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Crispy Smash Burgers Recipe with Special Sauce on Homemade Potato Buns Made Easy

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Quick and satisfying crispy smash burgers with a tangy special sauce served on soft, homemade potato buns. Perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 1 cup (200g) mashed potatoes, warm (about 1 medium potato cooked and mashed)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) whole milk, warm (substitute almond milk for dairy-free)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Sesame seeds for topping (optional)
  • 1 lb (450g) ground chuck beef (80/20 fat ratio recommended)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 slices sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (120g) mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped dill pickles or pickle relish
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or pickle juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Make the Potato Buns Dough: Dissolve 2 teaspoons active dry yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar in 1/4 cup (60ml) warm milk. Let sit 5-10 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add warm mashed potatoes, softened butter, egg, and yeast mixture. Mix until sticky dough forms.
  2. Knead the Dough: Turn dough onto floured surface and knead 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add flour if too wet.
  3. First Proof: Place dough in lightly oiled bowl, cover with damp towel, let rise in warm spot about 1 hour until doubled.
  4. Shape the Buns: Punch down dough, divide into 6 equal pieces (~90g each). Shape into balls, place on parchment-lined baking sheet, flatten slightly, cover, and let rise 30 minutes.
  5. Bake the Buns: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush buns with beaten egg, sprinkle sesame seeds if using. Bake 15-18 minutes until golden. Cool completely before slicing.
  6. Prepare the Special Sauce: Whisk mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, chopped pickles, smoked paprika, and apple cider vinegar in small bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate until use.
  7. Form and Season Burger Patties: Divide ground beef into 6 portions (~75g each). Loosely shape into balls. Season with salt and pepper just before cooking.
  8. Cook the Burgers: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Place 2-3 beef balls in pan without crowding. Smash each firmly into 1/4 inch thick patty using spatula or bench scraper. Cook undisturbed 2-3 minutes until edges are crispy and browned.
  9. Flip and Add Cheese: Flip patties gently, add cheddar slice if using, cook 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and patties are cooked through but juicy.
  10. Assemble the Burgers: Spread special sauce on bottom half of potato bun. Add crispy smash burger, toppings (lettuce, tomato, pickles), and bun top. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to maintain a crispy crust. Use firm, even pressure when smashing patties. Salt patties just before cooking to retain juiciness. Proof buns fully for best texture. Buns and sauce can be made ahead. For gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour or lettuce wraps.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burgers, crispy burgers, homemade potato buns, special sauce, quick burger recipe, easy dinner, comfort food