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Savory Smash Burger Sliders on Brioche with Special Sauce

smash burger sliders - featured image

These savory smash burger sliders on buttery brioche buns with a tangy special sauce are quick, easy, and perfect for parties. The smashing technique creates a crispy crust with a juicy center, making them a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or canola oil
  • ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 8 brioche slider buns
  • 8 slices American cheese
  • 8 small leaves green leaf lettuce
  • Thinly sliced dill pickles (optional)
  • Thinly sliced red onions (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Special Sauce: In a small bowl, combine ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (if using). Mix well and refrigerate while you prepare the patties. (5 minutes)
  2. Form the Meat Balls: Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions (about 2 ounces / 56 g each). Gently roll them into loose balls — don’t compact the meat too much or the patties will be dense. (5 minutes)
  3. Preheat the Pan: Heat your cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until very hot. Brush a bit of vegetable oil to coat the surface lightly. You want the pan smoking slightly for that crust. (5 minutes)
  4. Smash the Patties: Place 4 meatballs in the pan, spaced evenly. Using your metal spatula, press down firmly on each ball until it’s about ¼ inch (6 mm) thick. Hold for 10 seconds to set the shape. (5 minutes)
  5. Season and Cook: Season the patties generously with salt and fresh black pepper. Let cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until edges are brown and crispy. Flip carefully. (3 minutes)
  6. Add Cheese: Place a slice of American cheese on each patty after flipping. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until cheese melts and patties are cooked through but still juicy. (2 minutes)
  7. Toast the Buns: While the second batch cooks, slice brioche slider buns and toast them face down in a separate dry pan or under a broiler until golden and slightly crisp. (3–4 minutes)
  8. Assemble the Sliders: Spread a tablespoon of special sauce on the bottom bun, add a lettuce leaf, the cheesy patty, pickles, onion slices if desired, and the top bun. Repeat with remaining patties. (5 minutes)
  9. Serve Immediately: These sliders are best enjoyed fresh and hot, with any favorite sides or dipping sauces you like.

Notes

Use 80/20 ground beef for juicy patties. Handle meat gently to avoid dense patties. Preheat pan well for a crispy crust. Smash patties firmly but quickly and season after smashing. Toast buns separately to prevent sogginess. Cook in batches to avoid crowding the pan. Special sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated up to 3 days. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns; for dairy-free, omit cheese or use plant-based alternatives and vegan mayo.

Nutrition

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