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Savory Game Day Smash Burger Sliders Recipe with Easy Special Sauce

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These Savory Game Day Smash Burger Sliders feature crispy edges, juicy interiors, and a smoky, garlicky special sauce that makes them perfect for quick, satisfying game day finger food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef, 80/20 blend
  • 12 soft slider buns (e.g., King’s Hawaiian)
  • 12 slices sharp cheddar cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or canola oil
  • Special Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Hot sauce, optional (few dashes)
  • Optional Toppings:
  • Pickles, thinly sliced
  • Sliced red onions
  • Leaf lettuce or arugula

Instructions

  1. Prep the Special Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, ketchup, smoked paprika, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning. Cover and refrigerate while preparing the sliders.
  2. Form the Beef Balls: Divide the ground beef into 12 equal portions (about 2 ounces each). Gently roll into loose balls without overworking the meat. Set aside on a plate.
  3. Heat the Skillet: Place a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and heat until shimmering hot, about 3 minutes.
  4. Smash the Patties: Place 4 beef balls in the skillet spaced out. Using a sturdy metal spatula, press down firmly to flatten each ball into a thin patty about 1/4 inch thick. Hold the spatula for about 15 seconds to help crust formation. Cook without moving for 2-3 minutes until edges are crispy and brown.
  5. Flip and Add Cheese: Flip each patty carefully. Immediately place a slice of sharp cheddar on each patty. Cook 1-2 minutes more until cheese melts and patties are cooked through but still juicy inside.
  6. Toast the Buns: While the second side cooks, place slider buns cut-side down on another skillet or the edge of the griddle. Toast until golden, about 1-2 minutes.
  7. Assemble the Sliders: Spread a generous dollop of special sauce on the bottom bun. Add the cheesy patty, then optional toppings like pickles, onions, and lettuce. Cap with the top bun.
  8. Repeat the Process: Cook remaining patties in batches, wiping skillet between batches if needed to prevent burning.
  9. Serve and Enjoy: Serve sliders immediately for best texture.

Notes

Do not overwork the meat to keep patties tender. Use a hot skillet for a crispy crust. Press patties firmly and quickly, flip only once. Add cheese immediately after flipping. Toast buns while cheese melts. Cook in batches to avoid crowding the pan. Wipe skillet between batches to prevent burning. Special sauce tastes better after chilling overnight. For gluten-free option, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, sliders, game day recipe, special sauce, quick burgers, finger food, easy sliders

Find it online: https://zestynora.com/savory-game-day-smash-burger-sliders-recipe-with-easy-special-sauce/