Smash Burger with Caramelized Onion and Old Bay Fries

There’s something magical about a burger with crispy, craggy edges and a juicy center. This smash burger recipe achieves that perfect texture by forming ground beef into balls and pressing them thin in a hot pan. Topped with melted white cheddar and sweet caramelized onion, each bite is a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.

On the side, crispy potato wedges tossed in Old Bay seasoning add a savory, slightly spicy kick. A homemade special sauce—a blend of mayo, ketchup, and Dijon mustard—ties everything together. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a backyard cookout, these burgers are sure to impress.

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Ingredients

1 unit Yellow OnionView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

12 ounce Yukon Gold PotatoesView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit OLD BAY® SeasoningView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon MayonnaiseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon KetchupView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 teaspoon Dijon MustardView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

10 ounce Ground BeefView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 cup White Cheddar CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 unit Potato BunsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Salt, to tasteView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Pepper, to tasteView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 teaspoon Cooking OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon SugarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) with a rack in the top position. Wash and dry produce. Cut potatoes into ½-inch-thick wedges. Halve, peel, and thinly slice the onion.
2. Toss potato wedges on a baking sheet with a drizzle of oil and half the Old Bay seasoning. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Roast on the top rack until browned and crispy, 20–25 minutes.
3. While potatoes roast, heat a drizzle of oil in a medium nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and softened, 8–10 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon sugar and a splash of water; cook until onion is caramelized and jammy, 2–3 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a small bowl.
4. In another small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and remaining Old Bay seasoning to taste. Set aside. Form ground beef into two equal balls; season all over with salt and pepper.
5. Heat a drizzle of oil in the same pan over medium-high heat. Add beef balls and firmly flatten each with a spatula to create very thin patties. Cook 3–4 minutes per side, or to desired doneness. In the last 1–2 minutes, top patties with cheddar cheese; cover the pan until cheese melts. Remove from heat.
6. Halve and toast the potato buns. Divide buns between plates and fill with patties, caramelized onion, and half the special sauce. Serve Old Bay fries on the side with remaining special sauce for dipping.

Useful Cookware

A few helpful kitchen tools for this recipe, with relevant Amazon picks for each item.

Baking sheet

GoodCook Everyday Nonstick Baking Sheet Set, 3 Pack Includes Small (13×9) Medium (15×1) and Large (17×11) Pans Carbon Steel Construction Cookie Sheets Bakeware Set, GrayView on AmazonNutriChef 3-Piece Nonstick Kitchen Oven Baking Pans - Premium & Stylish Non-Stick Steel, Commercial Grade Restaurant Quality Metal Bakeware with Red Silicone Handles - Easy to Clean, NCSBS3SView on AmazonNordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet - USA Made Aluminum Commercial Quality Sheet Pan for Baking or Roasting, Encapsulated Galvanized Steel Rim Prevents Warping, 2-PackView on Amazon

Medium nonstick pan

AmazonShop popular Medium nonstick pan on AmazonView on Amazon

Small bowls

8PCS Cereal Bowl, Ohola Unbreakable Wheat Straw Cereal Bowls, Microwave & Dishwasher Safe Kitchen Bowls for Cereal, Snack, Soup, Salad and Rice, MultiColors, BPA Free, 26oz (Ser of 8)View on AmazonIyulania 1.5 oz Clear Glass Bowl, Mini Prep Dish for Salt and Spices, Dishwasher and Microwave Safe, Stackable, Set of 6View on AmazonDOWAN 22 OZ White Ceramic Bowls Set of 4 - Perfect for Soup Bowls for Kitchen, Cereal Bowl, Ramen Bowl, Microwave Safe for Oatmeal, Fruit,Salad and Rice Bowl - Dishwasher & Microwave SafeView on Amazon

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute white cheddar with another melting cheese like provolone, mozzarella, or American cheese.

Can I make the fries ahead of time?

For best texture, serve the fries immediately. However, you can reheat them in a hot oven for a few minutes to crisp them up.

What can I use instead of Old Bay seasoning?

You can substitute with a mix of paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to mimic the flavor.