Pickle-Crust Smash Burger

Name: Pickle-Crust Smash Burger
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 1 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 slice American Cheese; 0.25 tsp Black Pepper; 0.5 tbsp Butter; 6 whole Dill Pickle Slices; 1 whole Hamburger Bun; 2 tsp Ketchup; 0.25 lb Lean Ground Beef; 1 tbsp Mayonnaise; 2 tsp Pickle Juice; 0.25 tsp Salt; 1 tsp Yellow Mustard

Dinner 🍽️Lunch 🥪 American High-Protein 💪Comfort-Food

Pickle-Crust Smash Burger brings a punchy tang from seared pickles that crisp against the beef, balanced by creamy, lightly sweet sauce and melty American cheese. The buttery toasted potato bun adds softness and richness, making each bite juicy, salty, and bright. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend cookout when you want big flavor fast.

Prep10 mins
Cook10 mins
Serves1
DifficultyEasy

1

In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, and pickle juice until well combined; set aside.
2

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Spread butter on the outsides of the top and bottom bun halves; place the buns buttered-side down in the skillet and press to flatten.
3

Cook until toasted, about 1 minute. Flip the buns and toast the other side, about 30 seconds, continuing to press to flatten.
4

Move the buns to a work surface with the cut sides facing down. Spread your desired amount of the sauce over the buns.
5

Divide the meat into 2 balled portions and place them in a hot skillet. Using 2 spatulas, smash the meat to form very thin patties.
6

Season with salt and pepper. Cook, without moving, until a golden-brown crust forms and small holes appear around the edges.
7

Use a spatula to carefully lift 1 patty from the pan. Place 3 pickle slices in the pan and flip the patty on top of the pickle slices.
8

Top the patty with cheese and flip the second patty on top of the cheese.
9

Scrape the burger from the skillet and place it on the bottom half of the bbun. Place the top bun on with the cut side facing up and return the whole burger to the skillet.
10

Cook and press each side, about 15 seconds. Serve immediately.