Mini Smash Burger Sliders (Printable version)

Juicy smashed beef patties with caramelized onions and melted cheese in soft slider buns for bite-sized indulgence.

# Ingredient list:

→ Beef

01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
02 - 0.5 tsp kosher salt
03 - 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Onions

04 - 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
05 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
06 - 1 tbsp olive oil
07 - 0.5 tsp sugar
08 - Pinch of salt

→ Cheese & Buns

09 - 8 slices American cheese
10 - 8 slider buns (mini brioche or potato rolls)

→ Toppings & Condiments

11 - 2 tbsp mayonnaise
12 - 2 tsp yellow mustard
13 - 8 dill pickle slices

# Step-by-step guide:

01 - In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add sliced onions, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until onions are soft and golden brown, approximately 20-25 minutes. Set aside.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and yellow mustard until well combined. Set aside.
03 - Divide ground beef into 8 equal portions of approximately 2 ounces each. Form into loose balls without overworking the meat.
04 - Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot, approximately 3-4 minutes.
05 - Place beef balls in the hot skillet with adequate spacing between each. Using a sturdy metal spatula, immediately smash each ball flat with firm pressure. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the edges develop a crispy crust.
06 - Flip each patty carefully and immediately top with a slice of American cheese. Cook for 1 additional minute until the cheese is fully melted and the patties reach desired doneness.
07 - Split the slider buns and toast the cut sides face-down in a dry skillet or under the broiler until golden brown, approximately 1-2 minutes.
08 - Spread slider sauce on the bottom buns. Layer each with a smashed beef patty topped with melted cheese, a generous spoonful of caramelized onions, and a dill pickle slice. Crown with the top bun. Serve immediately.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • The smashing technique creates crispy, golden edges that taste like a diner burger's sophisticated cousin.
  • Caramelized onions add sweetness and depth that cheap frozen patties could never achieve.
  • They're small enough to feel indulgent without requiring serious commitment, perfect for casual entertaining.
02 -
  • Don't touch the patties after you smash them; resist the urge to poke, press, or flip them multiple times or they'll lose those beautiful crispy edges.
  • The caramelized onions are worth making a day ahead; they taste even better the next day and take the morning-of pressure off completely.
03 -
  • American cheese is worth using here because it melts uniformly and quickly; Swiss or pepper jack work too, but they take longer and can separate under high heat.
  • The caramelized onions can be made up to two days ahead and reheated gently, which means you can build these sliders in five minutes when guests arrive.
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