Croissant Smash Burger

Ingredients

• 2 Butter croissants (Large)
• 0.5 lb 80/20 ground beef (Divided into 2 portions)
• Salt (For seasoning the patties, to taste)
• Black pepper (For seasoning the patties, to taste)
• 2 slices American or sharp cheddar cheese (One slice per patty)
• Lettuce (For serving; amount not specified)
• 2 slices Tomato (Thick slices)
• 1 Yellow onion (Large, thinly sliced)
• 1 tbsp Neutral oil (For caramelizing the onions)
• Salt (A pinch, for the onions)
• 3 tbsp Mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Ketchup
• 1 tsp Mustard
• 1 tbsp Dill pickle (Finely chopped)
• 0.25 tsp Paprika
• 0.25 tsp Garlic powder
• 0.25 tsp Black pepper
• 2 tbsp Butter (Melted, for the glaze)
• 1 tbsp Fresh parsley (Finely chopped)
• Salt (A pinch, for the glaze)

Steps

1. 1

   Heat the neutral oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 15–20 minutes, until the onion is deeply golden, very soft, and jammy. Set the caramelized onions aside.

2. 2

   In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, chopped dill pickle, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper until the sauce is smooth and evenly combined. Set aside.

3. 3

   Slice each croissant in half horizontally. Heat a skillet over medium heat and place the croissant halves cut-side down. Toast until the cut surfaces are lightly golden and slightly crisp, then remove them from the pan.

4. 4

   Divide the ground beef into two equal portions. Place each portion between sheets of parchment paper or other paper and press firmly into a thin patty. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.

5. 5

   Heat a cast-iron or stainless-steel pan over high heat until very hot. Add the thin patties directly to the pan.

6. 6

   Cook the patties without moving them for about 1–2 minutes, until the edges are crispy and browned. Flip each patty.

7. 7

   Immediately place one slice of cheese on each flipped patty. Continue cooking until the cheese is fully melted and the beef is cooked through.

8. 8

   Spread the dill burger sauce over the bottom half of each toasted croissant. Add lettuce and a thick tomato slice to each.

9. 9

   Place one cheesy patty on top of the vegetables on each croissant, then add the caramelized onions. Add more sauce if desired and close each burger with the top croissant half.

10. 10

    Stir the chopped parsley and a pinch of salt into the melted butter. Brush the glaze generously over the tops of the croissants just before serving.

11. 11

    Serve immediately while the croissants are warm, crisp, and glossy.

Notes

Serve immediately for the best contrast between the crisp croissant, juicy patty, melted cheese, and soft onions. Nutrition is an estimate and varies with croissant size, cheese choice, and the amount of salt and lettuce used.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• burger
• American
• smash burger
• croissant
• cast-iron
• caramelized onions
• cheesy