Mini Smash Burger Sliders (Printer-friendly)

Juicy smashed beef patties with caramelized onions and melted cheese on soft mini buns.

# Required Ingredients:

→ Beef

01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
02 - 1/2 tsp kosher salt
03 - 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Onions

04 - 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
05 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
06 - 1 tbsp olive oil
07 - 1/2 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 (optional)

# How-To Steps:

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, combine mayonnaise and mustard. Mix until well blended. Set aside.
03 - Divide ground beef into 8 equal portions of approximately 2 oz each. Form into balls without overworking the meat.
04 - Preheat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot.
05 - Place beef balls in the hot skillet, leaving space between each. Immediately smash each ball flat with a sturdy spatula. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until edges are crispy and browned.
06 - Flip patties, top each with a slice of cheese, and cook for 1 additional minute until cheese is melted and burgers are cooked through.
07 - Split buns and toast cut side down in a dry skillet or under a broiler until golden brown.
08 - Spread slider sauce on bottom buns. Layer with smashed patties topped with melted cheese, a generous spoonful of caramelized onions, and a pickle slice if desired. Top with bun lids. Serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The smash technique creates crispy, lacy edges that make each bite infinitely more interesting than a regular burger.
  • Caramelized onions take 25 minutes but taste like you've been cooking all day, which is basically cheating in the best way.
  • Eight sliders means everyone gets to eat at the same time, and there's something about handheld food that makes people happier.
02 -
  • Do not press down on the burgers while they cook after the initial smash, because you'll squeeze out all the juices and end up with hockey pucks instead of sliders.
  • The 80/20 blend matters more than you think, because leaner beef dries out instantly on a hot griddle and defeats the whole purpose of a juicy burger.
03 -
  • Use a metal spatula for smashing because it transfers heat better and gives you more leverage than plastic or silicone.
  • Don't overwork the beef when portioning it, because the looser the patty, the more tender it stays after cooking.
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