Croissant Smash Burgers

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
• iceberg lettuce (for topping)
• tomatoes (sliced)
• 4 American cheese (slices; or sharp cheddar)
• 4 croissants (split in half)
• salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2 white onions (large, diced)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for onions)
• 2 tbsp butter (for onions)
• 1 tsp granulated sugar (for onions)
• 0.5 tsp salt (for onions)
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 0.25 cup ketchup
• 0.25 cup caramelized onions (reserved from prepared onions)
• 0.25 cup pickles (finely chopped)
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tsp distilled white vinegar (or pepperoncini juice)
• 1 tsp sugar (for sauce)
• 0.5 tsp salt (for sauce)
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 cup unsalted butter (melted, for garlic butter)
• 2 tbsp parsley (chopped)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp garlic paste
• salt (to taste, for garlic butter)

Steps

1. 1

   Heat a small pan over low heat with 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter. Add the diced white onions, sugar, and salt. Cook slowly for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft, deep golden brown, and sweet. Set aside.

2. 2

   In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, 1/4 cup of the prepared caramelized onions, chopped pickles, salt, pepper, sugar, and vinegar. Whisk until smooth, then cover and refrigerate while you prepare the burgers.

3. 3

   In a small bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter, chopped parsley, garlic powder, garlic paste, and a pinch of salt to create the garlic butter.

4. 4

   Divide the 1.5 pounds of ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 100g to 150g each). Roll each into a ball, then flatten into thin patties shaped like a croissant, roughly 1/4-inch thick. Make them wider than the croissant as they will shrink during cooking.

5. 5

   Season one side of the patties generously with salt and pepper. Keep them chilled until you are ready to cook.

6. 6

   Cut the croissants in half horizontally. Lightly brush or spread the garlic butter onto the cut sides.

7. 7

   Toast the croissants cut-side down in a dry skillet or griddle over medium heat until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.

8. 8

   Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add a thin layer of oil. Add the beef patties (cook in batches of 2 to avoid overcrowding).

9. 9

   Cook for 2 minutes on the first side until well-browned. Spread a little extra yellow mustard over the uncooked side before flipping.

10. 10

    Flip the patties and immediately place a slice of American cheese on each. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the burger is cooked through.

11. 11

    Assemble the burgers by spreading the prepared sauce on the toasted croissants, adding the patties, lettuce, and tomato slices. Serve immediately.

Notes

The recipe mentions dividing 1.5 lbs of beef into 4 portions of 'about 100g each', but 1.5 lbs is actually ~680g, meaning portions are closer to 170g. Use the weight that fits your appetite. Ensure the patties are wider than the croissant buns to account for shrinkage.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• burger
• croissant
• smash burger
• dinner
• comfort food