July 4, 2026 · 10 min

Crispy Smashed Cheddar Burgers with Old Bay Broccoli and Special Sauce

Side Dish10 min2867 cal / serving

These smashed burgers are all about texture-ultra-thin patties with crispy, craggy edges that form when you press seasoned beef balls into a hot pan. Topped with gooey white cheddar, caramelized onions and a homemade special sauce, they’re sandwiched between soft potato buns.

On the side, roasted broccoli gets a kick from Old Bay seasoning, making this a complete meal that’s sure to impress. The special sauce doubles as a dip for the broccoli, so every bite is packed with flavor.


Recipe details

Side Dish10 min2867 cal / serving2 servings

Nutrition per serving

Calories2867 kcalProtein37.4 gFat254.4 gCarbs100 gSugar72.8 gFiber4.3 gSodium1519 mg

Dietary labels

Gluten-free: noLactose-free: noDairy-free: no

Allergen check

Gluten / wheat: containsMilk / dairy: containsEgg: containsFish: not detectedShellfish: not detectedPeanut: not detectedTree nuts: not detectedSoy: containsSesame: not detectedMustard: containsCelery: not detectedSulphites: not detectedLupin: not detectedMolluscs: not detected

Values are calculated per serving from ingredient amounts and the ingredient nutrition reference per 100g. Allergen and diet labels use available ingredient metadata and name matching; always check product labels for strict diets or allergies. Some ingredient amounts or nutrition values were incomplete, so this is marked as a partial estimate.


Ingredients

Potatoesounce PotatoesView ingredient guide
Onion1 unit OnionView ingredient guide
White Cheddar Cheese0.5 cup White Cheddar CheeseView ingredient guide
Ground Beef10 ounce Ground BeefView ingredient guide
Ketchup1 unit KetchupView ingredient guide
Broccoli1 unit BroccoliView ingredient guide
Mayonnaise2 tablespoon MayonnaiseView ingredient guide
Potato Buns2 unit Potato BunsView ingredient guide
Dijon Mustard2 teaspoon Dijon MustardView ingredient guide
Black Pepperteaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guide
Sugar1 teaspoon (tsp) SugarView ingredient guide
Cooking Oil4 teaspoon (tsp) Cooking OilView ingredient guide
Saltteaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guide

Instructions

  1. Adjust rack to top position and preheat oven to 425°F. Wash and dry produce. Cut potatoes into ½-inch-thick wedges. Halve, peel and thinly slice onion.
  2. Toss potatoes on a baking sheet with a drizzle of oil and half the Old Bay Seasoning (you’ll use more later). Season lightly with salt and pepper. Roast on top rack until browned and crispy, 20-25 minutes.
  3. While potatoes roast, heat a large drizzle of oil in a large, preferably nonstick, pan over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and softened, 8-10 minutes. Add 1 tsp sugar and a splash of water; cook until onion is caramelized and jammy, 2-3 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper. Turn off heat; transfer to a small bowl.
  4. In a second small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard and as much remaining Old Bay Seasoning as you like. Set aside. Form beef into two equal-size balls; season all over with salt and pepper.
  5. Heat a drizzle of oil in the pan used for onion over medium-high heat. Once hot, add beef. Firmly flatten each ball with a spatula to create very thin patties. Cook to desired doneness, 3-4 minutes per side. In the last 1-2 minutes, top patties with cheddar; cover pan to melt cheese. Remove from heat.
  6. While patties cook, halve and toast buns. Divide buns between plates and fill with patties, caramelized onion and half the special sauce. Serve burgers with Old Bay fries on the side and remaining special sauce for dipping.

Recipe Tips

For extra crispy edges, make sure the pan is hot before adding the beef patties.

Don’t worry if the patties aren’t perfectly round-the irregular edges get wonderfully crispy.

Adjust the amount of Old Bay in the special sauce to your taste.

FAQ

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, you can substitute white cheddar with provolone, Monterey Jack or any melting cheese you prefer.

Can I make the special sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The special sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Fresh broccoli is recommended for best texture, but frozen can be used. Thaw and pat dry before roasting to avoid excess moisture.

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