Print

Juicy All-American Smash Burger Recipe with Easy Creamy Special Sauce

all-american smash burger recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy smash burger recipe featuring juicy, crispy patties and a creamy special sauce that brings everything together for a classic American burger experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, 80/20 blend
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp dill pickle relish
  • 1 tsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • Pinch of garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 soft burger buns (potato rolls recommended)
  • 4 slices American cheese
  • Leafy green lettuce (optional)
  • Thinly sliced red onion
  • Tomato slices
  • Butter, for toasting buns

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Special Sauce: In a small bowl, mix ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish, 1 teaspoon yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until well combined and refrigerate while you cook.
  2. Form the Beef Balls: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz / 113 g each). Gently roll each into loose balls—don’t pack them too tightly.
  3. Heat the Skillet: Place your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and let it get very hot—almost smoking but not burning.
  4. Toast the Buns: Spread butter on the cut sides of the buns. Place them in a separate pan or on the edge of the skillet to toast until golden brown. Set aside.
  5. Cook the Patties: Place one beef ball on the skillet. Using a sturdy spatula, press down firmly and evenly to about ¼ inch (6 mm) thickness. Hold the pressure for 10 seconds, then release. Season the exposed side with salt and pepper.
  6. After 2 minutes, carefully flip the patty. Immediately place a slice of American cheese on top to melt. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the burger is cooked through but still juicy.
  7. Repeat for the remaining patties, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
  8. Assemble the Burgers: Spread a generous spoonful of the special sauce on the bottom bun. Add lettuce, the cheesy patty, tomato slices, and red onion. Top with the other half of the bun.
  9. Serve Immediately: Smash burgers are best enjoyed fresh off the skillet while everything is hot and melty.

Notes

Use 80/20 ground beef for juiciness. Press patties firmly and evenly for a thin crust. Do not press patties after flipping to retain juices. Keep skillet hot but avoid burning. Toast buns with butter for best texture. Sauce tastes better after chilling for an hour. Substitute ground beef with turkey or plant-based alternatives for different diets. Use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps for gluten-free option.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, all-american burger, creamy special sauce, quick burger recipe, easy burger, cast iron skillet burger

Find it online: https://katedishes.com/juicy-all-american-smash-burger-recipe-with-easy-creamy-special-sauce/