Garlic Bread Smash Burgers

Name: Garlic Bread Smash Burgers with Caramelized Onions
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium potatoes, cut into wedges; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes; salt, to taste; black pepper, to taste; 1 white onion, sliced; 1 tbsp honey; 2 brioche burger buns; 3 tbsp butter, melted; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 lb ground beef; 4 slices American cheese; 1/4 cup burger sauce

Garlic Bread Smash Burgers combine thin, crisped beef patties with sweet caramelized onions and creamy sauce on toasted garlic bread. The smashing technique creates maximum crust and juiciness in minimal time.

🌍American 🏷️Smash burger 🏷️Garlic bread 🏷️Cheeseburger 🏷️Caramelized onions Comfort food

🏷️

-0:00

hopecrosby_eatssonTikTok

Total

40 min

Servings

2

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$28–$46

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by hopecrosby_eatss

-0:00

hopecrosby_eatssonTikTok

Ingredients

2 medium potatoes, cut into wedges
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste
1 white onion, sliced
1 tbsp honey
2 brioche burger buns
3 tbsp butter, melted
1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tsp garlic powder
1 lb ground beef
4 slices American cheese
1/4 cup burger sauce

15 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Place potato wedges in an air fryer basket. Drizzle with olive oil and season with paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat and cook until golden and crispy.
2
While the potatoes cook, add sliced onion to a saucepan over medium heat. Add honey and cook, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized.
3
In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, chopped parsley, and garlic powder. Brush this mixture generously over the cut sides of the burger buns.
4
Divide the ground beef into four equal-sized balls. Heat a large skillet over high heat.
5
Place a beef ball in the hot skillet, cover with a piece of parchment paper, and use a heavy pot or spatula to smash it into a thin patty. Remove the parchment and season with salt and pepper. Repeat for all patties.
6
Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms. Flip the patties.
7
Top each patty with a slice of American cheese and let it melt.
8
In a separate pan or on a griddle, toast the garlic buttered buns until golden brown.
9
To assemble, spread burger sauce on the bottom bun. Stack two cheesy patties on top.
10
Add another layer of burger sauce, followed by a generous portion of caramelized onions.
11
Place the top bun on and wrap the burger tightly in aluminum foil for a minute to let the cheese and sauce meld together.
12
Serve the burgers immediately with the crispy potato wedges.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Use a stiff spatula or press to smash patties hard and flat immediately after placing on a hot griddle—don't flip early; wait 2–3 minutes for a dark, crispy crust to form.
Form loose, oversized beef balls before smashing; don't compress the meat beforehand, as overworking toughens patties and reduces juiciness.
Caramelize onions slowly over medium heat with honey to accelerate browning and add subtle sweetness without burning them.
Brush garlic bread with melted butter and toast cut-side down until golden; this creates a sturdy base that resists sogginess.

Substitutions

White onion → yellow or red onion (red adds deeper sweetness; yellow is milder)
Brioche buns → potato buns or pretzel buns (changes texture; potato keeps softer, pretzel adds salt and chew)
Butter → olive oil or ghee (alters richness; ghee adds nuttiness)

Storage & make-ahead

Assemble burgers fresh; store cooked patties in an airtight container up to 3 days and caramelized onions up to 2 days refrigerated. Reheat patties on a griddle or skillet before serving.

Equipment

griddle or cast-iron skillet · burger press or stiff spatula

Common Questions

What is a smash burger and why does it taste better?

A smash burger is made by pressing a loosely formed beef ball flat on a hot griddle, creating a crispy, caramelized crust while keeping the inside juicy. The high surface area maximizes browning and flavor development.

Can I make the caramelized onions ahead of time?

Yes. Caramelize onions up to 2 days ahead and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before assembling burgers.

What type of ground beef is best for smash burgers?

Use 80/20 ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat). The fat content renders during cooking, keeping patties juicy, and the ratio prevents excessive shrinkage.

How do I prevent the burger sauce from making the garlic bread soggy?

Apply sauce sparingly and directly to the meat patty rather than soaking the bread. Toast the garlic bread well so it develops a protective crust.

Can I use regular hamburger buns instead of brioche?

Yes, but brioche's richness and slight sweetness complement the savory smashed beef and caramelized onions. Standard buns will work but alter the flavor profile.