Ultimate Smashed Burgers with Old Bay Fries and Special Sauce

There’s something magical about a perfectly smashed burger-thin, crispy edges, juicy center and all the toppings you crave. This recipe takes it to the next level with gooey white cheddar, sweet caramelized onions and a tangy special sauce that ties everything together. And let’s not forget the side: crispy potato wedges seasoned with Old Bay for a flavorful kick.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these burgers are sure to impress. The key is to form the beef into balls and smash them flat in a hot pan, creating those irresistible craggy edges. Serve with the fries and extra sauce for dipping and watch everyone reach for seconds.

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Ingredients

1 unit Yellow OnionView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

12 ounce 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 1/2-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 large 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 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 2 equal balls (4 for 4 servings); season all over with salt and pepper.
5. Heat a drizzle of oil in the same pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add beef balls. Firmly flatten each with a spatula to create very thin patties. Cook until desired doneness, 3-4 minutes per side. In the last 1-2 minutes, top patties with shredded cheddar; cover pan to melt cheese. Remove from heat.
6. While patties cook, halve and toast the potato 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 sauce for dipping.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute white cheddar with provolone, mozzarella or your favorite melting cheese.

Can I make the fries in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Toss the potato wedges with oil and seasoning, then air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through.

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

Make sure the pan is hot before adding the beef and use enough oil. A nonstick pan also helps.