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Crispy Smash Burger Recipe with Special Sauce on Brioche Bun

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A quick and easy crispy smash burger with a special tangy sauce, served on a buttery brioche bun. Perfect for a satisfying, comforting meal with a crispy crust and juicy interior.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or canola oil
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon pickle relish
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 4 brioche burger buns
  • 4 cheddar cheese slices
  • 4 large leaves leafy lettuce
  • 4 medium tomato slices
  • ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the special sauce by combining mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and fresh lemon juice in a small bowl. Mix well and refrigerate.
  2. Preheat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add vegetable or canola oil and heat until shimmering.
  3. Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions and loosely roll each into a ball.
  4. Place one beef ball on the hot skillet and smash firmly with a sturdy spatula or burger press until about ¼ inch thick. Season with salt and pepper. Repeat for remaining balls.
  5. Cook patties undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until edges are deeply browned and crispy.
  6. Place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty, flip carefully, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and burger is cooked through.
  7. Toast brioche buns cut-side down in a separate pan or toaster oven until golden and slightly crisp.
  8. Assemble burgers by spreading special sauce on bottom bun, layering lettuce, tomato, cheesy patty, and red onion slices if using. Top with bun crown and gently press down.
  9. Serve immediately while hot and juicy.

Notes

Use 80/20 ground beef for juicy, crispy edges. Heat pan well before smashing patties. Smash once only to keep juices inside. Toast brioche buns lightly to prevent sogginess. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce leaves. For dairy-free, use dairy-free cheese and mayo alternatives. Do not overcrowd pan; cook in batches if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, crispy burger, special sauce, brioche bun, quick dinner, easy burger recipe, comfort food