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Savory Smash Burgers Recipe with Crispy Pickles and Secret Sauce Made Easy

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Quick and flavorful smash burgers with crispy edges, melty cheese, tangy secret sauce, and homemade crispy pickles. Perfect for a satisfying and easy weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 4 slices cheese (American or cheddar, optional)
  • 4 burger buns (brioche or potato rolls recommended)
  • Secret Sauce:
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (about 120ml)
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon dill pickle brine
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • Crispy Pickles:
  • ½ cup dill pickle slices, drained
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened (optional, for toasting buns)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Secret Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, dill pickle brine, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth. Refrigerate to let flavors meld.
  2. Prepare Crispy Pickles: Pat dill pickle slices dry with paper towels. Lightly coat each slice with flour. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry pickles 1-2 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and keep warm.
  3. Form the Patties: Divide ground beef into 4 equal balls (~4 oz or 113g each). Gently shape into balls without overworking. Season each ball generously with salt and pepper.
  4. Cook the Smash Burgers: Heat cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot (3-4 minutes). Place one beef ball in the pan and press firmly with a spatula to flatten into a thin patty about ¼ inch thick. Hold pressure for 10 seconds.
  5. Cook patties 2-3 minutes without moving until edges are deeply browned and crispy. Flip carefully, add a slice of cheese, and cook another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and patty is cooked through (internal temp 160°F/71°C).
  6. Repeat with remaining patties, adding oil as needed to prevent sticking.
  7. Toast the Buns (optional): Spread softened butter on buns and toast cut sides in skillet until golden, about 2-3 minutes.
  8. Assemble the Burgers: Spread secret sauce on both bun halves. Add cheese-topped patty, layer with crispy pickles, and top with the other bun half.

Notes

Do not overwork the meat when forming patties to keep them tender. Use a very hot pan for a crispy crust. Press patties firmly once only to avoid squeezing out juices. Fry pickles just before serving to keep them crispy. Rest patties 1-2 minutes before assembling. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. Secret sauce can be made ahead and tastes better after resting.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burgers, crispy pickles, secret sauce, quick burgers, easy dinner, comfort food, homemade burgers

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/savory-smash-burgers-recipe-with-crispy-pickles-and-secret-sauce-made-easy/