Crispy Smash Burgers with Special Sauce

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef, 80/20 (fat content matters here)
• 8 slices American cheese
• 4 potato hamburger buns, toasted with butter
• Salt and black pepper
• 1 tbsp neutral oil, for the pan
• Toppings: thinly sliced onion, dill pickle chips, shredded lettuce
• Special sauce: 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1 1/2 tbsp ketchup, 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish, 1 tsp yellow mustard, 1/2 tsp white vinegar, 1/4 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

1. 1

   Stir the special sauce ingredients together in a small bowl and refrigerate while you cook.

2. 2

   Divide the beef into 8 equal loosely formed balls, about 3 oz each. Don't pack them tightly.

3. 3

   Heat a cast-iron skillet or flat griddle over medium-high to high heat for 3 to 4 minutes, until very hot. Add a thin film of oil.

4. 4

   Place 2 or 3 beef balls in the pan, spaced apart. Immediately press each one down flat with a sturdy spatula, holding it for 10 seconds so it spreads to about 4 inches and stays thin.

5. 5

   Season the tops generously with salt and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes without moving, until the edges are dark brown and crisp.

6. 6

   Scrape under the patty with the spatula, keeping the crust intact, and flip. Immediately top with cheese. Cook for 30 to 45 seconds more.

7. 7

   Stack two patties per burger on a toasted bun with sauce and your toppings. Repeat with the remaining beef.