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Crispy Game Day Smash Burger Sliders with Easy Homemade Comeback Sauce

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These crispy smash burger sliders feature perfectly caramelized edges and a creamy, tangy comeback sauce, making them the ultimate game day comfort food. Quick and easy to prepare, they’re perfect for casual gatherings and packed with bold flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 8 small slider buns (preferably brioche or potato rolls)
  • 8 slices cheddar cheese or American cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter, for toasting buns
  • Thinly sliced red onion (optional)
  • Pickle slices (optional)
  • Leafy lettuce or baby spinach (optional)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Creole mustard or Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Make the comeback sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Creole mustard, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and fresh lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
  2. Prep the burger patties: Divide ground beef into 8 equal portions (about 2 ounces each). Roll each into a loose ball and season lightly with salt and pepper just before cooking.
  3. Heat a heavy skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot. Add a tiny drizzle of neutral oil if desired.
  4. Place 3-4 meatballs in the pan without crowding. Smash each ball down firmly with a metal spatula until about ¼ inch thick. Hold pressure for 10 seconds to seal the crust. Cook for 2-3 minutes until edges are crispy and bottom is browned.
  5. Flip each patty and top with a slice of cheese. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and burger is cooked through but still juicy. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low. Butter the insides of the slider buns and toast them butter-side down in the skillet until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes.
  7. Assemble sliders: Spread comeback sauce on top and bottom buns. Layer bottom bun with cheese-topped patty, pickle slices, red onion rings, and lettuce or spinach if desired. Cap with top bun.
  8. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

Use a very hot pan and do not move patties for at least 2 minutes to develop crispy edges. Hold spatula pressure for 10 seconds when smashing to seal crust. Toast buns in the same pan after cooking patties for extra flavor. Make comeback sauce ahead to let flavors meld. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. For dairy-free, use vegan mayo and omit mustard if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, sliders, game day recipe, comeback sauce, crispy burger, easy burger recipe, party food

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/crispy-game-day-smash-burger-sliders-recipe-easy-homemade-comeback-sauce/