Name: Smashburger Grilled Cheese with Special Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb Ground Beef; 1 small Onion, thinly sliced; 1/3 cup Sliced Dill Pickle Chips; Kosher Salt, to taste; Fresh Cracked Pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup Smashburger Sauce; 8 slices American Cheese; 2 cups Havarti Cheese, shredded; 8 slices Hearty White Bread; 2 tbsp Salted Butter

If you have been craving a sandwich that perfectly combines the juicy, caramelized goodness of a smashburger with ooey-gooey grilled cheese and a tangy, flavorful special sauce, this Smashburger Grilled Cheese with Special Sauce Recipe is your ultimate answer. It’s a delightful mashup that’s got everything you want: rich layers of cheese, the fresh bite of pickles, savory smashed beef, and a special sauce that brings all the flavors together in pure harmony. Trust me, once you make this, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to comfort foods, guaranteed to satisfy those hunger pangs with every melty, crispy bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round cooked hamburger patty sits in a black pan, topped with two slices of melted yellow cheese. The cheese covers most of the patty, with the edges slightly melting over the sides. The surface of the patty is browned and slightly textured, showing a crispy outer layer. The pan has a dark, matte finish with some cooking marks near the patty. The background shows a faint glimpse of a white marbled texture beneath the pan edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe shines because it keeps things simple yet essential. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color—the kind of sandwich you just can’t wait to eat.

Ground Beef (1 lb): The star protein that gets smashed to achieve that caramelized crust and juicy bite.
Small Onion (1, thinly sliced): Adds a sweet, savory crunch right on top of the patty before smashing.
Smashburger Sauce (1/2 cup): The special sauce that adds creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy notes to every bite.
Hearty White Bread (8 slices): Thick enough to hold all the fillings and crisp up nicely with butter.
American Cheese (8 slices): The meltiest, classic cheeseburger cheese that crowns the patties perfectly.
Havarti Cheese (2 cups, shredded): Adds a rich, buttery flavor that complements the American cheese beautifully inside the sandwich.
Sliced Dill Pickle Chips (1/3 cup): Provides a zesty crunch that cuts through the richness.
Salted Butter (2 tbsp): For that golden, buttery crust on the bread.
Kosher Salt & Fresh Cracked Pepper: Basic seasonings that elevate the beef to irresistible perfection.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Smashburger Grilled Cheese with Special Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Patties

Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and roll each into tight balls. This is the key step to get that perfectly smashed texture once cooked.

Step 2: Heat the Skillet

Preheat a large cast iron skillet or flat top griddle until it’s practically smoking. This intense heat allows the beef to develop a beautiful caramelized crust.

Step 3: Smash and Sear the Patties

Place the beef balls in the hot skillet, sprinkle each with kosher salt, fresh cracked pepper, 1 teaspoon of smashburger sauce, and top with sliced onions. Put a piece of wax or parchment paper over each one and firmly smash down with a metal spatula and a heavy object like a meat mallet. This action creates that mouthwatering crust.

Step 4: Flip and Add Cheese

When the patties look browned and about 60% cooked, flip them carefully, scraping up any delicious browned bits. Immediately top each patty with two slices of American cheese to let it start melting.

Step 5: Prepare the Bread

Turn the heat to low and spread 1 tablespoon of smashburger sauce on one side of four slices of the hearty white bread.

Step 6: Assemble the Grilled Cheese

On the other side of the skillet, melt half the butter. Place the slices of bread sauce-side-up in the skillet. Then carefully flip the cheeseburger patties cheese-side-down onto this sauced bread. Layer with dill pickle chips and shredded Havarti cheese, and top with the remaining slices of bread. Butter the top slices of bread with the remaining butter.

Step 7: Grill Until Golden and Melty

Cook the sandwiches until the bottoms turn golden brown and most of the cheese melts, then flip to brown the other side and finish melting the cheese fully. This slow, buttery crisping makes all the difference.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Remove the sandwiches from the heat and let them rest for a minute, helping everything settle and get ready for that first glorious bite. Serve with extra smashburger sauce on the side for dipping.

How to Serve Smashburger Grilled Cheese with Special Sauce Recipe

A woman's hand holds a sandwich cut in half vertically, showing layers from bottom to top: toasted white bread with a golden brown, crunchy texture; melted yellow cheddar cheese with creamy, smooth texture; cooked ground beef with a slightly crumbly, dark brown surface mixed with melted white mozzarella cheese that oozes softly and clings to the meat. The sandwich appears fresh and warm with cheese stretching slightly between the two halves. It is held over a white plate with a dark rim, resting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives on top adds a touch of color and freshness that pairs beautifully with the rich sandwich. A few extra pickle slices on the plate brighten up the presentation and offer an extra crunch.

Side Dishes

This sandwich loves classic sides like crispy fries, sweet potato wedges, or even a crisp garden salad for balance. Pickled veggies or a tangy coleslaw also make a fantastic contrast to the richness of the grilled cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the sandwich diagonally to show off the gooey cheese and layers of sauce and pickles. If you want to get fancy, serve mini sliders using the same technique for parties. Wrapping the sandwich in parchment paper before serving adds a charming, rustic touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Smashburger Grilled Cheese with Special Sauce Recipe leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The sandwich might lose a bit of its crispness but will still make an excellent quick meal.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled sandwiches individually wrapped in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, place the sandwich in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until the bread crisps up and the cheese melts again. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that crispy exterior intact.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese in this Smashburger Grilled Cheese with Special Sauce Recipe?

Absolutely! While American and Havarti cheeses melt beautifully and complement the flavors, feel free to experiment with sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or even Gruyere for a unique twist.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the beef patties with plant-based “burger” patties or thick-grilled portobello mushrooms. Just follow the same smashing and grilling technique for best results.

What is in the Smashburger sauce?

The Smashburger sauce is a key to this recipe’s magic—typically a blend of mayo, ketchup, mustard, garlic, and other spices—but you can purchase premade versions or make your own with simple pantry staples.

How do I get the perfect smashburger crust?

The secret is a screaming hot skillet and smashing down firmly with a heavy spatula or press. Also, a short cooking time before flipping helps develop that deep caramelization without overcooking inside.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free cheese slices and a butter substitute or oil to toast the bread. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious with the special sauce doing most of the heavy lifting.

Final Thoughts

This Smashburger Grilled Cheese with Special Sauce Recipe is a joyous celebration of comfort food at its finest—savory, cheesy, crispy, and full of incredible flavor. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with every melty, tender bite. Whether you’re making it for a weekend treat or feeding a crowd, this sandwich promises delight and satisfaction in every mouthful.