Dad’s Ultimate Smash Burgers with Secret Sauce
Easy, crowd-pleasing, and packed with flavor—just like Dad likes it!
Because nothing says “We love you, Dad” like a sizzling, juicy burger straight off the griddle.
Father’s Day is the perfect excuse to fire up the grill, crank up the tunes, and let Dad show off his burger-flipping skills. These smash burgers are quick to make, packed with crispy-edged flavor, and topped with a creamy, crave-worthy secret sauce that’ll have the whole family asking for seconds.
Whether Dad’s a backyard BBQ boss or just loves a good bite, this one’s sure to become a new tradition.
Ingredients:
For the burgers:
For the burgers:
- 1½ lbs ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 brioche buns, toasted
- 4 slices sharp cheddar or American cheese
- Pickles, lettuce, tomato (optional)
For the “Secret Sauce”:
- ¼ cup mayo
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp finely chopped pickles (or relish)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Dash of hot sauce (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix all the secret sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
- Preheat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
- Divide ground beef into 4 loose balls.
- Place each ball on the hot skillet and smash down with a spatula (or burger press) until thin.
- Season with salt and pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes, then flip, add cheese, and cook another minute.
- Assemble on toasted buns with your favorite toppings and a generous smear of the secret sauce.
Pro Tips for Grillmaster Dads:
- Smash with Confidence: Use a heavy spatula or burger press to really flatten the patties. Thin equals crispy.
- Don’t Overwork the Meat: Keep it loose and unseasoned until it hits the grill to lock in juiciness.
- Double Up the Cheese: Because one slice is never enough.
- Buns Matter: Toasted brioche buns make it feel gourmet—trust us.
- Secret Sauce = Secret Weapon: Make extra. It’s great on fries, too.