Get ready for juicy, cheesy Thrilled Foodie Smash Burgers that are sure to make your taste buds dance! These burgers are smashed onto a hot grill for that perfect crispiness.
Honestly, who can resist a burger that oozes melted cheese? I like to pile on my favorite toppings and enjoy them with a side of crispy fries—pure happiness in every bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using an 80/20 blend for juicy burgers. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken works as a substitute, though keep in mind they may cook faster.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds great flavor. You can swap it with American cheese for an extra melt, or use a dairy-free cheese if you’re avoiding dairy.
Brioche Buns: These buns are soft and buttery, perfect for burgers. If you can’t find them, any soft burger bun or whole wheat buns will work too. Just avoid dense ones that won’t soak up the flavors.
Onions: Caramelized onions bring a sweetness that balances the burger. You might try shallots or even sautéed mushrooms for a different taste.
Special Sauce: This can be adjusted to your liking! Try adding BBQ sauce, sriracha, or pickles for some extra kick!
How Do I Get My Patties Crispy on the Outside?
Achieving that perfect crispy edge on the smashed burgers is all about the technique. Here’s how:
- Use high heat: Make sure your skillet or griddle is very hot before putting the beef down.
- Don’t overhandle the meat: Keep your beef balls loose; this helps them stay tender.
- Smash firmly: When you press down with your spatula, put some weight behind it. It creates a nice sear and crispiness.
- Season after smashing: Sprinkle with salt and pepper right after smashing for maximum flavor.
With these tips, you’ll have those glorious crusty edges everyone loves in a smash burger. Enjoy cooking!
How to Make Thrilled Foodie Smash Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burger:
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 brioche burger buns
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp butter (for caramelizing onions)
- 1 cup mixed salad greens
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (for layering under patty)
For the Special Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 30 minutes total: 10 minutes to prep ingredients and 20 minutes to cook and assemble your delicious burgers. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
Start by heating the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add your thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are deeply browned and caramelized, which should take around 15-20 minutes. Once finished, set them aside to cool.
2. Make the Special Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, hot sauce, along with some salt and pepper. Give it a good whisk until everything’s combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
3. Prepare the Patties:
Grab your ground beef and divide it into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into loose balls, being careful not to overwork the meat. We want them to stay juicy!
4. Toast the Buns:
Lightly butter the cut sides of your brioche buns and toast them on a hot skillet or griddle until they are golden brown. This adds a little extra flavor and crunch. Set them aside afterwards.
5. Smash the Burgers:
Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat until it’s really hot. Place one beef ball on the skillet and smash it down firmly with a spatula to create a thin patty. Season it with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes, or until the edges are nice and crispy.
6. Add Cheese:
Flip the patty over, add a slice of cheddar cheese on top, and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the patty is cooked to your liking.
7. Repeat for the Remaining Patties:
Keep going until all of your beef patties are cooked and cheesy. Yum!
8. Assemble the Burgers:
Now it’s time to build these beauties! Spread a good amount of the special sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Add some mixed greens and slices of the small red onion for crunch. Then, place your cheesy smashed patty on top.
9. Add Caramelized Onions:
Generously pile the caramelized onions over the patty for that deliciously sweet flavor.
10. Finish Off:
If you’re feeling saucy, drizzle a bit more of your special sauce on top, then top it all off with the toasted top bun.
11. Serve and Enjoy!
Your Thrilled Foodie Smash Burgers are ready! Serve them immediately with a side of your favorite fries or chips and enjoy every incredible bite!
This recipe truly captures the essence of juicy, crispy smash burgers with melty cheese, flavorful sauce, sweet caramelized onions, and vibrant greens—perfect for any burger lover. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative, but keep in mind that they may require less cooking time and can be a bit drier. Adding a bit of olive oil or cooking with some moisture can help maintain juiciness.
How Do I Store Leftover Burgers?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the patty separate from the buns to avoid sogginess. Reheat in the microwave or on a skillet for best results!
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! The special sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge to let the flavors meld together, and give it a quick stir when ready to use!
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
To kick up the heat, consider adding more hot sauce to the special sauce or incorporating diced jalapeños into the burger assembly. For a milder option, simply omit the hot sauce and opt for milder cheese varieties.
