Ingredients
Beef and 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
- 1/2 cup Smashburger Sauce, divided
Bread and Cheese
- 8 slices Hearty White Bread
- 8 slices American Cheese
- 2 cups Havarti Cheese, shredded
Other
- 2 tbsp Salted Butter
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and roll each into a ball. This prepares the patties for the smash technique.
- Heat the cooking surface: Preheat a large cast iron skillet or flat top griddle until it is super hot and begins to smoke, ensuring a perfect sear.
- Smash and cook the patties: Place the beef balls on the hot surface. Season each with a hefty pinch of kosher salt, fresh cracked pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Smashburger sauce, then add equal parts of the thinly sliced onions on top. Cover each with wax or parchment paper to prevent sticking, then press down firmly using a thin metal spatula and a heavy object like a sandwich press or meat mallet to flatten the patties.
- Flip the patties: When the patties start to caramelize and are about 60% cooked through, carefully flip them over, scraping up any crispy bits sticking to the pan. This adds flavor and prevents sticking.
- Add American cheese and finish cooking: Immediately top each flipped patty with two slices of American cheese. Allow the cheese to melt as the patties finish cooking. The burgers are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare the bread: Reduce heat to low. Spread 1 tablespoon of Smashburger sauce onto one side of four slices of hearty white bread. Melt half of the butter on a clean side of the skillet, ensuring it’s free of burnt bits.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Place the sauced side of bread face up on the skillet. Flip the cheeseburgers over onto the sauced bread so the cheese side contacts the bread. Top each patty with sliced dill pickles, then evenly distribute the shredded Havarti cheese over the pickles. Place the remaining slices of bread on top, then butter the outsides of the sandwiches with the remaining melted butter.
- Cook the sandwiches: Cook the sandwiches on low heat until the bottom side is golden brown and most of the Havarti cheese has melted. Flip the sandwiches carefully and continue cooking until the second side turns golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
- Serve and rest: Remove sandwiches from heat and allow to rest for 1 minute. Serve warm with the remaining Smashburger sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Using wax or parchment paper to cover patties during smashing prevents sticking and helps achieve a crisp crust.
- Make sure your skillet or griddle is smoking hot before cooking to get a great caramelized sear.
- Cooking the burgers to 165°F ensures they are safe to eat.
- Butter the bread generously for a perfectly crispy, golden-brown crust on the sandwiches.
- The combination of American and Havarti cheese offers both melty texture and creamy flavor.
- Let the sandwich rest briefly to allow the cheese to set slightly before eating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
