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Crispy Classic Smash Burger Recipe with Caramelized Onions and Thousand Island Sauce Made Easy

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A quick and easy smash burger recipe featuring crispy edges, sweet caramelized onions, and tangy homemade Thousand Island sauce. Perfect for casual gatherings and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, ideally 80/20 for the best juicy and crispy balance
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil
  • Pinch of salt
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon finely minced onion or shallot
  • Pinch of smoked paprika (optional)
  • 4 soft burger buns (brioche or potato buns work great)
  • Leafy lettuce (optional)
  • Tomato slices (optional)
  • American cheese slices (optional)

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions (20-25 minutes): Heat 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil in your skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally, letting them soften and turn a deep golden brown. Add a splash of water if onions start sticking.
  2. Make the Thousand Island Sauce (5 minutes): In a small bowl, combine ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, minced onion, and smoked paprika if using. Stir well until smooth. Chill until ready to use.
  3. Form the Beef Patties (5 minutes): Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz / 115 g each). Roll loosely into balls. Season both sides with salt and pepper just before cooking.
  4. Cook the Patties (8-10 minutes): Heat your cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot. Place one beef ball on the pan, then immediately smash it down firmly with your spatula to about ¼ inch (6 mm) thickness. Hold for 10-15 seconds to get a crispy edge. Cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side until edges brown and crisp. Flip carefully, add cheese slice if using, and cook another 1-2 minutes for medium doneness. Repeat with remaining patties.
  5. Toast the Buns (optional, 2 minutes): In the same pan, toast the burger buns cut-side down until golden and slightly crisp.
  6. Assemble the Burgers: Spread generous amounts of Thousand Island sauce on the bottom bun, add lettuce and tomato if using, then the patty with melted cheese, and top with a heap of caramelized onions. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately.

Notes

Keep your spatula clean and dry for best smashing action. Use high heat for crispy edges and avoid flipping patties multiple times. Caramelize onions low and slow for best sweetness. Season patties just before cooking to retain juiciness. Leftover caramelized onions keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and taste better after sitting. Reheat burgers gently in a skillet or toaster oven to maintain crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, caramelized onions, thousand island sauce, crispy burger, quick burger recipe, classic burger, homemade sauce

Find it online: https://noshbelle.com/crispy-classic-smash-burger-recipe-with-caramelized-onions-and-thousand-island-sauce-made-easy/