Craving a burger experience like no other? Say hello to Smash Burgers – where the sizzle meets the smash! Our secret? It's all in the smash. The smashing action and quick cook-time creates crispy edges and a juicy, flavorful interior. Customize with your favorite toppings and dig into burger bliss!

Recipe: Smash Burgers with Onions and Special Sauce
Makes 8 smashed paddies 

Ingredients:
For the Burgers:
1 pound ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper,
4 slices American cheese
4 hamburger buns, toasted

For the (Oklahoma-style) Onions:
1 large onion, sliced into paper thin slices with a mandoline
Pinch of salt

For the Special Sauce:
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons dill pickle relish
1 tablespoon finely diced onion
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon mustard powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
Dash of hot sauce (optional)

For Serving:
Sliced lettuce
Pickles

Directions:
1. Prepare the onions. Using a mandoline, slice the onions into paper-thin slices. Place into a little pile and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Set aside until ready to cook the burgers.

2. Make the special sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, dill relish, onion, red wine vinegar, mustard powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add a dash of hot sauce, if you'd like.

3. Divide and form the ground beef into 8 equal, 2 ounce portions. Shape each portion into about 2-inch balls. Season each ball with salt and black pepper.

4. Butter the buns, and prepare to toast while the burgers are cooking. 

5. Prep the lettuce by thinly slicing. Drain the pickles.

TIP: The key to success is having all the burger toppings prepped and ready to go! You want to eat smash burgers right away, so have everything in place before starting to cook the burgers.

6. Preheat a griddle, cast iron skillet, or large stainless steel pan over medium-high heat. Drizzle a layer of canola oil over the surface to prevent the burgers from sticking.

7. Once the pan is hot, lower the heat to medium, and place about 1/4 cup of onions in 4 little piles to go under each burger ball. Stir and cook the onions until they begin to sizzle. Then place the burger balls on each onion pile in the skillet and immediately smash with a burger press or spatula until flattened to about 1/4-inch thick. 

TIP: Use a layer of parchment paper over the burger when smashing for non-stick success. Cook quickly for 2 minutes per side (set a timer, they cook quickly!) Flip and add a slice of American cheese and cook for 2 more minutes. The thinner edges will become wonderfully crispy.

8. Meanwhile, toast the buns on the grill or by broiling until just golden brown.

9. Assemble the smash burgers. Serve these delicious burgers as a single or double stack on a toasted bun with pickles, lettuce, caramelized onions, and special sauce. 

10. Serve and enjoy! Serve your smash burgers immediately, and enjoy the mouthwatering combination of crispy, juicy, and savory flavors.