Name: Smashburger Grilled Cheese with Special Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb Ground Beef; 1 small Onion, thinly sliced; Kosher Salt, to taste; Fresh Cracked Pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup Smashburger Sauce; 8 slices Hearty White Bread; 8 slices American Cheese; 2 cups Havarti Cheese, shredded; 1/3 cup Sliced Dill Pickle Chips; 2 tbsp Salted Butter

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Introduction

The Smashburger Grilled Cheese with Special Sauce is a delicious twist on classic comfort food, combining juicy smashed beef patties with melted cheese and tangy pickles. This sandwich is perfect for an indulgent lunch or dinner that satisfies your craving for rich, bold flavors.

A grilled sandwich cut diagonally into two halves is placed on a white plate with a thin grey rim. The sandwich has two browned toasted bread slices on the outside, showing a crispy texture with small bubbles and golden color. Inside the sandwich, there are two visible layers of melted cheese, one light yellow and one creamy white, oozing slightly at the edges. Between the cheese layers, there is a well-cooked beef patty with a dark, slightly charred surface. The plate sits on a white marbled textured surface with green and yellow cloth folds in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb Ground Beef
1 small Onion (thinly sliced)
1/2 cup Smashburger Sauce
8 slices Hearty White Bread
8 slices American Cheese
2 cups Havarti Cheese (shredded)
1/3 cup Sliced Dill Pickle Chips
2 tbsp Salted Butter
Kosher Salt
Fresh Cracked Pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and roll each into a ball.
Step 2: Heat a large cast iron skillet or flat top griddle until it is super hot and begins to smoke.
Step 3: Place the beef balls on the hot surface, season each with a pinch of kosher salt, fresh cracked pepper, 1 teaspoon of Smashburger sauce, and an equal amount of sliced onion. Cover each with wax or parchment paper to prevent sticking, then smash down firmly with a metal spatula and a heavy object like a sandwich press or meat mallet.
Step 4: Cook until the patties caramelize and are about 60% done, then carefully flip them, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
Step 5: Immediately top each patty with two slices of American cheese and allow it to melt as the burgers finish cooking to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 6: Reduce the heat to low. Spread 1 tablespoon of Smashburger sauce onto four slices of bread.
Step 7: Melt half of the butter on a clean area of the skillet. Place the sauced bread slices sauce-side up on the pan. Carefully flip each cheeseburger onto a sauced bread slice, cheese side down. Top each with pickle slices and evenly distribute the shredded Havarti cheese over the pickles. Add the remaining bread slices on top and spread the remaining butter on the outsides of the sandwiches.
Step 8: Cook until the bottom bread is golden brown and most of the Havarti cheese has melted. Flip the sandwiches and continue cooking until the other side is also golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
Step 9: Remove the sandwiches from heat and let them rest for 1 minute before serving. Serve with the remaining Smashburger sauce for dipping.

Tips & Variations

Use a cast iron skillet for the best crust on the burgers and bread.
Try adding crispy bacon or tomato slices for extra flavor and texture.
For a spicy kick, mix some hot sauce into the Smashburger sauce before spreading.
Substitute Havarti with sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack if preferred.

Storage

Store leftover sandwiches wrapped tightly in foil or airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep the bread crisp and cheese melted, or use a toaster oven for best results.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a grilled sandwich held by a woman's hand, showing two halves side by side. The sandwich has three main layers: the outer layer is golden-brown toasted bread with a crisp texture; inside, there is a layer of melted yellow cheese, slightly oozing out; and in the center, a layer of browned, juicy ground beef with some visible seasoning and grill marks. The melted white cheese covers parts of the beef, creating a creamy and gooey look. The background is a white marbled surface with a white plate showing faint edges beneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used, but the cooking time may vary and the flavor will be milder. Make sure to cook poultry to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.

What can I substitute for the Smashburger sauce?

If you don’t have Smashburger sauce, you can mix mayonnaise, ketchup, a little mustard, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce or pickle juice to create a similar tangy and creamy sauce.