Smash Burgers with House Sauce

The sizzling sound of beef hitting a hot grill instantly transports me to summer cookouts. Smash Burgers with House Sauce are a delightful fusion of crispy edges and juicy centers, and they take just 30 minutes from start to finish. This recipe works because smashing the burgers while they cook caramelizes the meat, creating irresistible flavor.

This recipe is perfect for burger lovers who appreciate a quick meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Ideal for casual weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, these burgers can be prepped in advance, and leftovers can be stored for future enjoyment.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The smashing technique yields wonderfully crispy edges.
• The house sauce adds a tangy creaminess that complements the beef.
• Prep and cook time is under 30 minutes.
• Each burger is customizable with your favorite toppings.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make delicious smash burgers with house sauce.

For the House Sauce

• 0.5 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish, drained
• 0.25 tsp garlic powder
• 0.25 tsp smoked paprika

For the Burgers

• 1.5 lb ground beef, 80/20, chilled
• 1 tsp kosher salt, divided
• 0.5 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil, for cooking
• 4 slices American cheese
• 4 potato buns, toasted

Use low-fat mayonnaise for a lighter sauce.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Greek yogurt for mayonnaise
• Relish can be omitted
• Cheddar cheese in place of American cheese
• Any type of toasted bun

How to Make It

Follow these simple steps to create your smash burgers.

Make the house sauce

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir until well-mixed and set aside in the fridge to let the flavors meld.

Prepare the burger patties

Divide the chilled ground beef into four equal portions (approximately 6 oz each). Gently form each portion into a loose ball without overworking the meat. Season each ball with a sprinkle of kosher salt and black pepper.

Cook the burgers

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. Once hot, place the beef balls into the skillet, leaving space between each. Use a sturdy spatula to press down on each ball firmly until they are about ½ inch thick. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until a deep brown crust forms on the bottom.

Flip and add cheese

Use the spatula to carefully flip each burger. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, then place a slice of American cheese on top of each burger. Cover the skillet with a lid to melt the cheese.

Assemble the smash burgers

Remove the burgers from the skillet and place them on the toasted potato buns. Generously spread the house sauce on each bun top, and complete the assembly with your preferred toppings.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, the texture will suffer.
Reheat: Microwave on medium for 30-45 seconds.

Tips for Best Results

• Use a hot skillet to achieve maximum crispiness.
• Don’t skip the resting time for the house sauce.
• Ensure the beef is chilled for easier handling.
• Toast the buns just before serving for added warmth.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with crispy fries for a classic meal.
• Pair with a side salad for a lighter option.
• Enjoy with craft beer or your favorite soda.