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
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 and flavor
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 1 large yellow onion thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar plus pinch of sugar
- Pinch of salt
The Burger Sauce:
- 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
- Don't overwork beef - loose equals juicy
- Pickles on bottom prevent soggy buns
- Can double up patties for extra indulgence
Nutrition
Calories: 1149kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 44gFat: 87gSaturated Fat: 33gPolyunsaturated Fat: 14gMonounsaturated Fat: 25gTrans Fat: 3gCholesterol: 305mgSodium: 1271mgPotassium: 620mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1316IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 319mgIron: 5mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
