Classic American Smash Burger with Secret Shack Sauce

🛒 Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) freshly ground 80/20 beef chuck (divided into 8 loose 2-oz balls)
• 8 slices real American cheese (or sharp cheddar)
• 4 brioche burger buns (split)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for toasting buns)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp coarse black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Dill pickle slices
• Shredded iceberg lettuce and vine tomatoes
• For Secret Sauce: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp ketchup, 1 tbsp sweet relish, 1 tsp yellow mustard, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp vinegar

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1
   Prepare Secret Sauce: In a bowl, whisk mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, and vinegar. Chill.
2. 2
   Divide cold ground beef into 8 loose balls (approx 2 oz / 55g each). Do not compress.
3. 3
   Heat a large cast iron skillet or flat griddle over high heat until lightly smoking. Butter brioche buns and toast cut-side down for 60 seconds.
4. 4
   Place 2-4 beef balls onto screaming hot dry griddle. Cover with parchment paper and press down firmly with a sturdy burger spatula until paper thin.
5. 5
   Season generously with kosher salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook undisturbed for 2 minutes until dark lacy edges develop.
6. 6
   Scrape firmly under each patty to keep all crunchy crust intact. Flip immediately.
7. 7
   Top each with cheese and cook for 60 seconds until melted.
8. 8
   Spread sauce on buns, stack two cheesy patties per bun with pickles and lettuce. Serve immediately!

🥗 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)