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Flavorful Smash Burger Hot Dog Hybrid Recipe with Caramelized Onion and Homemade Comeback Sauce

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A quick and easy smash burger hot dog hybrid featuring crispy beef patties, sweet caramelized onions, and a tangy homemade comeback sauce. Perfect for casual gatherings and packed with bold flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 oz (170 g) ground beef (80/20 blend preferred) per patty
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Neutral oil (canola or vegetable), for skillet
  • Soft hot dog buns or classic burger buns (brioche recommended)
  • Butter, softened (for toasting buns)
  • 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter (for caramelizing onions)
  • Pinch of salt (for onions)
  • Optional: splash of balsamic vinegar or 1 teaspoon brown sugar (for onions)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • A few dashes hot sauce, to taste
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
  • Optional toppings: sliced pickles or pickled jalapeños, shredded lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter in a sauté pan over medium-low heat. Add thinly sliced yellow onions and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally and cook slowly for 25-30 minutes until golden-brown and sweet. Optionally add balsamic vinegar or brown sugar halfway through. Set aside.
  2. Make the Comeback Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and lemon juice or vinegar. Mix until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  3. Prepare the Patties: Divide ground beef into 6 oz portions. Form loose balls without overworking. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  4. Toast the Buns: Heat a clean skillet over medium heat. Spread softened butter on cut sides of buns and toast until golden and crisp, about 1-2 minutes. Set aside.
  5. Cook the Smash Burger Patties: Heat a cast iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat with a teaspoon of neutral oil. Place a beef ball in the skillet and immediately smash down firmly with a spatula to about ¼-inch thickness. Hold spatula for 10 seconds to set crust. Cook 2 minutes until edges are browned and crispy. Flip and cook 1-2 minutes more. Repeat with remaining patties. Keep warm.
  6. Assemble the Hybrid: Spread comeback sauce on bottom half of toasted bun. Add smash burger patty, a heap of caramelized onions, and optional toppings like pickles or cheese. Cap with top bun and gently press down.
  7. Serve immediately while warm and juicy. Pairs well with crispy fries or fresh salad.

Notes

For best caramelized onions, use yellow onions and cook low and slow. Smash patties firmly and hold spatula down for 10 seconds to create a crispy crust. If patty sticks when flipping, wait longer. Customize with cheese, plant-based patties, or different buns. Caramelized onions and comeback sauce taste even better the next day. Store patties and onions separately for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, hot dog hybrid, caramelized onions, comeback sauce, quick dinner, easy recipe, comfort food, burger recipe, homemade sauce

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/flavorful-smash-burger-hot-dog-hybrid-recipe-with-caramelized-onion-and-homemade-comeback-sauce/