Crispy Smash Burger Skewers

Juicy beef bites, melty cheese, pickles, and onions stacked into a fun burger-style appetizer

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 8 slices cheddar cheese, cut into small squares
• 16 pickle slices
• 1 small onion, cut into chunks or thin slices
• 8 small slider buns or toasted bread cubes
• 1 tablespoon butter (for toasting buns, optional)
• Wooden skewers

For the burger sauce (optional but delicious)

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• 1 teaspoon pickle relish
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

1) Prepare the beef

• In a bowl, mix the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Divide the meat into 16 small portions and gently roll them into balls.

2) Smash and cook

• Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
• Place the beef balls in the hot skillet and smash them down with a spatula to create thin mini patties.
• Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side until nicely browned and crispy around the edges.
• During the last minute of cooking, place a small square of cheddar cheese on top of each patty and let it melt.

3) Toast the buns

• Cut slider buns into small pieces if needed.
• Lightly butter and toast them in a pan or oven until golden.

4) Make the sauce

• In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, garlic powder, and paprika until smooth.

5) Assemble the skewers

On each skewer, stack:

1. A toasted bun piece
2. A cheesy smash burger patty
3. A pickle slice
4. A piece of onion
5. Another cheesy burger patty (optional for bigger skewers)
6. Another bun piece on top if you like

6) Serve

• Drizzle or brush with burger sauce, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
• Serve warm.

Tips

• Add crispy bacon pieces if you want extra flavor.
• Use American cheese for a classic smash burger taste.
• If you like spice, add jalapeño slices or a little hot sauce to the burger sauce.
• Great for parties, game nights, or a fun dinner snack.