Description
Croissant Smash Burgers combine crispy, buttery croissants with thin, flavorful beef patties and a rich homemade sauce. Caramelized onions add sweetness, while garlic butter-toasted buns provide a perfect crunch. This delicious twist on a classic smash burger is quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Burgers
- 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20)
- Iceberg lettuce
- Tomatoes, sliced
- American cheese or sharp cheddar, slices
- Croissants
- Salt and pepper to taste
Caramelized Onions
- 2 large white onions, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup caramelized onions
- 1/4 cup pickles, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp distilled white vinegar or pepperoncini
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Garlic Butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp garlic paste
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, caramelized onions, pickles, salt, pepper, sugar, and vinegar together. Mix well and cover. Refrigerate the sauce while preparing the rest of the ingredients to let the flavors meld.
- Caramelize the Onions: Heat a small pan over low heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter. Add the diced onions, sprinkle with granulated sugar and salt, and cook slowly for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions are soft, golden brown, and sweet. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Form Burger Patties: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (approximately 100g each). Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten into thin, croissant-shaped patties roughly 1/4-inch thick—slightly wider than the buns to account for shrinkage during cooking. Season one side generously with salt and pepper. Keep them chilled until ready to cook.
- Prepare the Croissant Buns: Slice the croissants in half horizontally. Lightly butter the cut sides with the prepared garlic butter mixture made from melted butter, parsley, garlic powder, garlic paste, and salt. Toast the croissant halves cut-side down on a dry skillet or griddle over medium heat until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Burger Patties: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add a thin layer of oil. Cook two patties at a time to avoid overcrowding. Place patties seasoned side down and cook for 2 minutes until browned. Spread a thin layer of mustard on the cooked side. Flip the patties, immediately add a slice of American or sharp cheddar cheese on top, and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the patties are cooked through.
- Assemble the Burgers: Spread a generous amount of the prepared sauce on the bottom croissant bun. Add lettuce, tomato slices, and the cheesy burger patty. Top with more sauce or caramelized onions if desired. Finish with the top croissant bun. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Croissant Smash Burgers!
Notes
- Using croissants as buns adds a rich, buttery flavor and flaky texture compared to regular buns.
- Caramelizing onions takes time but adds natural sweetness that complements the savory beef.
- Cook patties in batches to ensure even browning without steaming.
- If preferred, substitute yellow mustard spread on patties with your favorite mustard variant.
- For best results, use ground beef with 20% fat content to keep patties juicy.
- Customize toppings to your taste with pickles, extra cheese, or different lettuce varieties.
