Three Pepper Gouda Smash Burger

Name: Three Pepper Gouda Smash Burger
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 1 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 lb ground beef (80/20); 2 slices three pepper gouda cheese; 1 sesame brioche bun; 1 tbsp sweet pepper relish; 3 tbsp mayonnaise; 1 pinch cayenne pepper; 1 pinch chipotle chili powder; salt, to taste; black pepper, to taste; garlic powder, to taste; cooking spray, for the pan; dill pickle slices, for topping; sautéed onions, for topping

A double smash burger topped with spicy three-pepper gouda and a sweet-spicy relish mayo sauce, finished on a toasted sesame brioche bun. The combination of crispy smashed patties, peppered cheese, and smoky relish mayo delivers bold, layered flavor in every bite.

🌍American 🏷️Smash burger 🏷️Burger 🏷️Gouda cheese 🏷️Spicy Sweet

🏷️

🏷️Smoky

-0:00

thegoldenbalanceonTikTok

Total

20 min

Servings

1

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$25–$41

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by thegoldenbalance

-0:00

thegoldenbalanceonTikTok

Ingredients

1/2 lb ground beef (80/20)
2 slices three pepper gouda cheese
1 sesame brioche bun
1 tbsp sweet pepper relish
3 tbsp mayonnaise
1 pinch cayenne pepper
1 pinch chipotle chili powder
salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste
garlic powder, to taste
cooking spray, for the pan
dill pickle slices, for topping
sautéed onions, for toppingoptional

13 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Divide the ground beef into two 1/4 lb portions and form each into a loose ball.
2
In a small bowl, prepare the sauce by combining the sweet pepper relish, mayonnaise, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined and set aside.
3
Preheat a stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the pan is very hot and starts to shimmer.
4
Lightly coat the hot pan with cooking spray. Place one beef ball in the center of the pan.
5
Cover the beef ball with a piece of parchment paper and use a burger press or heavy spatula to smash it into a thin patty.
6
Season the top of the patty generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
7
Cook for about 1-2 minutes until a crust forms, then scrape the patty off the pan and flip it.
8
Immediately place a slice of three pepper gouda cheese on top of the patty. Cook for another minute until the cheese is fully melted.
9
Remove the patty from the pan. Clean the pan and repeat the cooking process for the second patty.
10
Toast the inside of the brioche bun halves in the skillet or a toaster until golden brown.
11
Assemble the burger. Spread a layer of the relish mayo on the bottom bun, followed by dill pickle slices.
12
Stack the two cheese-covered patties on the bun.
13
Top with sautéed onions (optional) and an extra dollop of sauce.
14
Place the top bun on and serve immediately.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Divide the 1/2 lb beef into two portions and smash each patty thin (1/8 inch) on a hot griddle for maximum surface area and crust development.
Toast the sesame brioche bun cut-side down on the hot griddle just before assembly to prevent sogginess from the relish mayo.
Layer cheese on the bottom patty while still on heat so it begins melting before stacking, then top with the second patty to trap heat and finish the melt.
Mix the relish mayo off-heat so the cayenne and chipotle chili powder distribute evenly without clumping; taste and adjust pepper balance before plating.

Substitutions

Three-pepper gouda → pepper jack cheese (maintains heat and melt)
Sweet pepper relish → roasted red pepper or dill pickle relish (adjust mayo ratio to taste)
Sesame brioche bun → potato bun or buttered kaiser roll (preserve toasted structure)
Cayenne pepper + chipotle chili powder → smoked paprika + 1/4 tsp hot sauce mixed into mayo (similar smoky-spicy profile)

Storage & make-ahead

Assemble and eat immediately for best texture. Burger components (cooked patties, cheese, relish mayo) can be prepared separately and refrigerated up to 1 day; reheat patties gently before assembly.

Common Questions

What does three-pepper gouda taste like?

Three-pepper gouda is a semi-hard Dutch cheese with a mild, creamy base and a spicy kick from black pepper, chipotle, and other peppers. It melts smoothly and adds peppery complexity to burgers.

Can I make the relish mayo ahead of time?

Yes. Mix mayonnaise and sweet pepper relish up to 2 days in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How do I get a crispy smash burger?

Use an 80/20 ground beef blend, form two thin patties instead of one thick one, and press firmly with a spatula immediately after placing on a hot griddle or skillet. This creates a browned crust.

What can I substitute for three-pepper gouda?

Pepper jack, smoked gouda, or aged cheddar with a pinch of cayenne work well. Choose a cheese that melts easily and has some pepper or smoky notes.

Can I use a regular burger bun instead of sesame brioche?

Yes. A regular brioche bun or even a toasted potato bun works. Sesame brioche adds nuttiness and structure, but any sturdy, toasted bun will hold up to the relish mayo and double patty.