Print

Smashburger Grilled Cheese with Special Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 1 review

This Smashburger Grilled Cheese with Special Sauce combines the bold flavors of a smashed beef patty with melty American and Havarti cheeses, tangy dill pickles, and a creamy Smashburger sauce all toasted to golden perfection on hearty white bread. Cooked on a hot cast iron skillet, this indulgent sandwich delivers the perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and savory in just 45 minutes, making it a delicious twist on a classic comfort food favorite.

Ingredients

Beef & Toppings

  • 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

Sauces & Cheese

  • 1/2 cup Smashburger Sauce
  • 8 slices American Cheese
  • 2 cups Havarti Cheese, shredded

Bread & Butter

  • 8 slices Hearty White Bread
  • 2 tbsp Salted Butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare the beef balls: Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and roll each into a ball, ensuring even size for consistent cooking.
  2. Heat the skillet: Preheat a large cast iron skillet or flat top griddle until it is super hot and begins to smoke, which is essential for proper searing.
  3. Smash the burgers: Place the beef balls onto the hot surface, topping each with kosher salt, cracked pepper, 1 teaspoon of Smashburger sauce, and equal portions of sliced onion. Lay a piece of wax or parchment paper on top to prevent sticking, then flatten each ball with a thin metal spatula and a heavy object like a sandwich press or meat mallet until the patties are thin.
  4. Cook and flip: Allow the patties to caramelize and cook about 60% through before flipping carefully, scraping up any browned bits to incorporate into the flavor.
  5. Add American cheese: Immediately after the flip, top each patty with two slices of American cheese and let it melt while the burger finishes cooking to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
  6. Prepare the bread slices: Reduce heat to low. Spread 1 tablespoon of Smashburger sauce on one side of four bread slices.
  7. Assemble on skillet: Melt half the butter on a clean section of the skillet. Place the four sauced bread slices sauce side up. Flip the cheeseburgers cheese side down onto the sauced bread, then layer with dill pickles and shredded Havarti cheese. Top with the remaining bread slices, then butter the outside of the top slices with the remaining butter.
  8. Grill the sandwiches: Cook until the bottom slice is golden brown and most of the cheese has melted, then flip and cook the other side until it is also golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
  9. Rest and serve: Remove the sandwiches from heat and let them rest for one minute before serving. Serve with additional Smashburger sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

  • Using a cast iron skillet or flat top griddle is crucial for achieving the iconic smashburger crust and proper even toasting of the sandwich.
  • Smashing the patties thin helps create crispy edges and maximum caramelization.
  • Ensure the burgers reach 165°F internally to confirm they are fully cooked for food safety.
  • Butter the outside of the bread for a golden, crispy crust.
  • Letting the sandwich rest briefly after cooking prevents hot cheese from spilling out and helps flavors meld.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/smashburger-grilled-cheese-with-special-sauce-recipe/