Crispy Smash Burger Sliders
These crispy smash burger sliders feature thin, seared beef patties with melty cheese and toasted buns, perfect for parties or casual meals. Quick and easy to make, they deliver nostalgic diner flavor with a crispy edge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 sliders 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 4–6 slices American, cheddar, or preferred meltable cheese
- 8 slider buns (2–3 inches / 5–7.5 cm), brioche or potato rolls recommended
- 2 tablespoons softened butter
- Thinly sliced pickles
- Optional: thinly sliced red or white onions
- Ketchup, mustard, or special sauce of choice
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, jalapeños
Instructions
- Preheat your cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot, about 5 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, gently loosen 1 lb (450g) ground beef without overworking. Divide into 8 equal portions (about 2 oz or 55g each) and loosely roll into balls.
- Lightly season each beef ball with kosher salt and cracked black pepper on all sides.
- Spread softened butter on the cut sides of 8 slider buns. Toast buttered sides down on another pan or griddle over medium heat until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Set aside.
- Place 2–3 beef balls on the hot skillet without crowding. Using a sturdy metal spatula, press down firmly to smash each ball into a thin patty about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick. Hold spatula down for 10-15 seconds to create crispy edges.
- Cook patties undisturbed for about 2 minutes until edges crisp and brown.
- Flip patties carefully and immediately place a slice of cheese on each. Cook another 1–2 minutes until cheese melts and burger is cooked through but juicy.
- Assemble sliders by placing cheesy patties on toasted buns. Add pickles, onions, and preferred condiments. Top with bun crown and press gently.
- Serve immediately while hot for best crispy, melty experience.
Notes
Use freshly ground 80/20 beef for best texture and crispy edges. Keep skillet very hot before smashing patties. Do not overwork meat to avoid tough patties. Toast buns with butter for texture contrast. For gluten-free option, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. Keep cooked patties warm in a low oven (200°F/90°C) if cooking in batches.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 230
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Protein: 14
Keywords: smash burger, sliders, crispy burger, party food, easy burger recipe, beef sliders, quick dinner