Smashburger Grilled Cheese with Special Sauce

The aroma of sizzling burger patties mixed with melted cheese fills the kitchen, promising a mouthwatering experience. This Smashburger Grilled Cheese with Special Sauce combines classic comfort food with a unique twist that takes just about 30 minutes to whip up. The secret lies in the smashing technique, which ensures every bite is packed with flavor and texture.

This recipe is perfect for burger lovers and those looking for a comforting meal that’s easy to make any day of the week. It’s great for a casual family dinner or a gathering with friends. If you have leftovers, they can be stored in the fridge and enjoyed within a few days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The burgers are incredibly juicy due to the smashing technique.
• Melting two types of cheese creates an irresistible creamy texture.
• The special sauce adds a flavorful kick that complements the dish perfectly.
• It’s a fun and interactive meal that everyone can enjoy.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients for a delicious smashburger experience.

For the Burgers

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup smashburger sauce
• Kosher salt
• Fresh cracked pepper

For the Bread and Cheese

• 8 slices hearty white bread
• 8 slices American cheese
• 2 cups havarti cheese, shredded

For Serving

• 1/3 cup sliced dill pickle chips
• 2 tbsp salted butter

Use bread of choice for different flavor profiles.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Ground beef can be replaced with ground turkey.
• American cheese may be swapped for cheddar.
• Hearty white bread can be substituted with whole grain.
• Dill pickle chips can be omitted for a simpler sandwich.

How to Make It

Get ready to create a delicious smashburger grilled cheese!

1. Divide

Divide ground beef into four quarters and roll them into balls.

2. Heat

Meanwhile, get a large cast iron skillet or flat top griddle super, smoking hot.

3. Season

Once the surface begins to smoke, add the beef balls and top each one with a hefty pinch of salt, fresh cracked pepper, 1 tsp of burger sauce, and equal parts sliced onion.

4. Smash

Place a sheet of wax or parchment paper on top of each burger and smash them down using a thin metal spatula and something heavy, like a sandwich press or meat mallet.

5. Flip

Once the burgers look caramelized and are about 60% cooked through, flip them, scraping up any bits that might be sticking to the cooktop.

6. Melt

Once flipped, top each of the smash burgers with 2 slices of American cheese and let that start to melt. The burgers are done when they reach 165°F.

7. Prepare Bread

Turn the heat to low and smear 1 tbsp of the burger sauce onto four slices of bread. Melt half of the butter on the other side of the skillet.

8. Assemble

Place those four bread slices, sauce side up, then flip the cheeseburgers onto the sauced bread, cheese side down. Top with a few slices of pickles and evenly distribute the shredded havarti over it.

9. Finish

Place the other slice of bread on top and use the remaining butter to butter them.

10. Cook

Once the bottom half of the sandwich is cooked to golden brown and most cheese has melted, flip it and continue cooking until the remaining side is golden brown and the cheese has completely melted.

11. Rest

Remove from heat and let the sandwich rest for 1 minute before serving.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, due to the cheese texture.
Reheat: Microwave for 30-60 seconds or until warmed through.

Tips for Best Results

• Use a high-fat content beef for juicier burgers.
• Ensure the skillet is truly hot to achieve the perfect sear.
• Don’t skip the parchment paper; it’s key in smashing the burgers.
• Let the burgers rest for a minute so the juices redistribute.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a side of crispy fries.
• Serve alongside a fresh mixed salad.
• Enjoy with a cold beverage, such as a craft beer.