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Flavorful Loaded Smash Burger Sliders Recipe with Easy Special Sauce

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These juicy, crispy smash burger sliders are packed with layers of flavor and topped with a creamy, tangy special sauce. Perfect for quick gatherings or last-minute meals, they come together in under 30 minutes using simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef, 80/20 blend recommended for juiciness
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or neutral oil for the skillet
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon dill pickle relish
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, a pinch
  • 12 slider buns, lightly toasted
  • 6 slices cheddar cheese, halved
  • Pickle slices (dill or bread & butter)
  • Thinly sliced red onion or caramelized onions (optional)
  • Leafy lettuce or baby spinach (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Special Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, dill pickle relish, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of black pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside in the fridge to let flavors meld.
  2. Divide the Ground Beef: Portion the ground beef into 12 equal balls, about 1.3 ounces (37 grams) each. Don’t overwork the meat — just gently roll into loose balls. Season each side lightly with salt and pepper just before cooking.
  3. Heat the Skillet: Place your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Let it get hot but not smoking.
  4. Smash and Cook Patties: Place 3-4 beef balls in the skillet, leaving room between each. Using your metal spatula, press down firmly on each ball to flatten into 3-inch wide patties. Let them cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes until the edges are dark and crispy. Flip and immediately add half a slice of cheese on each patty. Cook another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and patties are cooked through but still juicy. Work in batches.
  5. Toast the Buns: While cooking the patties, toast the slider buns in a toaster or under the broiler until golden and slightly crisp.
  6. Assemble the Sliders: Spread a generous dollop of special sauce on the bottom bun, add a lettuce leaf if using, then a cheesy patty, pickle slices, and onion. Top with more special sauce on the bun lid, then sandwich together.
  7. Serve Immediately: Enjoy hot off the skillet while the cheese is melty and the sauce is fresh.

Notes

Use 80/20 ground beef for juiciness and crispy edges. Don’t move patties too soon to develop a crust. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Special sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated. For gluten-free, use almond or coconut flour buns or lettuce wraps. For dairy-free, use vegan mayo.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, sliders, special sauce, quick dinner, easy recipe, ground beef, party food, comfort food

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/flavorful-loaded-smash-burger-sliders-recipe-with-easy-special-sauce/