Crispy Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Burger
A quick and easy smash burger featuring crispy dill pickles, tangy ranch dressing, and a perfectly smashed, crispy-edged beef patty for a delicious homemade burger experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
- Thick-cut dill pickles, sliced
- 4 brioche burger buns
- 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- Butter, for toasting buns
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought)
- Optional toppings: sliced red onions, shredded lettuce, tomato
- For homemade ranch dressing: ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped), 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, salt and pepper t…
Instructions
- Prepare the ranch dressing (if making homemade): In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh dill, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Chill while prepping the rest.
- Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions and loosely roll into balls without packing tightly.
- Heat a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed frying pan over medium-high heat and add a teaspoon of oil. Heat until it just starts to smoke lightly.
- Spread softened butter on the cut sides of the brioche buns. Place them butter-side down on the skillet and toast until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Place each beef ball on the hot skillet. Using a metal spatula, press down firmly until the patty is about ¼ inch (6 mm) thick. Hold for 10 seconds, then release.
- Immediately season the patties with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until edges are brown and crispy.
- Flip the patties carefully, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each, and cook another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and patties are cooked through but still juicy.
- Assemble the burgers by spreading a generous layer of ranch dressing on the bottom bun, adding the cheesy patty, layering with two thick dill pickle slices, optional onion or lettuce, then topping with the bun crown.
- Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the contrast of crispy edges, creamy ranch, and crunchy pickles.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the skillet to maintain high heat and achieve crispy edges. Press and hold the patties firmly for about 10 seconds to create the signature crispy crust. Toast buns with butter to prevent sogginess. For gluten-free option, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. Ranch dressing can be made ahead and stored up to a week. Reheat leftovers gently in skillet or oven to preserve crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 575
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 850
- Fat: 38
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: smash burger, dill pickle burger, ranch dressing burger, crispy burger, easy burger recipe, homemade burger, quick dinner