Name: Smashburger Grilled Cheese with Special Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 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, divided; 8 slices Hearty White Bread; 8 slices American Cheese; 2 cups Havarti Cheese, shredded; 2 tbsp Salted Butter

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 41 reviews

If you’re craving a sandwich that’s the perfect marriage of crispy, melty, and downright indulgent, then you’ve got to try this Smashburger Grilled Cheese with Special Sauce Recipe. It’s a glorious twist on the classic grilled cheese with juicy, smashed beef patties, layers of creamy American and Havarti cheeses, and a tangy special sauce that pulls everything together in a flavor explosion. Every bite delivers a satisfying crunch and gooey richness that feels like a warm hug, making it an instant favorite for lunch, dinner, or whenever hunger strikes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

In a black frying pan, there is one cooked hamburger patty topped with two melted yellow cheese slices lying flat and slightly overlapping each other. The cheese covers most of the patty, showing some texture of the cooked meat underneath. The pan surface around the patty is dark with small spots of oil. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To make this Smashburger Grilled Cheese with Special Sauce Recipe truly shine, the ingredients are simple but each one plays a crucial role in creating the final masterpiece. From the juicy ground beef to the smooth Havarti cheese, every item contributes essential taste, texture, and color.

Ground Beef (1 lb): The star of the show, providing juicy, flavorful patties full of savory goodness.
Small Onion (thinly sliced): Adds sweetness and a slight crunch, caramelizing beautifully during cooking.
Smashburger Sauce (1/2 cup): A tangy, creamy spread that takes the sandwich to the next level of deliciousness.
Hearty White Bread (8 slices): Thick and sturdy to hold all the fillings while toasting up golden and crisp.
American Cheese (8 slices): Melts beautifully for that classic grilled cheese gooeyness.
Havarti Cheese (2 cups shredded): Creamy and mild with a hint of nuttiness, adding depth to the cheesy layers.
Sliced Dill Pickle Chips (1/3 cup): Provides a refreshing tang and crunch to balance the richness.
Salted Butter (2 tbsp): Essential for achieving that perfectly browned and flavorful crust on the bread.
Kosher Salt and Fresh Cracked Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the best in all the ingredients.

How to Make Smashburger Grilled Cheese with Special Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Patties

Start by dividing the ground beef into four equal portions and rolling them into balls. This step sets the stage for smashing the patties to get that irresistible crispy edge and juicy middle.

Step 2: Heat the Cooking Surface

Get your large cast iron skillet or flat top griddle smoking hot. This intense heat is what creates those perfect caramelized bits you’re aiming for with the smashburger technique.

Step 3: Smash the Beef with Onions and Sauce

Place the beef balls on the hot surface and season each with kosher salt, cracked pepper, and a teaspoon of smashburger sauce. Top with sliced onions, then place parchment or wax paper on top so your spatula doesn’t stick, and press down firmly to smash the patties thin. This is where the magic happens — the burgers get a crunchy sear while the onions soften and caramelize.

Step 4: Flip and Add Cheese

Once the patties are about 60% cooked and beautifully browned, flip them carefully using a spatula, scraping up all those flavorful bits along the way. Quickly top each patty with two slices of American cheese and let it melt as the burgers finish cooking to a safe 165°F.

Step 5: Assemble the Sandwich Base

Turn the heat down to low, and spread a generous tablespoon of smashburger sauce on half of the bread slices. In a clean skillet area, melt half of the butter on the opposite side of the bread, then place those slices sauce-side up to prepare for the next step.

Step 6: Build the Sandwich Layers

Flip the cheeseburgers onto the bread slices with the cheese side down, then add dill pickle slices and shredded Havarti cheese evenly on top. Cap the sandwiches with the remaining bread slices, butter the outer sides with the remaining butter. This layering creates that irresistible combo of textures and flavors.

Step 7: Grill Until Golden and Melty

Cook the sandwiches over low heat until the bottom bread turns golden brown and most of the cheese inside melts. Then flip carefully and repeat until the other side is golden and all the cheese is ooey-gooey perfection. This step ensures every bite is both crunchy and creamy.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Remove your sandwiches from the heat and let them rest for a minute to set up before slicing. Don’t forget to serve with extra smashburger sauce on the side for dunking and that final flavor boost.

How to Serve Smashburger Grilled Cheese with Special Sauce Recipe

A close-up of a grilled sandwich held by a woman's hand, showing two slices of golden brown toasted bread with a crispy texture. Inside the sandwich, there are two layers of melted cheese, one white and one yellow, layered unevenly over browned, slightly charred ground meat. The cheese looks soft and slightly stretchy, covering the meat in thick, creamy layers. The sandwich is held over a white plate with a thin dark rim, placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A few fresh garnishes can elevate this sandwich beautifully. Try a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness that contrasts the richness of the sandwich.

Side Dishes

Classic comfort sides like crispy French fries or a refreshing coleslaw complement the Smashburger Grilled Cheese with Special Sauce Recipe wonderfully. If you want something lighter, a crisp green salad with a vinegar-based dressing balances out the decadent sandwich.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party twist, cut the sandwiches into bite-sized sliders and serve them on a platter with little bowls of the special sauce for dipping. You can also offer a variety of pickles and hot peppers on the side to customize each bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftovers, wrap the sandwiches tightly in foil or plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to 2 days, but best enjoyed fresh.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap each assembled sandwich in parchment and then foil, placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to a month. While freezing can slightly affect bread texture, the flavor will remain delicious.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat to bring back that golden crust and melty cheese. You can cover the pan with a lid for a minute or two to fully melt the cheese again without drying out the sandwich.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! While American and Havarti cheeses melt perfectly and offer creamy texture, feel free to experiment with mild cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even Swiss for a different twist.

Is there a vegetarian version of this sandwich?

Yes! Replace the ground beef patties with plant-based burger patties or grilled portobello mushrooms and use vegetarian-friendly sauces to keep the flavor profile intact.

What makes the smashburger technique special for this grilled cheese?

Smashing the burger patties creates a unique crispy crust and sears in extra flavor by maximizing surface contact with the hot pan, resulting in that irresistible texture.

Can I make the special sauce from scratch?

You can! Typically, smashburger sauce is a blend of mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickles, and spices. Experimentation is encouraged to adjust it to your taste preferences.

What type of bread works best for this recipe?

Hearty white bread is recommended because it toasts up crispy without falling apart, but thick slices of sourdough or Texas toast also work great for sturdiness and flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about the Smashburger Grilled Cheese with Special Sauce Recipe that turns a simple sandwich into a celebration of textures and flavors. Once you give it a try, it’s bound to become your go-to comfort food classic. So gather your ingredients, get your skillet hot, and prepare for a sandwich experience you’ll want to make again and again.