Smash-Style White Cheddar Burgers with Caramelized Onion and Old Bay Fries

These smash-style burgers are all about texture. By pressing seasoned ground beef into thin patties and cooking them until the edges are crispy and craggy, you get that irresistible crunch in every bite. Topped with melted white cheddar and sweet caramelized onions, then tucked into soft potato buns with a tangy special sauce, these burgers are pure comfort.

On the side, crispy oven-baked potato wedges seasoned with Old Bay add a spicy, savory kick. The special sauce doubles as both a burger spread and a dip for the fries, tying the whole meal together. Perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels like a treat.

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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 Vegetable OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon SugarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Adjust an oven rack to the top position and preheat to 425°F. Wash and dry the potatoes. Cut them into ½-inch-thick wedges. Halve, peel and thinly slice the onion.
2. On a baking sheet, toss the potato wedges with a drizzle of oil and half the Old Bay seasoning. Season lightly with salt and pepper (the seasoning already contains salt and pepper). Roast on the top rack until browned and crispy, 20-25 minutes.
3. While the potatoes roast, heat a large drizzle of oil in a medium nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and softened, 8-10 minutes. Stir in 1 teaspoon sugar and a splash of water; cook until caramelized, 2-3 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.
4. In another small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard and remaining Old Bay seasoning to taste. Set aside. Divide the ground beef into 2 equal portions (4 portions for 4 servings) and form each into a ball. Season all over with salt and pepper.
5. Heat a drizzle of oil in the same pan used for the onion over medium-high heat. Add the beef balls and immediately flatten each with a spatula into very thin patties (watch for splattering oil). Cook until desired doneness, 3-4 minutes per side. During the last 1-2 minutes, top each patty with white cheddar and cover the pan until the cheese melts. Remove from heat.
6. While the patties cook, halve and toast the potato buns. Assemble the burgers: place a patty on each bun bottom, top with caramelized onion and a drizzle of the special sauce. Serve the Old Bay fries alongside with the remaining special sauce for dipping.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different cheese?

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

Can I make the fries in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Toss the potato wedges with oil and Old Bay, then air fry at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy.

How do I prevent the burgers from sticking to the pan?

Make sure the pan is hot and well-oiled before adding the beef. Use a nonstick pan if possible and don’t move the patties too early-let them sear before flipping.