Croissant Smash Burgers

Ingredients

• 2 lb 91/9 ground beef (season to taste; divided into 10 equal balls)
• 5 large croissants
• 10 slices American cheese
• lettuce (for assembly)
• tomatoes (sliced for assembly)
• 4 large yellow onions (thinly sliced)
• 2 tbsp butter (for onions)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for onions)
• 1 tbsp sugar (for onions)
• 0.5 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 2 tbsp dill pickles (finely chopped)
• 2 tbsp caramelized onions (reserved from the prepared onions)
• 1 tsp pickle juice
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• black pepper (to taste)
• 4 tbsp melted butter (for garlic butter)
• 1 garlic clove (grated)
• 1 tbsp parsley (chopped)

Steps

1. 1

   Prepare the caramelized onions: In a pan over medium-high heat, combine 4 thinly sliced yellow onions, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized. Set aside.

2. 2

   Prepare the burger sauce: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 2 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickles, 2 tablespoons of the prepared caramelized onions, 1 teaspoon pickle juice, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and black pepper to taste. Set aside until assembly.

3. 3

   Prepare the garlic butter: In a small bowl, whisk together 4 tablespoons melted butter, 1 grated garlic clove, and 1 tablespoon chopped parsley. Set aside.

4. 4

   Divide the 2 lbs of ground beef into 10 equal balls. Keep them cold in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook.

5. 5

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Toast the 5 large croissants for about 5 minutes until warm and lightly crisp.

6. 6

   Heat a pan or griddle over medium-high heat. Place a beef ball on the hot surface and smash it into a very thin patty using a spatula or burger press. Season with your favorite seasonings.

7. 7

   Cook the patty for 1.5 to 2 minutes until a crust forms. Flip the patty, add a slice of American cheese, and cook for another minute. Repeat for all patties and stack them into pairs (two patties per burger).

8. 8

   Assemble the burgers: Spread burger sauce on the bottom half of a toasted croissant. Layer with lettuce and tomato slices.

9. 9

   Place the double smash patties on top, followed by a generous portion of caramelized onions.

10. 10

    Spread more burger sauce on the top half of the croissant and place it on the burger. Brush the top of the croissant with the prepared garlic butter and serve immediately.

Notes

The caramelized onions take a significant amount of time to cook properly; ensure you start them well in advance. Keep the beef cold until the moment it hits the pan to ensure the best texture for smashing.

Nutrition per serving

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