Print

Crispy Smash Burger Sliders with Special Sauce on Brioche Buns

crispy smash burger sliders - featured image
Print Recipe

These crispy smash burger sliders feature thin, caramelized beef patties on soft brioche buns with a tangy special sauce, perfect for quick gatherings and crowd-pleasing snacks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Vegetable oil or neutral oil (canola or avocado) for griddle
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (120 ml)
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (15 ml)
  • 1 tbsp ketchup (15 ml)
  • 1 tbsp pickle relish (sweet or dill, 15 ml)
  • ½ tsp garlic powder (2.5 ml)
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika (2.5 ml)
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice (5 ml)
  • 8 brioche slider buns (2–3 inches / 5–7 cm diameter)
  • 8 slices American or cheddar cheese (optional)
  • Thinly sliced red onions
  • Leafy lettuce or baby spinach
  • Tomato slices (optional)
  • Pickle slices (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Special Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, ketchup, pickle relish, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
  2. Divide the Ground Beef: Divide ground beef into 8 equal portions (about 2 oz each). Roll each loosely into a ball. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Preheat the Griddle or Skillet: Heat a large cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes. Lightly oil the surface with a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil.
  4. Smash the Patties: Place 3-4 beef balls on the hot griddle spaced apart. Using a sturdy spatula, press down firmly to smash each ball into a thin patty about ¼ inch thick. Hold for 10 seconds to develop a crispy crust.
  5. Cook the Patties: Cook patties for 2-3 minutes without moving. Flip carefully, add cheese slices immediately, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and patties are cooked through (internal temp 160°F). Remove and keep warm.
  6. Toast the Brioche Buns: Slice buns in half and toast cut-side down on the griddle until golden and lightly crisp, about 1-2 minutes.
  7. Assemble the Sliders: Spread special sauce on bottom bun, add lettuce leaf, smashed patty with melted cheese, tomato and red onion slices, and pickle slices if using. Top with the bun.
  8. Serve Immediately: Serve hot for best texture and flavor, alongside fries or salad.

Notes

Use 80/20 ground beef for juiciness. If patties stick, ensure griddle is hot and well-oiled. Press firmly to get crispy crust. Toast buns well to prevent sogginess. Special sauce tastes better after resting in fridge. Leftovers keep 2 days refrigerated; reheat in skillet to maintain crispness. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps; for dairy-free, skip cheese or use plant-based slices and substitute mayo with vegan alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, sliders, brioche buns, special sauce, crispy burger, easy burger recipe, party food, quick dinner

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/crispy-smash-burger-sliders-recipe-easy-homemade-brioche-buns-with-special-sauce/