Print

Crispy Smash Burger Sliders Recipe Easy Homemade Tangy Sauce

crispy smash burger sliders - featured image

These crispy smash burger sliders feature juicy beef patties with caramelized edges and a tangy special sauce, perfect for quick, flavorful meals or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, 80/20 blend
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Vegetable oil or neutral oil, for the griddle or pan
  • 8 slider buns, soft and slightly sweet (Martin’s Potato Rolls recommended)
  • Butter, for toasting buns
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp dill pickle relish
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or pickle juice
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Thinly sliced red onions
  • Fresh dill pickle slices
  • American cheese slices (optional)
  • Leafy green lettuce or shredded iceberg lettuce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Tangy Special Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, yellow mustard, ketchup, dill pickle relish, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate while preparing the rest.
  2. Form the Burger Patties: Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions (about 2 oz or 60 g each). Roll each portion loosely into a ball; keep the meat cold for easier smashing.
  3. Toast the Slider Buns: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Spread a thin layer of softened butter on the cut side of each bun. Place buns buttered-side down on the skillet and toast until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  4. Cook the Smash Burger Patties: Increase heat to medium-high and add a small amount of oil to the skillet. Working in batches, place 4 beef balls on the hot surface, spaced apart. Quickly press each ball down firmly with a spatula or burger press until patties are about ¼ inch (6 mm) thick. Let cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until edges are deeply browned and crispy. Flip patties and immediately top each with a slice of American cheese if using. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts a…
  5. Assemble the Sliders: Spread a generous spoonful of tangy special sauce on the bottom bun. Add the crispy burger patty, then top with sliced red onions, pickle slices, and lettuce. Cap with the toasted top bun. Serve immediately.

Notes

Keep ground beef cold until cooking for better crust formation. Press patties quickly and firmly but avoid over-smashing to prevent dryness. Toast buns with butter to add richness and prevent sogginess. The tangy special sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated to meld flavors. For gluten-free, substitute buns with gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. For dairy-free, omit cheese or use non-dairy alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, sliders, crispy burger, tangy sauce, easy burger recipe, homemade sliders, quick dinner, game day food