Thin, crispy-edged beef patties with melted American cheese, tangy pickles, and a simple special sauce on a soft toasted bun. Better than any drive-through.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Servings
4
Category
American
🧾 Ingredients
Burgers
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 8 slices American cheese
- 4 soft brioche buns
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
Special Sauce
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon pickle relish
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Toppings
- Dill pickle slices
- Thinly sliced white onion
- Shredded lettuce
👨🍳 Instructions
Steps
-
Make the special sauce — Stir together mayo, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, and garlic powder. Set aside.
-
Form the balls — Divide beef into 8 equal portions (about 2 oz each). Roll into loose balls — don't pack them tightly.
-
Heat the surface — Get a cast iron skillet or flat griddle ripping hot over high heat.
-
Smash! — Place a ball on the hot surface, then immediately press down firmly with a sturdy spatula or burger press. Season the top with salt and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the edges are deeply browned and crispy.
-
Flip and cheese — Flip the patty, immediately place a slice of American cheese on top. Cook for 1 more minute.
-
Toast the buns — Butter the cut sides of the buns and toast them on the griddle for 30 seconds until golden.
-
Build the burger — Spread special sauce on both bun halves. Stack two patties on the bottom bun, add pickles, onion, lettuce, and crown with the top bun. Serve immediately.