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Crispy Smash Burger Sliders Recipe With Special Sauce Perfect for Tailgates

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A quick and easy slider recipe featuring crispy edges, juicy centers, and a tangy special sauce, perfect for tailgates and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef, 80/20 blend
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or neutral oil
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 8 small slider buns
  • 8 slices American cheese
  • 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
  • ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium tomato, sliced
  • Pickle slices (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the special sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice. Cover and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes.
  2. Preheat your griddle or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until very hot. Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and spread evenly.
  3. Divide the ground beef into 8 equal balls, about 2 ounces each. Keep the meat loose and do not overwork.
  4. Place 4 balls on the hot griddle spaced apart. Using a sturdy spatula, firmly press down each ball to flatten into thin patties about ¼ inch thick. Season immediately with salt and pepper.
  5. Cook for 2-3 minutes until edges are crispy and brown.
  6. Flip each patty carefully and place a slice of American cheese on top. Cook another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and patties are cooked through but still juicy.
  7. While cooking the second batch of patties, toast the slider buns cut-side down on the griddle or in the oven for 1-2 minutes until golden and slightly crispy.
  8. Assemble sliders by spreading a generous spoonful of special sauce on the bottom bun, adding a lettuce leaf, the cheesy patty, a slice of tomato, a few red onion rings, and pickles if using. Top with the bun crown.
  9. Repeat cooking and assembling with the remaining patties.
  10. Serve immediately while warm and cheese is gooey.

Notes

Use cold ground beef and do not over-handle the meat to keep patties tender. Smash firmly and quickly on a hot griddle for crispy edges. Season patties immediately after smashing. Work in batches to maintain high heat. Toast buns briefly for texture. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. For dairy-free, substitute cheese and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, sliders, tailgate recipe, special sauce, crispy burger, game day food, easy burger recipe

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/crispy-smash-burger-sliders-recipe-with-special-sauce-perfect-for-tailgates/