The Ultimate Smashed Patty Burger with Secret Sauce Recipe

A juicy smashed patty burger reinvents ordinary meal times into extraordinary culinary adventures.

Crafting this mouthwatering masterpiece requires simple techniques that elevate basic ingredients into something spectacular.

Crispy, caramelized edges promise intense beef flavor while maintaining a tender interior.

Home cooks can master this technique with minimal kitchen equipment and maximum deliciousness.

Professional chefs and weekend warriors alike appreciate the smashing method for creating restaurant-quality burgers in their own kitchens.

The magic happens when high heat meets perfectly seasoned meat, creating a crust that seals in remarkable juiciness.

Prepare to revolutionize your burger game with this unexpectedly simple approach.

Pairing Juicy Smashed Patty Burger with Secret Sauce

• Pair with Crisp Craft Beer: Select a hoppy IPA or refreshing pilsner to cut through the burger's richness and complement its savory flavors. The beer's carbonation helps cleanse the palate between bites.
• Match with Tangy Coleslaw: Create a zesty side dish that echoes the burger's secret sauce notes. The creamy, vinegar-based slaw provides a cool, crunchy contrast to the hot, juicy patty.
• Serve with Crispy Garlic Fries: Elevate the meal with golden, seasoned french fries that offer a satisfying crunch. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and garlic for an extra flavor boost that harmonizes with the burger's robust taste.
• Cool Down with Creamy Milkshake: Indulge in a classic vanilla or chocolate milkshake that balances the burger's savory profile. The sweet, thick drink provides a delightful counterpoint to the meal's bold and spicy elements.

Fun Variations of Juicy Smashed Patty Burger with Secret Sauce

• Spicy Southwest Smash Burger: Replace standard spices with chili powder, cumin, and jalapeño, mix chipotle peppers into secret sauce for extra heat.
• Mediterranean Lamb Smash Burger: Swap beef for ground lamb, add feta cheese, tzatziki sauce, and fresh mint leaves for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Umami Mushroom Blend Burger: Combine ground beef with finely chopped mushrooms for increased moisture, incorporate soy sauce and worcestershire into secret sauce for deeper savory notes.
• California Fresh Veggie Smash Burger: Use plant-based meat alternative, top with avocado slices, sprouts, and add herbaceous cilantro to secret sauce for a lighter, fresher version.

Juicy Smashed Patty Burger with Secret Sauce: A Game-Changer

• Unleash Flavor Explosion: The secret sauce combines tangy, creamy, and zesty ingredients that transform an ordinary burger into a taste sensation, delivering a mouthwatering punch with every bite.
• Master Quick Cooking Technique: Smashing patties directly on a hot skillet creates crispy, caramelized edges while keeping the inside juicy, allowing home cooks to achieve restaurant-quality burgers in minutes.
• Healthier Burger Option: Packed with balanced nutrition, this recipe offers a lighter alternative to traditional burgers, providing lean protein, low saturated fat, and a reasonable calorie count without sacrificing deliciousness.
• Customize Your Culinary Canvas: The flexible recipe encourages personal creativity by letting you adjust toppings, experiment with sauce ratios, and make the burger uniquely yours while maintaining a simple, foolproof cooking method.

Essential Ingredients for Juicy Smashed Patty Burger with Secret Sauce

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that adds richness and smoothness to the secret sauce.
• Ketchup: Classic tomato condiment bringing sweet and tangy flavor profile.
• Mustard: Provides sharp, zesty undertone to enhance sauce complexity.
• Pickle Relish: Adds texture and bright, briny notes to the sauce.
• White Vinegar: Contributes subtle acidic balance and brightness.
• Spices: Blend of seasonings to elevate sauces overall taste.

• Ground Beef: High-quality, freshly ground meat with good fat content for juicy patties.

• Lettuce, Tomato, Onions, Pickles: Fresh vegetables for crunch, flavor, and classic burger texture.
• Burger Buns: Soft, slightly toasted bread to hold the burger and complement its flavors.

How to Make Juicy Smashed Patty Burger with Secret Sauce

Step 1: Create Tangy Secret Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Pickle relish
• White vinegar
• Pinch of salt and pepper

Whisk all ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Refrigerate to let flavors mingle and chill.

Step 2: Craft Perfectly Smashed Beef Patties

Grab fresh ground beef and divide into balls. Generously sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Heat cast-iron skillet to high heat. Drop beef balls onto sizzling surface. Use a flat spatula to press down firmly, creating crispy edges. Cook 2-3 minutes per side for medium doneness. Aim for golden brown exterior with juicy center.

Step 3: Build Mouthwatering Burger Stack

• Crisp lettuce leaves
• Ripe tomato slices
• Thinly sliced red onions
• Tangy pickle chips

Place hot smashed patty on top. Crown with top bun. Slice diagonally and serve immediately.

Tips for Perfect Juicy Smashed Patty Burger with Secret Sauce

• Chill the Sauce: Refrigerate the secret sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavor melding and allow spices to develop depth.
• Perfect Patty Pressing: Use a heavy spatula or flat-bottomed glass to smash beef balls into thin, crispy-edged patties, ensuring maximum browning and texture.
• Meat Selection Matters: Choose ground beef with 80/20 fat content for juiciest results, preventing dry burgers and adding rich flavor.
• Skillet Temperature Key: Heat cast-iron skillet until smoking hot to create perfect caramelized crust and seal in burger juices.
• Toasting Technique: Butter burger buns and toast until golden brown for added crunch and flavor complement to the juicy patty.

Storing and Reheating Juicy Smashed Patty Burger with Secret Sauce

• Refrigeration: Store leftover burger patties and buns separately in airtight containers. Wrap the patties individually in plastic wrap or wax paper to prevent them from sticking together. Keep sauce in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Reheating Patties: Warm cold patties in a skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side. Avoid using the microwave, which can dry out the meat and make it tough. A quick skillet reheat helps maintain the burger's juicy texture and crispy edges.
• Sauce Revival: Take the secret sauce out of the refrigerator 10 minutes before serving to let it come to room temperature. Give it a quick stir to restore its creamy consistency. If the sauce seems separated, whisk it gently to bring back its original smooth texture.

Smashed Patty Burger with Secret Sauce Recipe

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• Total Time: 21 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Smashed patty burgers redefine classic American comfort cuisine with crispy edges and rich flavor profiles. Melted cheese, caramelized onions, and signature secret sauce create an irresistible sandwich you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 4 slices American cheese

Burger Assembly Ingredients:

• 4 burger buns, toasted
• 2 lettuce leaves
• 2 tomato slices
• ½ onion, sliced
• 4 pickle slices

Sauce and Seasoning:

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, garlic powder, and black pepper until a smooth, tangy secret sauce forms. Refrigerate the sauce for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
2. Divide 80/20 ground beef (or ) into 4-ounce portions, gently rolling each into loose spheres. Generously season each beef ball with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
3. Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy griddle over high heat until smoking. Place beef balls onto the scorching surface and immediately press down firmly with a sturdy spatula, creating thin, crispy-edged patties approximately 1/4 inch thick.
4. Cook patties for 2 minutes on the first side, allowing a rich golden-brown crust to develop. Flip and cook an additional 1-2 minutes for medium doneness, ensuring a juicy interior while maintaining crisp exterior edges.
5. While patties rest, lightly toast brioche or potato burger buns until golden and slightly crisp. Spread a generous layer of prepared secret sauce on both top and bottom bun surfaces.
6. Layer crisp lettuce leaves, sliced ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, and tangy dill pickle rounds onto the bottom bun. Place hot smashed patties directly on top of the vegetable bed.
7. Crown the burger with the sauce-coated top bun, pressing gently to meld all flavors. Slice diagonally and serve immediately with additional secret sauce on the side.

Notes

• Chill the secret sauce for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and intensify.
• Smash patties gently but firmly to create crispy, caramelized edges that lock in juicy beef flavor.
• Opt for high-heat cooking to develop a delicious golden-brown crust on the burger’s exterior.
• Toast buns until golden and slightly crispy to provide a sturdy base for your burger layers.
• Customize toppings based on personal preference, mixing fresh and crunchy ingredients for maximum texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300 kcal
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 0mg