Juicy All-American Smash Burger Sliders with Special Sauce
These juicy All-American smash burger sliders feature perfectly seared patties with crispy edges, melty American cheese, and a tangy homemade special sauce. Quick and easy to make, they are perfect for casual gatherings or a tasty weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 sliders 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 8 mini slider buns (brioche-style recommended)
- 8 slices American cheese
- 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced (caramelized or raw)
- Pickles, thinly sliced (dill or bread-and-butter)
- Butter (for toasting buns)
- Special Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Special Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika if using. Taste and adjust seasoning. Cover and chill.
- Form the Beef Balls: Divide ground beef into 8 equal portions (about 2 ounces each). Gently roll into loose balls without compacting.
- Preheat the Skillet: Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle on medium-high until very hot.
- Toast the Buns: Butter the insides of slider buns lightly. Place butter-side down on skillet until golden and crisp. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Patties: Place 4 beef balls spaced apart on the hot skillet. Smash each ball down firmly to about ¼ inch thickness. Season with salt and pepper. Cook without moving for 2-3 minutes until edges are dark and crispy.
- Flip and Add Cheese: Flip each patty carefully. Immediately place a slice of American cheese on top. Cook another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and patty finishes cooking.
- Build the Sliders: Spread a generous spoonful of special sauce on the bottom bun. Add cheesy patty, then top with onion slices and pickles. Cap with top bun.
- Repeat: Cook remaining 4 patties and assemble sliders the same way.
- Serve: Plate sliders warm and enjoy fresh.
Notes
Do not overwork the meat to keep patties tender. Smash patties immediately on hot skillet for a crispy crust. Add cheese right after flipping to melt perfectly. Toast buns with butter for extra flavor. If patties stick, wait a few more seconds before flipping. Special sauce can be made ahead and kept chilled. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. For dairy-free, substitute cheese and mayo accordingly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 225
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 420
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 12
Keywords: smash burger, sliders, special sauce, American cheese, quick burger recipe, game day food, easy sliders