Smash Burger Grilled Cheese combines two beloved comfort foods into one delicious sandwich. Juicy, caramelized smash burger patties are paired with layers of gooey American and Havarti cheeses, tangy pickles, and creamy smashburger sauce. Encased in crispy, golden bread, this indulgent creation is perfect for quick dinners or as a show-stopping sandwich to impress friends and family.
Smash Burger Grilled Cheese is the perfect combination of two classic favorites—smash burgers and grilled cheese sandwiches. Juicy, crispy-edged patties meet melty cheese and buttery, golden bread for a truly indulgent meal. With the addition of tangy pickles and a creamy smashburger sauce, this sandwich is loaded with bold flavors and a satisfying crunch. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day treats, or when you want to wow your guests with an unforgettable dish.
INGREDIENTS
- Ground beef: 1 lb, to form the flavorful smash patties.
- Onion: 1 small, thinly sliced, for sweetness and texture.
- Smashburger sauce: ½ cup, for creamy, tangy flavor.
- White bread: 8 slices, sturdy enough to hold all the delicious layers.
- American cheese: 8 slices, for classic creamy cheesiness.
- Havarti cheese: 2 cups shredded, for gooey richness.
- Dill pickle chips: ⅓ cup, for a tangy bite.
- Salted butter: 2 tbsp, for golden, crispy bread.
- Kosher salt: To taste, to season the patties.
- Freshly cracked pepper: To taste, for added flavor.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Divide ground beef into 4 evenly sized balls. Preheat a cast iron skillet or griddle until smoking hot.
- Step 2:
- Place the beef balls on the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and 1 tsp of smashburger sauce. Add sliced onions on top of each patty. Use a piece of parchment paper and a sturdy spatula to smash the patties into thin, even layers.
- Step 3:
- Cook the patties until the edges are caramelized and crispy. Flip and immediately top each patty with 2 slices of American cheese. Cook until the cheese melts and the patties reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Step 4:
- Spread a generous amount of smashburger sauce on 4 slices of bread. Layer each slice with a cheesy patty, a few dill pickle chips, and shredded Havarti cheese. Top with another slice of bread.
- Step 5:
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Grill the sandwiches until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted, flipping once for even cooking.
- Step 6:
- Let the sandwiches rest for 1 minute before slicing. Serve warm with extra smashburger sauce for dipping.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the sandwiches immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven for a crispy finish.
Helpful Notes
- For a spicier kick, add jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese instead of Havarti.
- Use sturdy bread to prevent the sandwich from falling apart during grilling.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Use a heavy spatula or burger press to smash the patties evenly for crisp edges.
- Toast the bread lightly before assembling to add extra crunch.