Smash Burger Grilled Cheese

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.

• 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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

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