Juicy Smashed Patty Burger with Secret Sauce – Crispy Edges, Melty Cheese & Bold Flavor
This Juicy Smashed Patty Burger with Secret Sauce delivers the ultimate burger experience: thin, crispy-edged beef patties with melty cheese, nestled in a soft bun and topped with a creamy, tangy, flavor-packed “secret sauce.” It’s fast, craveable, and better than anything from the drive-thru. Perfect for burger nights, cookouts, or whenever only a smash burger will do.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Burger
1 lb ground beef (80/20 for maximum juiciness)
Salt and black pepper to taste
4 burger buns (brioche or potato recommended)
4 slices American or cheddar cheese
Butter or oil for toasting buns
Optional toppings: pickles, shredded lettuce, tomato slices, thin red onion rings
For the Secret Sauce
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon ketchup
2 teaspoons yellow mustard
1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
1 teaspoon white vinegar or lemon juice
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
🔄 Substitutions
Beef: Use ground turkey or plant-based patties if desired
Cheese: Swap for pepper jack, Swiss, or dairy-free cheese
Buns: Choose whole wheat, gluten-free, or lettuce wraps for low-carb
Secret Sauce: Lighten it up with Greek yogurt or use vegan mayo
Pickle relish: Finely chop dill pickles as an alternative
👨🍳 How to
Start by mixing all the sauce ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate to let flavors develop
Divide ground beef into 4 loose balls (do not press or pack tightly)
Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over high heat until smoking hot
Add burger balls to the pan and smash immediately using a spatula or burger press—flatten thin for crispy edges
Season with salt and pepper and sear for about 2–3 minutes until a crust forms
Flip, top with cheese, and cook for 1 more minute until melted
While patties cook, toast buns in butter until golden
Assemble burgers: slather buns with secret sauce, layer in the patty, and add lettuce, pickles, or other toppings of choice
Serve immediately with fries, onion rings, or a simple salad
🧀 Mix-ins
Crispy bacon strips
Grilled onions or sautéed mushrooms
Jalapeños or hot sauce for heat
Double stack for a towering smash burger experience
Avocado or fried egg for richness
✅ Recipe Tips
Use high heat for a proper sear and crispy edges
Smash quickly and firmly when patties first hit the pan
Avoid overcooking—thin patties cook fast
Make the sauce ahead of time so it thickens and the flavor intensifies
📦 Storage
Leftover patties can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet
Secret sauce keeps in the fridge for up to 1 week
Assembled burgers are best enjoyed fresh
Freeze raw patties between parchment if prepping ahead
🌀 Recipe Variations
Animal-style: Add grilled onions and extra sauce for an In-N-Out–inspired vibe
Low-carb: Serve in lettuce wraps with all your favorite toppings
BBQ twist: Add barbecue sauce and crispy onion straws
Spicy version: Mix sriracha into the sauce or top with jalapeños
❓FAQs
What makes smash burgers so good? The smashing creates more surface area for a crispy, caramelized crust
Do I need a burger press? No—a sturdy spatula and a piece of parchment paper work just fine
Can I make these on a griddle or grill? Yes—a flat-top griddle is ideal, but a cast iron pan works perfectly indoors
How do I keep the patties juicy? Don’t press after the initial smash, and avoid overcooking—1–2 minutes per side is plenty
This Juicy Smashed Patty Burger with Secret Sauce is crispy, cheesy, and oozing with flavor—everything a proper burger should be.
