Marry Me Smash Burger Double Double

• •1.5 lbs Ground beef (80/20 chuck)
• •4 Potato burger buns
• •8 American cheese slices
• •1 cup Dill pickle chips
• •1 small Red onion, thinly sliced
• •1 cup Iceberg lettuce, shredded
• •2 tbsp Butter or neutral oil
• •to taste Salt
• •to taste Freshly ground black pepper
• •1 cup Mayonnaise
• •2 tbsp Ketchup
• •1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• •2 tbsp Finely minced sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained)
• •1 tsp Apple cider vinegar
• •1 tsp Garlic powder
• •1 tsp Onion powder
• •1 tsp Smoked paprika (optional)
• •1 Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the 'Marry Me' Smash Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, finely minced sun-dried tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

2. 2

   Toast the Buns: Lightly butter the cut sides of the potato buns. Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium heat. Toast the buns, cut-side down, for 1-2 minutes until golden brown and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside.

3. 3

   Form the Patties: Divide the ground beef into 8 equal, loose balls, about 3 oz (85g) each. Do not pack them tightly, as this will prevent a good 'smash'. Season one side of each beef ball generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

4. 4

   Cook the Smash Burgers (Batch 1): Increase the heat of the skillet to high until it's smoking slightly. Add about 1 tablespoon of butter or neutral oil to the hot pan. Place 2-3 beef balls (seasoned-side down) onto the skillet, leaving space between them.

5. 5

   Smash and Sear: Immediately place a piece of parchment paper over each beef ball and, using a sturdy metal spatula or burger press, firmly press down on each ball to flatten it into a very thin patty, about 1/4 inch thick. Hold the press for 10-15 seconds to ensure maximum contact with the hot surface.

6. 6

   Flip and Cheese: Cook for 1.5-2 minutes until the edges are crispy and browned, and the patty is mostly cooked through with a deep crust. Scrape the patties from the skillet with the spatula, ensuring to get all the crispy bits. Flip them over. Immediately place one slice of American cheese on top of each patty.

7. 7

   Melt the Cheese: Add a tablespoon of water to the skillet, next to the patties, and quickly cover the skillet with a lid or dome for 30 seconds to create steam and perfectly melt the cheese. Remove the cooked patties from the skillet and set aside.

8. 8

   Repeat Cooking: Clean the skillet if necessary and repeat steps 4-7 with the remaining beef balls and cheese slices until all 8 patties are cooked.

9. 9

   Assemble the Double Double: Spread a generous amount of the 'Marry Me' Smash Sauce on both the top and bottom halves of each toasted bun.

10. 10

    Layer the Burger: Place one cooked, cheesed patty on the bottom bun. Top with a few dill pickle chips, a sprinkle of shredded iceberg lettuce, and thinly sliced red onion (if using).

11. 11

    Add Second Patty: Place a second cooked, cheesed patty on top of the first layer of toppings. Add more pickle chips, lettuce, and onion if desired.

12. 12

    Serve: Cap with the top bun. Serve immediately and enjoy your "Marry Me Smash Burger Double Double"!

Chef's Tips

• 💡**Don't Overwork the Meat:** For the best smash, keep the ground beef loosely formed into balls. Overworking it will make the patties dense.
• 💡**Hot Skillet is Key:** Ensure your cast-iron skillet or griddle is screaming hot before adding the beef. This is crucial for developing that signature crispy crust (Maillard reaction).
• 💡**Smash Firmly and Quickly:** Once the beef hits the hot pan, smash it down immediately and firmly for 10-15 seconds. This creates maximum surface contact and a thin, crispy patty.
• 💡**Scrape, Don't Flip Gently:** Use a sturdy metal spatula to scrape the patties off the pan, ensuring you get all the delicious browned bits (fond) stuck to the bottom. These bits add immense flavor.
• 💡**Customize Your Sauce:** Feel free to adjust the tanginess, sweetness, or spiciness of the 'Marry Me' sauce to your liking. A touch of honey or a dash more cayenne can personalize it.