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Flavorful Smash Burger Sliders with Caramelized Onion Jam

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These smash burger sliders feature crispy, juicy beef patties paired with a sweet and tangy caramelized onion jam, perfect for quick meals and casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or canola oil (for the griddle)
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 2 cups or 300 g)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • Pinch of salt (for onion jam)
  • Pinch of black pepper (for onion jam)
  • 8 small slider buns, preferably soft and slightly sweet (e.g., King’s Hawaiian)
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese, cut in half
  • Thinly sliced pickles (optional)
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the caramelized onion jam: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions and stir to coat.
  2. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes until the onions turn golden brown and soft. Avoid rushing to prevent burning.
  3. Stir in the brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until thick and jam-like. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Form the burger patties: Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions (about 2 ounces or 55 g each). Gently roll each into a loose ball without overworking the meat.
  5. Heat your skillet or griddle: Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and heat over medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C) until smoking hot.
  6. Smash the burgers: Place 2-3 beef balls on the skillet at a time without crowding. Press down firmly with a spatula to flatten into thin patties about ¼ inch (6 mm) thick.
  7. Cook for 2-3 minutes without moving until edges are crisp and brown.
  8. Flip the patties carefully and immediately place a half slice of cheddar on each. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and burgers are cooked through.
  9. Toast the buns lightly on another pan or the same skillet once burgers are done.
  10. Assemble the sliders: Spread mayonnaise on the bottom bun halves, add the cheesy patty, a spoonful of caramelized onion jam, a few pickle slices if using, then top with the bun.
  11. Serve immediately while hot and fresh.

Notes

Use cold beef for better shape and less shrinking. Don’t press patties after the initial smash to keep them juicy. High heat is essential for crispy edges. Caramelize onions low and slow to avoid burning. Cheese should be added right after flipping patties. Leftover patties and onion jam can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, sliders, caramelized onion jam, easy burger recipe, party food, quick meal

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/flavorful-smash-burger-sliders-with-caramelized-onion-jam-recipe-easy-and-perfect/