Classic Double Smash Burgers with Secret House Sauce: The Diner Standard Perfected at Home

🛒Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs (680g) 80/20 fresh ground chuck, divided into 8 equal round balls (3 oz each)
• 8 slices real American cheese (or sharp deli cheddar)
• 4 soft potato or brioche hamburger buns, split
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• Dill pickle chips and thinly shaved sweet onion
• Secret Sauce: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp ketchup, 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish, 1 tsp yellow mustard, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp garlic powder

👩‍🍳Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   Whisk together all secret sauce ingredients in a small bowl; cover and chill.

2. 2

   Spread softened butter onto the cut sides of the buns. Toast on a medium-hot skillet until golden brown. Set aside.

3. 3

   Heat a heavy cast iron griddle or 12-inch skillet over screaming high heat until lightly smoking. Do NOT oil the pan.

4. 4

   Place two beef balls on the hot steel. Immediately press down firmly with a sturdy metal burger press or stiff spatula (using parchment paper to prevent sticking) until paper-thin with lacey edges.

5. 5

   Season aggressively with salt and black pepper. Cook undisturbed for 2 minutes until the edges are dark mahogany and crispy.

6. 6

   Scrape hard beneath the patty to keep the crust intact, flip, and immediately top each patty with a slice of cheese. Cook for 1 more minute until cheese melts.

7. 7

   Stack two patties together, place onto sauce-slathered bottom bun, top with pickles and onion, and crown with top bun. Serve immediately.