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Spicy Nashville Smash Burger Recipe
Delilah Cooks

Spicy Nashville Smash Burger Recipe

Spicy Nashville Smash Burger is a bold and delicious burger with crispy beef patties, spicy sauce, and fresh toppings. This Spicy Nashville Smash Burger recipe brings together classic smash burger flavor with Nashville-style heat.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

For Burger Patties
  • pounds ground beef 80/20
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 8 slices cheddar cheese
For Spicy Nashville Sauce
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon pickle juice
For Toppings
  • 4 burger buns
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • ½ cup sliced pickles
  • ½ cup sliced onions
  • 4 tablespoons butter for buns

Method
 

Cooking Instructions for Spicy Nashville Smash Burger
    Prepare the Spicy Sauce
    1. Add mayonnaise, hot sauce, melted butter, cayenne pepper, paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and pickle juice into a bowl. Mix until smooth.
    Prepare the Beef
    1. Divide ground beef into eight equal portions. Roll each portion gently into a loose ball. Avoid pressing too tightly because loose meat creates better texture.
    Toast the Buns
    1. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Spread butter on the burger buns. Toast them until golden and slightly crispy for better flavor.
    Heat the Skillet
    1. Place a cast iron skillet over high heat. Let it become very hot before cooking. A hot pan creates the crispy crust smash burgers are known for.
    Smash the Patties
    1. Place a beef ball into the skillet. Press firmly with a metal spatula until thin. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
    Cook the First Side
    1. Cook the smashed patty for about two minutes without moving it. This creates crispy edges and a flavorful golden crust.
    Flip and Add Cheese
    1. Flip each patty carefully. Add cheddar cheese on top. Cook for another minute until the cheese melts completely over the juicy beef.
    Build the Burger
    1. Spread spicy Nashville sauce on the toasted buns. Add two beef patties, lettuce, pickles, and onions. Layer everything carefully for the perfect burger.
    Serve Fresh
    1. Serve the Spicy Nashville Smash Burger immediately while warm. The crispy beef, melted cheese, and spicy sauce taste best when freshly prepared.

    Notes

    • Use 80/20 ground beef for juicy burgers.
    • Heat the skillet before cooking.
    • Smash the beef only once.
    • Do not move patties while cooking.
    • Use fresh burger buns.
    • Adjust cayenne pepper for your spice level.
    • Toast buns for extra flavor.
    • Use good quality cheese.
    • Add pickles for freshness.
    • Serve immediately after cooking.