Print

Perfect Smash Burger Sliders with Easy Caramelized Onion Aioli

perfect smash burger sliders with caramelized onion aioli - featured image
Print Recipe

These Perfect Smash Burger Sliders with Caramelized Onion Aioli are fast, simple, and incredibly delicious. With crispy, lacy patties and a sweet-savory aioli, they’re perfect for weeknights or parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 12 slider buns (potato rolls recommended)
  • 6 slices American cheese, each cut into quarters
  • Salt and black pepper (flaky kosher salt preferred)
  • Neutral oil (canola, vegetable, or avocado oil)
  • Dill pickle slices
  • Butter (for toasting buns)
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (full-fat)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Start the caramelized onions: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Once melted and foaming, add sliced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until soft, golden brown, and jammy. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  2. Make the aioli: In a food processor or blender, combine caramelized onions, mayonnaise, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. If too thick, add a teaspoon of water and blend again. Set aside.
  3. Prep the beef: Divide ground beef into 12 equal portions (about 1.3 ounces each). Roll into loose balls. Refrigerate for 10 minutes.
  4. Toast the buns: Split slider buns in half and butter cut sides lightly. Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place buns cut-side down and cook 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Set aside.
  5. Get the pan screaming hot: Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over high heat for at least 5 minutes. Add a thin layer of neutral oil until shimmering and almost smoking.
  6. Smash the patties: Place 3-4 beef balls in the hot pan, leaving space. Place a parchment paper square on each ball. Using a heavy spatula, press down firmly and evenly to smash into thin patties (3-4 inches wide). Hold for 10 seconds. Remove parchment. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  7. Cook the patties: Cook for 90 seconds without moving. Flip patties. Place two quarters of American cheese on each. Cook another 30-45 seconds until cheese is melted. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with remaining beef.
  8. Assemble the sliders: Spread a generous spoonful of aioli on bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a cheesy patty on top. Add a couple of pickle slices. Top with other half of bun. Press down lightly.
  9. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use 80/20 ground beef and a screaming-hot pan. Chill the beef balls before smashing. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Caramelize onions low and slow. The aioli can be made up to 3 days ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, sliders, caramelized onion aioli, easy burger recipe, party food, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://sparklespoon.com/perfect-smash-burger-sliders-with-easy-caramelized-onion-aioli/