Three Pepper Gouda Smash Burger

Divide the ground beef into two 1/4 lb portions and form each into a loose ball.

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.

Preheat a stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the pan is very hot and starts to shimmer.

Lightly coat the hot pan with cooking spray. Place one beef ball in the center of the pan.

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.

Season the top of the patty generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

Cook for about 1-2 minutes until a crust forms, then scrape the patty off the pan and flip it.

Immediately place a slice of three pepper gouda cheese on top of the patty. Cook for another minute until the cheese is fully melted.

Remove the patty from the pan. Clean the pan and repeat the cooking process for the second patty.

Toast the inside of the brioche bun halves in the skillet or a toaster until golden brown.

Assemble the burger. Spread a layer of the relish mayo on the bottom bun, followed by dill pickle slices.

Stack the two cheese-covered patties on the bun.

Top with sautéed onions (optional) and an extra dollop of sauce.

Place the top bun on and serve immediately.