Memorial Day Smash Burger Sliders (Print Version)

Crispy-edged smash burger sliders with melty cheese, tangy secret sauce and toasted brioche—ideal for Memorial Day.

# Needed Ingredients:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend preferred)

→ Buns & Toppings

02 - 8 slider brioche buns
03 - 8 slices American cheese (or cheddar)
04 - 16 dill pickle chips
05 - ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
06 - 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce

→ Secret Sauce

07 - ⅓ cup mayonnaise
08 - 2 tbsp ketchup
09 - 1 tbsp yellow mustard
10 - 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
11 - 1 tsp white vinegar
12 - ½ tsp garlic powder
13 - ½ tsp paprika
14 - Salt & black pepper, to taste

→ Additional

15 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for toasting buns)
16 - Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
17 - Cooking oil (for griddle or skillet)

# How-To Steps:

01 - In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, vinegar, garlic powder, and paprika. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate until ready to use.
02 - Divide ground beef into 8 equal portions (about 2 ounces each). Gently roll each into a loose ball; do not overwork the meat.
03 - Brush cut sides of slider buns with melted butter. Toast buns, cut side down, on a skillet or grill over medium heat until golden brown. Set aside.
04 - Heat a griddle or large cast-iron skillet over high heat until very hot. Lightly oil the surface. Place 2–4 meat balls on the hot surface (work in batches if needed). Immediately smash each ball firmly with a spatula or burger press to about ¼-inch thick. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 1–1½ minutes until edges are crispy and juices appear on top. Flip burgers, top each with a cheese slice, and cook for another 1 minute until cheese is melted.
05 - Spread secret sauce generously on both toasted bun halves. Layer bottom buns with shredded lettuce, smashed burger patty with cheese, pickle chips, and sliced onion. Cap with the top buns.
06 - Serve immediately while hot, accompanied by classic BBQ sides.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • You get that secret sauce tang, crispy beef, and soft pillowy buns in every single bite—it feels a little like getting away with something deliciously indulgent.
  • These sliders are conversation-starters and hand-held enough for mingling so you'll spend more time with friends than at the grill.
02 -
  • Smashing burgers requires serious confidence—if you hesitate, you won’t get the crispy, lacy edges that make these sliders exceptional.
  • Chilling the secret sauce for 20 minutes melds the flavors and makes a noticeable difference in taste—don’t skip this step, even if you’re tempted to rush.
03 -
  • Wipe the skillet between batches to keep burnt bits from lingering into your next slider.
  • Freshly grate your own cheese from a block if you want that ultimate gooey melt—it makes a bigger difference than you’d expect.
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