Flavorful Grilled Loaded Smash Burger with Special Sauce and Brioche Bun Recipe
This flavorful grilled loaded smash burger features juicy smashed beef patties topped with cheddar cheese, fresh vegetables, and a tangy special sauce served on lightly toasted brioche buns. Perfect for a delicious homemade burger experience with a crispy crust and melty cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 48 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Burger
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Patties
- 1/3 lb (150g) ground beef (80/20 blend) per patty
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 slice cheddar cheese per patty
For the Special Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (60ml)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup (30ml)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (15ml)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice
For Assembly
- Leafy green lettuce (iceberg or butter lettuce)
- Tomato slices (ripe, medium thickness)
- Thinly sliced red onions
- Dill pickle slices
- Brioche buns (fresh, lightly toasted)
Instructions
- Prepare the Special Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon pickle juice. Whisk until smooth and refrigerate while you prep the rest. Chill for at least 30 minutes for best flavor.
- Preheat Your Grill or Skillet: Heat your grill or cast iron skillet to about 400°F (204°C). Lightly oil the grill grates if using a grill.
- Form the Burger Balls: Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 1/3 lb or 150g each). Roll each into a loose ball without overworking the meat.
- Toast the Brioche Buns: Split buns and toast cut-side down on grill or skillet until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes. Set aside.
- Smash the Patties: Place a beef ball on the hot surface. Using a sturdy spatula, press down firmly to flatten into a thin patty about 1/4 inch (6mm) thick. Hold for 10 seconds to create a crust. Repeat with remaining balls, leaving space between patties.
- Season and Cook: Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over patties. Cook for 2-3 minutes without disturbing to form crust. Flip patties and immediately add a slice of cheddar cheese. Cook an additional 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and patty is cooked through but still juicy.
- Assemble the Burger: Spread a generous layer of special sauce on the bottom half of each toasted brioche bun. Add a lettuce leaf, tomato slice, cheesy patty, sliced red onions, and pickles. Top with the bun crown.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy fresh off the grill while cheese is melty and bun is warm. Pair with crispy fries or a fresh side salad if desired.
Notes
- Chill the special sauce for at least 30 minutes for best flavor.
- Hold the patty pressed for 10 seconds to create a good crust.
- Toast brioche buns lightly for added texture and flavor.
- Serve immediately for optimal taste and texture.
Keywords: grilled smash burger, loaded burger recipe, special sauce burger, brioche bun burger, cheesy smash burger
