Description
A rich and indulgent sandwich that combines crispy, buttery grilled cheese with juicy smash burger patties, layered cheddar and American cheese, pickles, and a creamy burger sauce.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (80/20)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
8 slices thick-cut sandwich bread
4 tablespoons salted butter, softened
8 slices sharp cheddar cheese
4 slices American cheese
1 small onion, thinly sliced (optional)
8 pickle slices
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
Instructions
- Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard in a small bowl to make the sauce. Set aside.
- Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions and gently roll into loose balls without overworking.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot.
- Place each beef ball onto the skillet and firmly smash into thin patties. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes until edges are crispy and browned. Flip and cook another 1–2 minutes. Add onions on top while cooking if using.
- Remove patties from heat and set aside.
- Butter one side of each slice of bread evenly.
- Place 4 slices of bread butter-side down onto a clean skillet over medium heat.
- Add one slice of cheddar and one slice of American cheese to each.
- Top each with a smash burger patty, pickles, and a drizzle of prepared sauce.
- Add another slice of cheddar on top of the patty, then cover with remaining bread slices, butter-side up.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until golden brown and cheese is fully melted.
- Remove from heat, rest 1–2 minutes, slice in half, and serve.
Notes
For extra heat, substitute cheddar with pepper jack cheese.
Add crispy bacon or caramelized onions for additional flavor.
Brioche or Texas toast can be used for a richer texture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat or in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Cooked patties can be frozen separately for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 720 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 48 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
