Smash Burgers with White Cheddar, Caramelized Onions and Old Bay Fries

These smash burgers are all about texture. By pressing seasoned ground beef into a hot skillet, you get beautifully crispy, craggy edges while the inside stays juicy. Topped with melted white cheddar and sweet caramelized onions, then tucked into soft potato buns with a tangy special sauce, every bite is pure bliss.

On the side, crispy fries get a boost from Old Bay seasoning, making them the perfect partner. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a backyard cookout, this recipe delivers big flavor with simple steps.

Log in to save recipes and build weekly shopping lists.

Ingredients

12 ounce PotatoesView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit OnionView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 cup White Cheddar CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Old Bay SeasoningView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit KetchupView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon MayonnaiseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

10 ounce Ground BeefView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 unit Potato BunsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 teaspoon Dijon MustardView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon (tsp) SugarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 teaspoon (tsp) Cooking OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Cut potatoes into ½-inch thick fries. Toss with 1 tablespoon oil, Old Bay seasoning and a pinch of salt. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
2. While fries bake, slice onion into thin rings. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and caramelized, about 10-12 minutes. Sprinkle with sugar and a pinch of salt during the last 2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
3. In a small bowl, combine ketchup, mayonnaise and Dijon mustard to make the special sauce. Set aside.
4. Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 2.5 ounces each). Roll each into a ball. Season generously with salt and pepper.
5. Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in the same skillet over high heat. Place beef balls in the skillet, spacing them apart. Using a spatula, press each ball firmly into a thin patty (about ¼ inch thick). Cook without moving for 2-3 minutes, until edges are crispy and browned.
6. Flip patties and immediately top each with shredded white cheddar cheese. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, until cheese melts and patties are cooked to desired doneness.
7. Toast potato buns in the skillet or under the broiler until lightly golden.
8. Assemble burgers: spread special sauce on bottom buns, add patties with melted cheese, top with caramelized onions and close with top buns. Serve with Old Bay fries on the side.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, provolone or American cheese also melt well and complement the flavors.

How do I make the fries extra crispy?

Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes, then dry thoroughly before baking.

Can I prepare the special sauce ahead?

Absolutely! The sauce keeps in the fridge for up to a week.