Name: Smash Burgers with House Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 4 burger buns, toasted; 4 slices cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded lettuce; 1 large tomato, sliced; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon butter for toasting buns (optional); 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika; pinch of salt and pepper

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If you crave juicy, crispy-edged burgers dripping with flavor, these Smash Burgers with House Sauce are everything you want in a homemade burger and more. The combination of golden-seared beef, melty cheddar, garden-fresh toppings, and a sweet-tangy, creamy sauce comes together in less than 30 minutes. It’s my go-to when friends drop by or when I need to satisfy that diner-style burger craving without leaving my kitchen. Trust me—the House Sauce absolutely makes it, and once you try it, you’ll want to slather it on everything!

Smash Burgers with House Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Smash Burgers with House Sauce rely on a handful of well-chosen ingredients, working together to create magic. Every element adds something—richness, crunch, or that signature burst of saucy goodness—that makes these burgers truly unforgettable.

Ground beef (80/20 blend): The perfect ratio for juicy, tender patties with irresistibly crisp edges.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and brings out the beef’s natural savoriness.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick that wakes everything up.
Burger buns: Soft, toasted buns hold everything together and soak up the house sauce.
Cheddar cheese: Melty and sharp, it’s essential for that classic, mouthwatering cheeseburger experience.
Shredded lettuce: Provides cool crunch and a fresh contrast to all the richness.
Tomato slices: Juicy and sweet, they’re the perfect addition to each bite.
Red onion (thinly sliced): Adds color and a crisp, slightly spicy snap.
Butter (optional, for toasting buns): For extra golden, crisp buns with a little extra indulgence.
Mayonnaise (for house sauce): The creamy base that ties the sauce together.
Ketchup (for house sauce): Brings sweetness and tang—classic burger flavors!
Yellow mustard (for house sauce): Keeps things zippy and bright.
Sweet pickle relish (for house sauce): Adds texture and a sweet pickle punch.
Worcestershire sauce (for house sauce): Savory, umami depth for something special.
Garlic powder (for house sauce): Gives an irresistible savory note.
Smoked paprika (for house sauce): Subtle smokiness that lingers in the best way.
Pinch of salt and pepper (for house sauce): Brings it all together for perfect seasoning.

How to Make Smash Burgers with House Sauce

Step 1: Whisk Up the House Sauce

Start by mixing all the house sauce ingredients in a small bowl—mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, sweet pickle relish, Worcestershire, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give it a good whisk until you have a creamy, rosy sauce flecked with relish. Cover and pop it in the fridge while you prep everything else. Don’t skip this step! Letting the flavors mingle makes the sauce addictive.

Step 2: Shape and Season the Beef

Divide the ground beef into four even balls. Don’t pack them tightly—just shape gently. This looser texture is key for juicy, crispy-edged smash burgers. Sprinkle each one with salt and black pepper, ensuring every burger has plenty of flavor from the very first bite.

Step 3: Heat and Smash!

Get your cast iron skillet or griddle super hot over medium-high heat. Add the beef balls and, working quickly, smash each one flat with a sturdy spatula or burger press. You want the patties thin, with ragged edges—this is where all the crispy magic happens! Let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes so they get deep golden and crunchy on the bottom.

Step 4: Flip and Add Cheese

Once those edges are beautifully crisp, flip each patty. Immediately top each with a slice of cheddar so it can start melting into all the nooks and crannies. Let them cook for another minute or two until completely cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and luscious.

Step 5: Toast Your Buns (Optional but Dreamy)

If you’re feeling extra, butter your buns and toast them cut-side down in the same skillet. In just a minute or two, you’ll get golden-brown buns with a little crunch and tons of flavor. Trust me, it’s worth the effort for that irresistible contrast!

Step 6: Build the Smash Burgers with House Sauce

Spread a generous layer of house sauce on both the top and bottom buns. Pile on your cheesy burger patty, then add shredded lettuce, a couple of tomato slices, and some red onion. Cap it off with the bun and add even more sauce if you’re feeling saucy (I always am!). Serve immediately while everything is hot and melty, with extra house sauce on the side for dunking.

How to Serve Smash Burgers with House Sauce

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a well-chosen garnish! Extra shredded lettuce or crisp pickles can add a fresh snap, and an extra grind of black pepper or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving can make your Smash Burgers with House Sauce pop with flavor and texture. If you love heat, try a few dashes of hot sauce.

Side Dishes

Classic fries or potato wedges are always a hit, but this burger also shines next to a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. Onion rings, sweet potato fries, or even a cold pickle spear on the side add crunch and personality. For a retro touch, serve with a creamy milkshake!

Creative Ways to Present

Host a DIY burger bar with all the Smash Burgers with House Sauce fixings—let everyone build their dream burger. Or, for game day, make mini sliders with the same technique and ingredients. You can even set out a toppings tray with crispy bacon, avocado, or jalapeños for max customization.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover patties or house sauce, store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The sauce will keep nicely for up to a week and does double-duty as a dip for fries or roasted potatoes. The burger patties will stay juicy for 2-3 days if you keep them tightly wrapped.

Freezing

Cooked burger patties freeze surprisingly well. Cool them completely, wrap each tightly in plastic or foil, and stash them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be ready for a last-minute burger night for up to 3 months. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. The house sauce is best enjoyed fresh but will last in the fridge if you want to prep ahead.

Reheating

Warm leftover patties in a hot skillet for a couple of minutes per side, or reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through. This ensures the outside gets a little crisp again—just like a fresh-made Smash Burger with House Sauce. Add fresh toppings and more sauce to revive all those flavors!

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of cheddar?

Absolutely! While cheddar brings sharpness and great melt, American cheese delivers classic diner burger vibes, and Swiss or pepper jack each add their own flair. Mix and match to find your perfect Smash Burgers with House Sauce!

What’s the best way to “smash” the patties?

A sturdy spatula or a dedicated burger press works best for getting those thin, crispy edges. Press down firmly to flatten, and use parchment paper between the press and meat to prevent sticking if things get sticky.

Can I make the house sauce in advance?

Yes! The house sauce actually gets better after a few hours in the fridge, letting the flavors meld together. Make it up to 3 days ahead and keep covered until burger night arrives.

What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?

Any heavy-bottomed skillet or a flat griddle will do. The key is a hot, sturdy surface to get those signature crispy bits. A nonstick skillet works in a pinch but might not deliver quite the same sear.

Are Smash Burgers with House Sauce gluten-free?

They absolutely can be! Simply use your favorite gluten-free buns, and double-check that your condiments and toppings are gluten-free, too. That way, everyone can enjoy these irresistible burgers.

Final Thoughts

If you love burgers as much as I do, you have to try these Smash Burgers with House Sauce—they’re fun to make, impossible to mess up, and unbelievably delicious. Give them a try for your next gathering or weekend treat, and watch them disappear. Let me know how yours turn out and if you make your own creative twists!

Smash Burgers with House Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 12 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 burgers 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Smash Burgers with House Sauce are a delicious homemade take on classic diner-style cheeseburgers. Juicy beef patties are smashed thin for crispy edges, topped with melted cheddar, and served on toasted buns with a flavorful house sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Burgers:

1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4 burger buns, toasted
4 slices cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 large tomato, sliced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon butter for toasting buns (optional)

For the House Sauce:

1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
pinch of salt and pepper

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Instructions

Prepare House Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all house sauce ingredients until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Cook Burgers: Preheat a large cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and gently shape into loose balls. Season with salt and pepper. Place the beef balls onto the hot skillet and immediately smash flat with a sturdy spatula or burger press. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the edges are crispy and browned, then flip and top each patty with a slice of cheddar cheese. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the burgers are cooked through.
Toast Buns: If desired, butter the buns and toast them in the skillet until golden.
Assemble Burgers: Spread house sauce on the top and bottom buns. Layer each bun with a cheesy smash burger patty, shredded lettuce, tomato slices, and red onion. Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side.