Mini Smash Burger Sliders (Printable)

Juicy smashed beef patties with caramelized onions and cheese nestled in soft slider buns for perfect bite-size.

# What You'll Need:

→ Beef

01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
02 - 0.5 tsp kosher salt
03 - 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Onions

04 - 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
05 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
06 - 1 tbsp olive oil
07 - 0.5 tsp sugar
08 - Pinch of salt

→ Cheese and Buns

09 - 8 slices American cheese
10 - 8 slider buns (mini brioche or potato rolls)

→ Toppings and Condiments

11 - 2 tbsp mayonnaise
12 - 2 tsp yellow mustard
13 - 8 dill pickle slices

# How to Make It:

01 - In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until onions are soft and golden brown, approximately 20-25 minutes. Transfer to a separate plate.
02 - In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and yellow mustard. Set aside.
03 - Divide ground beef into 8 equal portions of approximately 2 oz each. Shape gently into balls without overworking the meat.
04 - Preheat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot, approximately 3-5 minutes.
05 - Place beef balls in the hot skillet with space between each portion. Immediately flatten each ball using a sturdy spatula. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the edges develop a crispy crust.
06 - Flip each patty and top with one slice of cheese. Cook for 1 additional minute until cheese melts and the patty reaches desired doneness.
07 - Split slider buns and toast the cut sides in a dry skillet or under a broiler until golden brown.
08 - Spread slider sauce on the bottom buns. Layer cooked patties with melted cheese, a generous portion of caramelized onions, and a pickle slice. Top with bun lids. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Those crispy, lacy edges on the patties are what separates a smash burger from a regular burger, and you'll taste the difference immediately.
  • Caramelized onions add a natural sweetness that makes the whole thing feel more special than it has any right to be.
  • Eight sliders means everyone gets to eat at the same time without someone waiting around hungry.
02 -
  • Don't skip the smashing, and don't second-guess yourself once the beef hits the pan, because those crispy edges are what make a smash burger actually different from what you could make any other way.
  • Caramelizing onions really does take 20 to 25 minutes, and there's no real shortcut without sacrificing that deep, sweet flavor that makes people ask what you did differently.
03 -
  • Keep your spatula sturdy and metal because it gives you the leverage and control to smash flat and fast without hesitation.
  • Don't touch the patties once you've smashed them, letting them sit undisturbed so they develop that beautiful crust instead of steaming.
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