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perfect smash burgers with mayo

Ultimate Smash Burgers on the Griddle with Caramelized Onions

Crispy-edged smash burgers with Worcestershire-balsamic caramelized onions, tangy burger sauce, and strategic pickle placement
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • - 1½ pounds 80/20 ground beef formed into loose balls 3-4 oz each
  • - Salt and black pepper to taste
  • - 4 slices American cheese or cheddar
  • - 4 brioche or potato burger buns
  • - Dill pickle slices for crunch
  • - 1 large yellow onion thinly sliced
  • - 1 tablespoon butter
  • - 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • - 1 teaspoon balsamic glaze
  • - Pinch of salt for onions
  • - ½ cup mayonnaise
  • - 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • - 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • - 1 tablespoon dill pickle juice
  • - 1 teaspoon paprika
  • - Dash of hot sauce optional

Instructions
 

  • Heat butter and oil on griddle over medium heat. Add onions with salt and cook 10-15 minutes until golden. Add Worcestershire and balsamic glaze, cook 2-3 minutes more. Set aside.
  • Mix burger sauce ingredients in bowl until smooth. Refrigerate until needed.
  • Preheat griddle to 450-500°F. Form ground beef into loose 3-4 oz balls without compacting.
  • Place beef balls on hot griddle and smash immediately with firm pressure. Season with salt and pepper. Cook 1½-2 minutes until edges are crispy.
  • Flip patties, add cheese, and cook 1 minute more. Toast buns cut-side down on griddle.
  • Assemble: pickles on bottom bun, add cheesy patty, caramelized onions, and burger sauce on top bun. Serve immediately.

Notes

- Use metal spatula for proper smashing technique
- Don't overwork beef - loose equals juicy
- Pickles on bottom prevent soggy buns
- Can double up patties for extra indulgence