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Juicy Father’s Day Smash Burger Recipe with Easy Secret Sauce on Brioche

fathers day smash burger - featured image

A quick and easy smash burger recipe featuring juicy, crispy-edged patties on buttery brioche buns with a tangy secret sauce, perfect for Father’s Day or any BBQ.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 slices sharp cheddar cheese or American cheese
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or canola oil
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon finely chopped dill pickle or relish
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 4 brioche burger buns, lightly toasted
  • Leafy green lettuce (butter lettuce or romaine)
  • Thin slices of ripe tomato
  • Thinly sliced red onion (optional)
  • Pickle slices

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Secret Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chopped pickle, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. Cover and refrigerate for about 10 minutes.
  2. Shape the Beef: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces each). Gently form into loose balls without overworking. Season each ball with salt and pepper on all sides.
  3. Heat the Griddle: Place a flat cast-iron griddle or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil and heat until shimmering, about 3 minutes.
  4. Smash the Patties: Place one beef ball on the griddle. Using a metal spatula with a thin edge, press down firmly to flatten into a ¼ inch thick patty. Hold pressure for 10 seconds to create crispy edges. Repeat with remaining balls.
  5. Cook the Patties: Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until edges are deeply browned and crisp. Flip carefully.
  6. Add the Cheese: Immediately place a slice of cheddar on each patty. Cook another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and burger is cooked through.
  7. Toast the Buns: While patties finish cooking, toast brioche buns on grill or toaster until golden and warm, about 1-2 minutes.
  8. Assemble the Burgers: Spread secret sauce on bottom bun. Add lettuce, tomato slice, cheesy patty, then top with red onions and pickles if using. Cap with top bun.
  9. Serve Immediately: Enjoy fresh off the griddle while crust is crispy and sauce is creamy.

Notes

Use high heat for a perfect crust. Don’t overwork the meat to keep patties tender. Hold pressure when smashing for 10 seconds to create crispy edges. Toast brioche buns to prevent sogginess. If patties stick when flipping, cook longer to form crust. Variations include vegetarian portobello mushroom caps, spicy jalapeños, gluten-free buns, and cheese substitutions.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, Father's Day burger, secret sauce, brioche bun, backyard BBQ, quick burger recipe, juicy burger