Dinner

Smash Burger Recipe with Easy Secret Sauce Recipe

Name: Smash Burger Recipe with Easy Secret Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb 80/20 ground beef; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 4 slices American cheese; 4 brioche buns; Toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, onions; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp ketchup; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp pickle juice

ByLily Cross December 24, 2025December 24, 2025

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Smash burgers are a deliciously crispy, juicy twist on the classic burger, perfected by pressing the beef thin on a hot surface. This recipe features an easy secret sauce that adds a tangy, creamy flavor to complement the savory patties and fresh toppings.

The image shows a close-up of a juicy burger with a sesame seed bun on a white marbled surface. The burger has four visible layers: at the bottom is a soft, golden bun layer, topped with a row of green pickle slices; above this is a thick, grilled beef patty with a crispy outer texture; on top of the patty is a generous layer of creamy orange sauce with herbs mixed in, slightly dripping over the sides; the top bun is golden brown with sesame seeds scattered evenly across. The lighting highlights the shiny texture of the sauce and the slight glisten on the beef. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb 80/20 ground beef
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
4 slices American cheese
4 brioche buns
Toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, onions
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp pickle juice

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and pickle juice to create the secret sauce.
Step 3: Form the ground beef into four loose balls and season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Place each ball on the hot grill or skillet and smash down firmly to form thin patties. Cook for about 3 minutes until crispy edges form.
Step 5: Flip the patties and immediately top each with a slice of cheese. Cook for an additional minute until the cheese melts.
Step 6: Assemble the burgers by spreading secret sauce on both sides of the brioche buns, then layer with the patties and your desired toppings.

Tips & Variations

Use a sturdy spatula or burger press to firmly smash the patties for the best crispy edge.
Try swapping American cheese for cheddar or pepper jack for different flavors.
Toast the brioche buns lightly on the grill for extra texture and flavor.
For a spicy kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the secret sauce mixture.

Storage

Store leftover patties and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat patties gently in a skillet over medium heat to preserve juiciness. Assemble fresh buns and toppings before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a juicy burger with four main layers stacked vertically. At the bottom, there is a soft white bun with a golden-brown toast. Above that, several green pickles are neatly placed in a row, slightly shiny from moisture. Next, a thick and well-cooked beef patty with a charred, grilled texture sits firmly. On top of the patty, there is a creamy orange sauce with small green herb flakes mixed in, spreading evenly. The entire stack is capped with a shiny white bun sprinkled with sesame seeds. The background is a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What type of beef is best for smash burgers?

Ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio is ideal for juicy, flavorful smash burgers because the fat helps create a crispy crust while keeping the inside moist.

Can I make the secret sauce in advance?

Yes, the secret sauce can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week, making it convenient to assemble burgers quickly.