Crispy Smashburger Sliders
These crispy smashburger sliders are quick, easy, and perfect for cookouts, delivering a crunchy crust and juicy interior with simple ingredients and minimal fuss.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 sliders 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 small slider buns
- 8 slices cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp (30 g) butter, softened
- Pickles, sliced
- Onion, thinly sliced
- Ketchup
- Yellow mustard
- Optional: 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat your cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until very hot.
- In a mixing bowl, gently season the ground beef with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Mix just enough to combine.
- Divide the beef into 8 equal balls, about 2 ounces (55 g) each.
- Spread softened butter on the cut side of each slider bun. Place them butter-side down on the hot skillet and toast for 1-2 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove and set aside.
- Place one beef ball on the hot skillet. Using a sturdy spatula, press down firmly until the patty is about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick. Hold for 10-15 seconds to create a crispy crust.
- Cook the patty undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until edges are deeply browned and crispy. Flip carefully.
- Immediately place a slice of cheddar cheese on each flipped patty. Cook another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and patty is cooked through.
- Place each cheesy patty on a toasted bun bottom. Top with pickles, onions, ketchup, and mustard, then cap with the top bun.
- Serve hot, fresh off the skillet.
Notes
Use high heat for a perfect crispy crust. Smash patties once and hold pressure for 10-15 seconds. Keep beef cold until cooking. Toast buns in the same pan for added flavor. Cook in batches if pan is crowded. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. For dairy-free, skip butter and use dairy-free cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 18
- Protein: 15
Keywords: smashburger, sliders, crispy burgers, cookout recipe, easy burgers, ground beef sliders, cheddar cheese burgers