Name: Garlicky Onion Smash Burger Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 1 pound ground beef (80/20); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1 small yellow onion, very thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or oil; 4 slices cheddar or American cheese; 4 burger buns; Optional: pickles or lettuce for topping

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If there’s one burger guaranteed to hit all the right notes—savory, juicy, crisp, and loaded with flavor—it’s the Garlicky Onion Smash Burger. Picture a golden, cheesy patty with crispy, caramelized onions smashed right into the beef, slathered with a punchy homemade garlic spread, and nestled in a fluffy bun. Every bite is a tribute to all the best things about diner classics, but with a bold, garlicky twist that makes this burger a must-try for enthusiastic home cooks and burger lovers alike.

Garlicky Onion Smash Burger Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Garlicky Onion Smash Burger is in its simplicity, with each ingredient playing a starring role in either boosting flavor, adding texture, or giving that familiar burger color and aroma everyone craves. Gather these basic ingredients for an extraordinary burger experience.

Ground Beef (80/20): This fat-to-lean ratio delivers juicy, richly flavored patties with those coveted crispy edges.
Salt: Just enough to amplify all the natural meaty goodness.
Black Pepper: A pinch for gentle heat and a savory backbone.
Garlic Powder: Enhances the beef and deepens the burger’s garlicky soul.
Onion Powder: Lends a subtle, sweet-savory note that complements the real onions.
Yellow Onion (very thinly sliced): The secret to sweet, crispy caramelized onions that cook right into the burger.
Unsalted Butter or Oil: Helps achieve that crispy sear and unlocks even more flavor in the onions.
Cheddar or American Cheese: Melts beautifully for that oozing, classic cheeseburger finish.
Burger Buns: Soft, slightly sweet buns provide the perfect cradle for all the fillings.
Mayonnaise: The base for the garlic sauce; adds creaminess and richness.
Yellow Mustard: Cuts through richness with tang and a pop of color.
Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic delivers big, bold, aromatic punch in the spread.
Pickles or Lettuce (optional): Add these for crunch or tang, depending on your mood.

How to Make Garlicky Onion Smash Burger

Step 1: Whip Up the Garlicky Spread

Start your Garlicky Onion Smash Burger off strong with the flavor-packed spread. In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and freshly minced garlic. This quick homemade sauce adds a zippy, creamy kick to every bite and takes just a minute to make. Set it aside so those garlic notes can meld while you get the burgers sizzling.

Step 2: Season and Shape the Patties

Divide your ground beef into four equal balls—no need to shape them perfectly or flatten them just yet. Sprinkle each one generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. These spices may seem simple, but they work magic on the beef, infusing each patty with crave-worthy flavor from edge to center.

Step 3: Smash with Onions for Ultimate Flavor

Preheat a heavy skillet or griddle (cast iron is unbeatable!) over medium-high heat. Add a swirl of butter or oil, and pile the sliced onions into four small mounds. Gently place each beef ball right on top of the onions, then press down firmly with a sturdy metal spatula—smash it flat to about half an inch thick. The beef steams and browns against the onions, letting those edges turn golden and crispy while the onions soften and caramelize right into the meat. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes without moving them.

Step 4: Flip and Add Cheese

When the bottoms are deeply browned and the onions are deliciously caramelized, flip each patty in one swift motion. Immediately top with a slice of cheddar or American cheese so it has time to melt into gooey perfection. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, just until the cheese drapes luxuriously over the burger and it’s cooked through. Your kitchen will already smell like burger bliss!

Step 5: Toast and Build Your Burger

Optionally, toast the buns right in the skillet for added flavor and texture. Slather both sides with your prepped garlic-mayo spread. Now, nestle a hot, cheesy, onion-packed patty on each bottom bun. Finish by adding pickles or lettuce if you like a cool crunch, then crown each with the top bun. Serve these beauties hot, and brace yourself for the juiciest, boldest Garlicky Onion Smash Burger you’ve ever tasted!

How to Serve Garlicky Onion Smash Burger

Garnishes

Get creative with your burger’s final touches! Pickles are a tangy classic, but fresh lettuce or even a slice of juicy tomato add freshness and color. A few thinly sliced red onions or a sprinkle of chopped chives can lend a bit of crunch or bite, while a dusting of extra black pepper makes the presentation pop.

Side Dishes

No burger is complete without a tasty sidekick. Think golden, crispy fries or sweet potato fries for something traditional. For a lighter pairing, a simple green salad tossed with a bright vinaigrette balances out the burger’s richness. If you’re feeling adventurous, thick-cut onion rings echo the flavors of the Garlicky Onion Smash Burger in every crunchy bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your burger night unforgettable with a DIY smash burger bar: set out all the toppings, spreads, and cheese slices so everyone can build their own masterpiece. For a cozy dinner, serve burgers on a wooden platter with a pile of napkins and share-style sides. Or, try mini smash burgers for parties—they’re everything you love about the Garlicky Onion Smash Burger, just more bite-sized and fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Garlicky Onion Smash Burgers (a rare occurrence!), wrap cooled patties tightly in foil or an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store buns and condiments separately for best results.

Freezing

Smash burger patties freeze surprisingly well. Place cooked, cooled patties between parchment sheets in a zip-top freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat patties in a hot skillet for a few minutes per side—this brings back the crispy edges that make the Garlicky Onion Smash Burger so irresistible. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it softens the edges and the cheese may become rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Absolutely! Cheddar and American cheese are classics because they melt so well, but feel free to swap in Swiss, pepper jack, or provolone to suit your taste or add an extra kick.

Do I have to use a cast iron skillet?

While cast iron helps create those crispy edges and even browning, any heavy-bottomed skillet will do the trick for the Garlicky Onion Smash Burger. A griddle is another fantastic choice if you’re cooking for a crowd.

Is it possible to make these burgers gluten-free?

Definitely! Simply use your favorite gluten-free buns, and double-check that your condiments are gluten-free. All the burger toppings, beef, onions, and cheese are naturally gluten-free.

Can I make the garlicky spread in advance?

Yes, and it’s a great way to let the flavors intensify! Whip up the spread and store it in a covered dish in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s also delicious as a dip for fries or veggies.

How can I get my onions sliced super thin?

The secret is a really sharp knife or a mandoline slicer. Thinner onions cook faster and caramelize beautifully, making every bite of the Garlicky Onion Smash Burger melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Final Thoughts

The Garlicky Onion Smash Burger is a game-changer for burger night, combining bold flavors, irresistible textures, and easy-to-follow steps that just might make it your new favorite too. Take a leap, give it a try, and savor every juicy, garlicky, oniony bite—you’ll see why everyone raves about this burger!

Garlicky Onion Smash Burger Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 burgers 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Garlicky Onion Smash Burgers. Crispy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, these diner-style burgers are a must-try for any burger lover.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Garlicky Spread:

2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon minced garlic

For the Burger:

1 pound ground beef (80/20)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 small yellow onion, very thinly sliced
1 tablespoon unsalted butter or oil
4 slices cheddar or American cheese
4 burger buns
Optional: pickles or lettuce for topping

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Instructions

Prepare the Garlicky Spread: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, mustard, and minced garlic. Set aside.
Shape and Season the Patties: Divide the ground beef into 4 balls and season each with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Smash and Cook: Heat a skillet, add butter/oil, place beef balls on sliced onions, smash flat, cook until crispy, then flip, add cheese, and cook until melted.
Assemble the Burgers: Toast buns, spread garlicky mayo on each side, place patties on bottom buns, add optional toppings, and top with remaining buns.
Serve: Serve hot and enjoy!