Smash Burgers with House Sauce
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- a couple swishes of fish sauce
about 1 teaspoon
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 lb. ground beef
80/20 is ideal
- Brioche buns
- American cheese
the good kind from the deli
- House Sauce
mayoketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire, sriracha, paprika
shallot or garlic, minced or grated, see notes for recipe – do not skip! this stuff is magical - Other toppings you might like: diced or sliced onions
lettuce, tomato, or pickles, sautéed for an extra level up
Directions
- 1
Mix the smash burger sauce in a small bowl. In a larger bowl, place the ground beef and pour the sauce over. Mix with your hands to get it well-distributed through the meat. Form into 4 balls. Place the balls in the fridge for 20-30 minutes while you prep everything else. You can even pop it in the freezer for a few minutes – you just want them to be pretty cold so the butter mixture doesn’t immediately melt out everywhere once you start cooking them.
- 2
Butter the buns and toast them on your skillet or griddle until golden.
- 3
Prep the toppings and house sauce (see notes).
- 4
Cut a small piece of parchment paper that you’ll use on top of the burgers to prevent sticking.
- 5
Heat a cast iron skillet or flat griddle until it’s very hot; place a few of the burgers on the hot surface. Sprinkle them with a big pinch of salt and let them sit and sizzle for about 20 seconds.
- 6
Place the parchment paper on top of each burger and then, using a heavy, flat tool, press the burgers down as flat as you can get them in one swift motion. They’ll be super sizzly and splattery, but they should make a nice, round, thin smash burger shape on the griddle. (The ideal tool for this is a cast iron grill press, but a flat spatula can work in a pinch). Cook for a few minutes and then flip and top with cheese right away. Leave them undisturbed for another 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese and get a max amount of flavorful browning on the back side.
- 7
Assemble your burgers! Mine is always a toasted brioche buns, mega flavorful smash burger patty (or 2), cheese, crispy lettuce, and a thick smear of that house sauce. Happy, happy summer.
Smash Burgers with House Sauce
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About this Recipe
Craving that deeply crisped, craggy, and incredibly juicy burger experience usually reserved for your favorite diner? Look no further than these Smash Burgers with House Sauce! This recipe brings the iconic flavors and textures of a restaurant-quality burger right to your kitchen, without the fuss or the wait.
What makes this smash burger truly special is the combination of thoughtful ingredients and the magic of the smash technique. We start with 80/20 ground beef, which is crucial for achieving that perfect balance of crispy exterior and juicy interior. A touch of Worcestershire sauce and even a couple swishes of fish sauce are mixed into the beef, adding layers of savory depth you won't find in an ordinary patty. But the true star, and what really elevates these burgers, is the dreamy zip of the secret House Sauce—a blend of mayo, ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire, sriracha, paprika, and fresh shallot or garlic.
When you bite into these smash burgers, expect an immediate textural symphony. The patty boasts an intensely browned, almost lace-like crust from the smash, contrasting beautifully with the tender, juicy interior. Melty American cheese—the good kind from the deli—drapes perfectly over the hot patty, creating that irresistible gooey factor. All of this is cradled in a buttery brioche bun, providing a slight sweetness that balances the savory richness. And that House Sauce? It's bright, tangy, and subtly spicy, tying every element together into a harmonious, unforgettable bite.
Customization is easy with these burgers. While the House Sauce is highly recommended and truly magical, you can always add other favorite toppings like crisp lettuce, a slice of ripe tomato, or tangy pickles. For an extra level-up, consider sautéing some diced or sliced onions to add a sweet, caramelized counterpoint to the savory beef. If you're out of American cheese, another good melting cheese can work, but for that classic diner experience, deli American is key.
These smash burgers are perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, a fun backyard barbecue, or whenever you're in the mood for an incredibly satisfying, flavor-packed burger. Serve them alongside your favorite fries or a simple salad for a complete meal that truly hits the spot.