Croissant Smash Burger

Ingredients

• 300 g ground beef, 80/20 blend (Form into 2 loose balls of about 150 g / 5 oz each.)
• salt (To taste, for seasoning the beef.)
• black pepper (To taste, for seasoning the beef.)
• 0.25 tsp garlic powder or onion powder (Optional; the source lists ¼ tsp each.)
• 0.25 tsp garlic powder or onion powder (Optional; the source lists ¼ tsp each.)
• 2 cheddar or American cheese (Slices.)
• 2 large butter croissants (Day-old or slightly firm works best.)
• 1 tbsp butter (For toasting the croissants.)
• 1 large onion (For caramelized or crispy onions.)
• 1 tsp sugar (For the onions.)
• 1 tbsp butter (For the onions.)
• 1 tbsp oil (For the onions.)
• 0.5 tsp salt (For the onions.)
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise (For the special burger sauce.)
• 1 tbsp ketchup (For the special burger sauce.)
• 1 tsp yellow mustard (For the special burger sauce.)
• 0.5 tsp pickle juice or vinegar (For the special burger sauce.)
• 0.25 black pepper (The source states “1/4 black pepper” without specifying a unit; for the special sauce.)
• 0.5 tsp sugar (For the special burger sauce.)
• 0.25 cup pickles (Diced; for the special burger sauce and optionally as a topping.)
• 0.25 tsp salt (For the special burger sauce.)
• lettuce (Optional topping; amount to taste.)
• tomato (Optional topping; amount to taste.)
• caramelized onions or crispy onions (Optional topping; use the onion mixture above or prepared crispy onions.)

Steps

1. 1

   Mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle juice or vinegar, black pepper, sugar, diced pickles, and salt to make the special burger sauce. Set aside.

2. 2

   If making the onion topping, prepare the onion mixture with the sliced large onion, sugar, butter, oil, and salt according to your preferred caramelized- or crispy-onion method; the source does not specify a cooking time or temperature.

3. 3

   Slice each croissant in half horizontally. Gently flatten each half with your hand or a flat pan so the cut surfaces are level for stacking.

4. 4

   Toast the inside surfaces of the croissant halves in a pan with the butter until golden and crisp. Set the croissant halves aside.

5. 5

   Divide the ground beef into 2 loose balls of about 150 g / 5 oz each.

6. 6

   Heat a cast-iron skillet or other heavy pan over medium-high heat until hot.

7. 7

   Place one beef ball in the hot pan. Cover it with parchment paper and smash it flat with a metal spatula or burger press.

8. 8

   Season the smashed patty immediately with salt and black pepper. Add the optional garlic powder or onion powder if using.

9. 9

   Cook the patty for 1–2 minutes, until the edges are browned and crispy, then flip it.

10. 10

    Place one slice of cheese on the patty, cover the pan with a lid, and cook for about 30 seconds, until the cheese melts.

11. 11

    Repeat the smashing, seasoning, cooking, flipping, and cheese-melting process with the second beef ball and remaining cheese.

12. 12

    Spread the special burger sauce over the toasted croissant bottoms.

13. 13

    Layer the bottoms with lettuce, optional tomato, and the cheesy burger patties.

14. 14

    Add caramelized or crispy onions and additional pickles if desired. Finish each burger with its croissant lid and serve.

Notes

The source does not provide a specific cooking time or temperature for the onion topping. The listed tomato, lettuce, and additional pickles are optional and customizable.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• burger
• American
• smash burger
• croissant
• skillet
• quick dinner