Let's Cook

Smash-Style Cheddar Burger with Secret Sauce

Cuisine

American

Course

Sandwiches

Servings

2 People

Difficulty

Easy

Cooking Time

10 min

Total Time

20 min

Crispy edges, melty cheese, and a punchy sauce—this burger hits different. A seared smash burger with crispy beef edges, gooey cheddar, and a tangy house-made “secret” sauce. It’s bold, messy, and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients

½ lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
1 tsp burger seasoning (or salt + pepper)
2 burger buns – toasted
2 slices cheddar cheese
1 tbsp butter – for toasting buns
1 tbsp oil – for cooking

For the secret sauce:

3 tbsp mayo
1 tbsp ketchup
1 tsp mustard
1 tsp pickle relish
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt – to taste

Toppings (optional but recommended):

½ cup shredded lettuce
¼ cup sliced red onions
¼ cup pickles
2 tomato slices

Instructions

Make the secret sauce. Mix 3 tbsp mayo, 1 tbsp ketchup, 1 tsp mustard, 1 tsp relish, and ½ tsp garlic powder in a small bowl. Taste and season with a pinch of salt. Set aside.
Prep your buns. Toast 2 burger buns in a skillet with 1 tbsp butter until golden and crisp. Set aside.
Form and season the beef. Divide ½ lb ground beef into two loose balls. Season each ball with ½ tsp burger seasoning (or just salt and pepper).
Sear those burgers. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a cast-iron skillet over high heat. When it’s smoking hot, place the beef balls in and smash them flat with a spatula. Let them sear undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until crispy edges form.
Flip and cheese it.Flip each patty and immediately add a slice of cheddar cheese. Cook another 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts.
Build the burger. Spread the secret sauce on both buns. Add shredded lettuce, tomato, and pickles on the bottom. Stack the cheesy patty on top, then finish with onions and the top bun.
Serve hot. Wrap it in parchment or serve on a plate with fries or chips. Prepare for juice-drip-down-your-arm goodness.

Cooking Moments

Tips & Variations

💡 Want it spicy? Add sriracha to the sauce or jalapeños to the toppings.
🌿 Going lighter? Try turkey or plant-based patties.
🍔 Double it: Smash thinner patties and stack ’em for a diner-style double.

The Chefta

Fonder & Ceo

Chefta’s Notes

📖 The smash technique delivers a crispy crust and juicy center—it’s the trick I never skip. The sauce? Pure flavor bomb. You’ll want to put it on everything.