Hi, I’m Lina
As a busy mom, I rely on recipes that feel comforting without needing hours in the kitchen. These Smashburger Sliders with Special Sauce are one of my weeknight go-tos, quick, juicy, and full of flavor. If you love homey meals that bring everyone to the table, this recipe is for you. Try my Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole or Creamy Cheddar Potato Chowder next for another cozy dinner idea.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Mini size = maximum flavor in every bite.
- The secret “special sauce” adds a creamy, tangy twist.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or game day.
- Cooked on a skillet or griddle, no grill required.
- Easy ingredients you already have in your kitchen.
- Kids and adults both love the slider size.
Ingredients Breakdown
Ground Beef (80/20)
You’ll want some fat for flavor and those crisp edges.
Small Slider Buns
Soft, squishy buns that toast perfectly on the skillet.
Cheese
American cheese melts beautifully; cheddar adds a little bite.
Special Sauce
A mix of mayo, ketchup, pickle relish, and a dash of paprika, creamy, tangy, and a little smoky.
Onions
Diced small so they caramelize fast and add sweetness.
Pickles
Thinly sliced for crunch and that classic burger flavor.
Salt & Pepper
Simple seasoning that lets the beef shine.
Butter
For toasting the buns, because butter makes everything better.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Step 1: Make the Special Sauce
In a small bowl, mix ½ cup mayo, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon pickle relish, and a pinch of paprika. Stir until smooth. Chill while you cook the sliders.
Step 2: Prep the Beef
Divide 1 pound of ground beef into 8 small balls, loose, not packed. That helps you get those crispy edges.
Step 3: Heat Your Skillet
A cast-iron skillet or flat griddle works best. Heat over medium-high until sizzling hot.
Step 4: Smash the Sliders
Add 2–3 beef balls at a time. Smash flat with a sturdy spatula for about 10 seconds. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Add Onions & Cheese
Once the edges brown, sprinkle a few onions on top and flip. Immediately add cheese and cover for 30 seconds to melt.
Step 6: Toast the Buns
Spread a little butter on your buns and toast them right in the skillet until golden.
Step 7: Build Your Sliders
Spread a spoonful of special sauce on the bottom bun, add the patty, top with pickles, more sauce if you love it, and finish with the top bun.
Tips, Variations & Add-Ons
- Extra kick: Add jalapeños or a touch of hot sauce to your special sauce.
- Caramelized onions: For a sweeter touch, cook onions separately until golden.
- Double sliders: Stack two patties for the ultimate bite.
- Low-carb option: Serve patties in lettuce cups.
- Meal prep idea: Store sauce and cooked patties separately; reheat when ready.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these juicy sliders with a few of my SoolFood favorites for the perfect cozy meal:
- Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole – buttery, garlicky, and comforting.
- Chicken Cutlets Recipe – crisp and golden, a family favorite.
- Cheesy Kielbasa Potato Skillet – rich, hearty, and filling.
- Creamy Cheddar Potato Chowder – cozy, warm, and the ultimate side.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on a hot skillet for 2 minutes per side. Toast the buns fresh for that just-made taste.
Helpful FAQs
1. Can I make these ahead for a party?
Yes! Cook the patties and refrigerate. Just reheat on a skillet and assemble before serving.
2. What’s the best cheese for sliders?
American cheese melts perfectly, but you can try cheddar or pepper jack for more flavor.
3. Can I grill these instead?
You can, but smashing them on a hot skillet gives you the crispy crust that makes smashburgers special.
4. How spicy is the sauce?
It’s mild and tangy, but you can stir in a few drops of hot sauce if you like more heat.
Smashburger Sliders with Special Sauce – Easy, Juicy & Irresistible
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 8 sliders
Description
Juicy mini smashburgers with melty cheese and creamy special sauce.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (80/20)
8 small slider buns
4 slices American or cheddar cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp pickle relish
1/4 tsp paprika
1 small onion, diced
Pickles, sliced
Butter for toasting
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Mix mayo, ketchup, relish, and paprika to make special sauce. Chill.
2. Divide beef into 8 loose balls.
3. Heat skillet or griddle on medium-high.
4. Add beef balls and smash flat; season with salt and pepper.
5. Top with onions; flip when edges brown.
6. Add cheese, cover to melt.
7. Toast buns with butter until golden.
8. Assemble sliders with sauce, patty, pickles, and top bun.
Notes
Add hot sauce for extra spice.
Use lettuce wraps for a low-carb version.
Reheat patties on a skillet to keep them crispy.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Griddle or Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Smashburger Sliders with Special Sauce are everything you love about diner-style burgers, juicy beef, melted cheese, buttery buns, and that addictive tangy sauce, all in bite-size form. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, backyard cookout, or movie night, these sliders are guaranteed to bring smiles (and requests for seconds)