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Savory Smash Burger Sliders Recipe with Easy Secret Sauce on Brioche Buns

savory smash burger sliders - featured image

These savory smash burger sliders feature a crispy caramelized crust on juicy beef patties, soft buttery brioche buns, and a tangy secret sauce with smoked paprika. Perfect for quick weeknight meals or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef, 80/20 blend
  • 8 brioche slider buns
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon (5 g) smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 g) garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) pickle relish
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) lemon juice
  • Optional toppings: thinly sliced red onions, leaf lettuce or baby arugula, tomato slices

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Secret Sauce (5 minutes): In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, ketchup, smoked paprika, garlic powder, pickle relish, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth and well blended. Cover and refrigerate.
  2. Form the Beef Balls (5 minutes): Divide ground beef into 8 equal portions (~2 ounces / 56 grams each). Roll gently into loose balls without packing tightly.
  3. Heat the Pan (2-3 minutes): Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until a drop of water sizzles instantly.
  4. Toast the Buns (3-4 minutes): Spread softened butter on cut sides of brioche buns. Toast butter-side down in a pan or skillet until golden and slightly crisp. Set aside.
  5. Cook the Patties (10-15 minutes): Place 2-3 beef balls in the hot skillet spaced apart. Smash each ball firmly with a sturdy spatula until patties are about ¼-inch (6 mm) thick. Cook without moving for 2-3 minutes until edges are brown and crispy.
  6. Flip and Add Cheese (2-3 minutes): Flip patties carefully. Place a slice of cheddar cheese on each if using. Cook another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and patties are cooked through but juicy.
  7. Repeat: Remove cooked patties and keep warm. Repeat smashing and cooking until all patties are done.
  8. Assemble the Sliders (5 minutes): Spread secret sauce on top and bottom buns. Place cheesy patty on bottom bun, add optional toppings, then crown with top bun.
  9. Serve Immediately: Enjoy warm for best texture and flavor.

Notes

Use 80/20 ground beef for juiciness and flavor. Smash patties firmly once and cook without moving to develop crispy edges. Toast buns with butter to prevent sogginess. Secret sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated up to 3 days. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. Cheese and pickles add sodium, so adjust if needed.

Nutrition

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