Ingredients:

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Burgers

•   2 lbs 80/20 ground beef
•   8 slices sharp cheddar cheese
•   4 brioche buns
•   2 tbsp butter (softened)
•   Kosher salt
•   Freshly ground black pepper

Burger Sauce

•   1/2 cup mayonnaise
•   2 tbsp ketchup
•   1 tbsp yellow mustard
•   2 tbsp dill pickles (finely diced)
•   1 tsp pickle (juice)
•   1/2 tsp smoked paprika
•   1/2 tsp garlic powder
•   1/2 tsp onion powder
•   1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Toppings

•   Lettuce
•   Tomato slices
•   Red onion slices
•   Dill pickle (chips)

Ingredients are subject to availability at local stores. Unavailable items will be automatically substituted at best-effort.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Why You’ll Love It

Nothing says Fourth of July quite like a juicy cheeseburger fresh off the grill. These smash burgers develop irresistibly crispy edges while staying incredibly juicy in the center. Paired with a tangy homemade burger sauce, toasted brioche buns, and classic toppings, they’re guaranteed to be the first thing guests reach for.

Instructions

Step 1

In a small bowl, whisk together all of the burger sauce ingredients until smooth. Refrigerate while preparing the burgers.

Step 2

Divide the ground beef into eight loosely packed 4-ounce balls. Avoid compressing the meat too much—this helps create tender, juicy burgers.

Step 3

Heat a cast-iron skillet, flat-top grill, or griddle over high heat until it’s extremely hot.

Step 4

Butter the brioche buns and toast them cut-side down until golden brown. Set aside.

Step 5

Place two beef balls onto the hot cooking surface and immediately smash each one with a sturdy spatula until about ¼-inch thick.

Season generously with salt and pepper.

Step 6

Cook for about 2 minutes without moving the patties so they develop a deep golden crust.

Flip each burger and immediately top with cheddar cheese.

Cook another minute until the cheese melts.

Step 7

Spread burger sauce on both sides of each toasted bun.

Layer with lettuce, tomato, onion, two burger patties, pickles, and the top bun.

Serve immediately while hot.

Chef’s Tips

• High heat is essential for crispy edges.
• Don’t press the burgers after smashing.
• Toasting the buns prevents sogginess.
• Chill the burger sauce for at least 15 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

Easy Substitutions

• Swap cheddar for pepper jack, Swiss, or American cheese.
• Use potato buns instead of brioche.
• Add crispy bacon for an extra layer of flavor.
• Mix a little barbecue sauce into the burger sauce for a smoky twist.

What to Serve With It

• Street Corn Pasta Salad
• Honey Butter Corn on the Cob
• Watermelon Lemonade
• Berry Cheesecake Cups

Storage

Store leftover burger patties separately from the buns and toppings in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the crispy edges.

Approximate Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: 890
• Protein: 47g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fat: 61g
• Fiber: 2g

StudioLink Tip 💡

If you’re feeding a crowd, form all of the beef balls ahead of time and refrigerate them. Burgers cook in just a few minutes each, making this one of the fastest ways to feed a backyard full of hungry guests.

This recipe is intentionally designed to share ingredients with the rest of the guide (brioche buns, mayo, butter, cheddar, onions, herbs, etc.), so the grocery cart stays streamlined while still supporting multiple recipes.