A sizzle fills the air as juicy beef patties hit the hot skillet, sending a wave of mouthwatering aroma through the kitchen. This Smashburger Grilled Cheese with Special Sauce combines the classic flavors of a cheeseburger with the comforting appeal of grilled cheese, taking just about 30 minutes from start to finish. The result? A crispy, cheesy delight that’s loaded with flavor and sure to impress anyone lucky enough to take a bite.
This recipe is perfect for burger lovers and families seeking a comforting meal. Ideal for casual dinners or game day gatherings, you can easily store leftovers in the fridge for later enjoyment.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The smash technique creates irresistible crispy edges on the burgers.
- Layers of cheese ensure a gooey, melty experience in every bite.
- The special sauce adds a creamy, tangy flavor that elevates the dish.
- Quick preparation means you can enjoy this deliciousness in about half an hour.
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful dish:
For the Burgers
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Smashburger Sauce
For the Grilled Cheese
- 8 slices hearty white bread
- 8 slices American cheese
- 2 cups Havarti cheese, shredded
For Serving
- 1/3 cup sliced dill pickle chips
- 2 tbsp salted butter
- Kosher salt
- Fresh cracked pepper
Smashburger sauce can be store-bought or homemade.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Use ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Substitute cheddar cheese for a sharper flavor.
- Whole grain bread works for added texture.
- Dill relish can replace pickle chips.
How to Make It
Get ready to create a delicious fusion of flavors!
Divide the beef
Divide ground beef into four quarters and roll them into balls.
Preheat the skillet
Meanwhile, get a large cast iron skillet or flat top griddle super, smoking hot.
Cook the burgers
Once the surface begins to smoke, add the beef balls and top each with a hefty pinch of salt, fresh cracked pepper, 1 tsp of burger sauce, and equal parts sliced onion. Place a sheet of wax or parchment paper on top of each burger (to avoid sticking) and smash down using a thin metal spatula and something heavy like a sandwich press or meat mallet.
Flip the burgers
Once the burgers look like they’re caramelizing and about 60% cooked through, flip them, scraping up any bits that might be sticking to the cooktop.
Add cheese
Once flipped, top each of the smash burgers with 2 slices of American cheese and let that start to melt. The burgers are done when they reach 165°F.
Prepare the bread
Turn the heat to low and smear 1 tbsp of the burger sauce onto four slices of bread. Melt half of the butter on the other clean side of the skillet or cooktop, ensuring no burnt bits stick. Place those four bread slices, sauce side up.
Assemble the sandwiches
Flip the cheeseburgers onto the sauced bread—cheese side down—then top with a few slices of pickles and evenly distribute the shredded Havarti over it. Place the other slice of bread on top and use the remaining butter to butter them.
Cook the sandwiches
Once the bottom half of the sandwich is cooked to golden brown and most of the cheese has melted, flip it and continue cooking until the remaining side is golden brown and the remaining cheese has completely melted.
Rest and serve
Remove from heat and let rest for 1 minute before serving. Serve with remaining smash burger sauce for dunking.
How to Store It
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, because of the texture loss.
Reheat: Use a skillet on medium-low for 5-7 minutes.
Tips for Best Results
- Use high-quality beef for maximum flavor.
- Let the skillet reach the right temperature before cooking for the best caramelization.
- Don’t skip the parchment paper for smashing—it’s a game changer!
- Allow sandwiches to rest to enhance flavors and prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with crispy fries or onion rings for a perfect meal.
- Serve alongside a tangy coleslaw for a refreshing crunch.
- Great for game day gatherings or casual weekend brunches.
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