Double Cheesy Smash Burger with Special Sauce

• Lettuce, shredded
• Tomato slices
• Onion slices (pickled or fresh)
• Bacon strips (for an extra indulgent touch)

Instructions
Step 1: Make the Special Sauce
Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, dill pickle relish, garlic powder, onion powder, vinegar, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Taste and adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like it tangier, add a little more pickle juice or vinegar. If you want it sweeter, a touch more ketchup will do the trick.
Chill: Cover and refrigerate the sauce while you prepare the burgers. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Step 2: Prepare the Patties
Shape the patties: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces each). Roll each portion into a loose ball. Don’t worry about shaping them perfectly; the smash burger technique is all about irregularity and maximizing the crispy edges.
Season the patties: Generously season each beef ball with salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides.
Step 3: Smash the Patties
Heat your skillet or griddle: Place a large cast-iron skillet or flat griddle over medium-high heat. Let it get very hot—this is key to achieving that crispy crust. If you don’t have a griddle, a heavy skillet will work just fine.
Cook the patties: Once the skillet is hot, add a small amount of oil or butter to coat the surface. Place the beef balls onto the skillet, then use a sturdy spatula or burger press to smash them down flat. Press hard to flatten them quickly—this creates the signature crispy, caramelized edges.
Cook the first side: Let the patties cook without moving them for about 2-3 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready to flip when they’ve developed a crispy, golden-brown crust on the bottom.
Flip and cheese: Flip the patties and immediately place a slice of cheese on each patty. Let the cheese melt while the second side cooks for another 1-2 minutes. The burgers should be crispy on the outside but juicy on the inside.
Step 4: Toast the Buns
Butter the buns: While the patties are cooking, spread a little butter on the inside of your burger buns.
Toast the buns: Place the buttered buns on a separate pan or griddle, cut side down, and toast until golden brown. This step adds flavor and texture to the buns, preventing them from becoming soggy when topped with the juicy patties and sauce.
Step 5: Assemble the Burger
Spread the special sauce: Once the buns are toasted, spread a generous amount of special sauce on the bottom half of each bun. You can use a spoon or a brush to coat it evenly.
Stack the patties: Place one cheesy patty on the bottom bun, then top it with the second patty. The double-layer of beef and cheese is what makes this burger truly indulgent.
Top and serve: Add any additional toppings you like—shredded lettuce, tomato slices, pickled onions, or crispy bacon for extra flavor and crunch. Place the top bun on and give it a gentle press to hold everything together.
Enjoy: Your Double Cheesy Smash Burger is now ready to be devoured! Serve it hot with a side of crispy fries, coleslaw, or onion rings for the ultimate burger experience.
Tips for the Best Double Cheesy Smash Burger
Use the right beef: For a juicy, flavorful smash burger, choose ground beef with a higher fat content (80/20 or 85/15). The fat helps create a rich, tender patty with crispy edges.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you’re making multiple burgers, cook them in batches. Overcrowding the pan will reduce the heat, preventing the patties from forming that crispy crust.
Smash quickly and firmly: Once the beef hits the pan, press down on it with your spatula or burger press to maximize the surface area. The more surface area that hits the pan, the crispier the edges will become.
Toast the buns well: Toasting the buns gives them a slight crunch and ensures they don’t get soggy from the juicy patties and sauce. Don’t skip this step!
Make the sauce your own: The special sauce is a great place to get creative. Add a bit of hot sauce for a spicy kick, or mix in some finely chopped pickles or capers for added tang. The sky’s the limit when it comes to customizing your burger sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy, juicy, and cheesy: The combination of crispy, smashed beef patties and two layers of melty cheese makes this burger extra indulgent and flavorful.
Perfect for any occasion: Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout, a game day party, or just looking for a quick and satisfying meal, this Double Cheesy Smash Burger will always hit the spot.
Customizable: The toppings and special sauce are fully customizable. Add your favorite ingredients to make this burger uniquely your own, or keep it simple with just cheese and sauce.
Restaurant-quality at home: With this recipe, you can recreate the flavor and texture of a gourmet smash burger right in your own kitchen. No need to go out for an amazing burger when you can make one yourself.
Conclusion
The Double Cheesy Smash Burger with Special Sauce is a burger lover’s dream come true. Crispy, juicy patties stacked high with melty cheese and topped with a tangy special sauce—it’s everything you want in a burger and more. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this burger is guaranteed to satisfy. So fire up your griddle, grab some ground beef, and get ready to indulge in a next-level burger experience!