet over medium-high heat until very hot (about 5 minutes). Add 1 tablespoon oil and spread to coat.

Season balls

If using optional boosters, mix Worcestershire, garlic powder, and smoked paprika into the meat gently before portioning. Sprinkle each ball lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper just before smashing.

Smash and sear

Place 3–4 meat balls in the hot area of the griddle without crowding. Immediately place a sturdy spatula or a flat metal press (lined with parchment or foil) on top and press down firmly to flatten into very thin patties (~1/8 inch). Add another 1 tsp oil to the griddle if needed between batches. Cook undisturbed for 2 minutes, until edges are brown and crisp.

Flip and cheese

Flip each patty, season the cooked side with a light pinch of salt and pepper, then place half a slice of American cheese on each patty. Cook 45–60 seconds more until cheese is melted and patties are cooked through. Transfer to a plate and tent lightly with foil to keep warm. Repeat with remaining meat.

Slider Assembly & Cheese

Toast buns

Split the slider buns and spread the softened butter on cut sides. Toast buttered sides on the griddle over medium heat until golden and slightly crisp, about 1–2 minutes. Remove and keep warm.

Prepare buns for assembly

If you prefer, warm whole buns briefly on the griddle for 10–15 seconds to heat through before assembling.

Toppings & Condiments

Prep toppings

Thinly slice the red onion and tomato. Separate small lettuce leaves or shred iceberg. Arrange pickles, onion, tomato, and lettuce on a platter for assembly.

Mix sauces

Portion ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise into small bowls or lightly mix to create a simple burger sauce (for example: 3 tbs mayo + 2 tbs ketchup + 1 tsp mustard) to taste.

Assemble sliders

Place bottom bun on a tray, add a small amount of sauce, top with a warm cheese-covered patty, then a pickle slice, a little onion and tomato if using, and a small lettuce leaf. Cap with the toasted top bun. Repeat to make 12 sliders.

Serve

Arrange assembled sliders on a platter (Fairway Feast Platter). Serve immediately with extra condiments on the side and optional fries or salad. Leftover patties can be refrigerated up to 2 days; reheat briefly on a griddle.