Name: Croissant Smash Burger
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 large butter croissants, high-quality, fresh if possible; 0.5 pound ground beef, 80/20 blend for optimal flavor and juiciness; Salt, for seasoning the beef; Black pepper, freshly ground preferred; 2 slices American or sharp cheddar cheese, choose your preference; Lettuce, crisp and fresh; 2 thick tomato slices, ripe and juicy; 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon neutral oil, vegetable or canola; Pinch salt, for onions; 3 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon ketchup; 1 teaspoon mustard, yellow or Dijon; 1 tablespoon finely chopped dill pickle; 0.5 teaspoon paprika; 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder; 0.5 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley; Pinch salt, for glaze

Description

This indulgent Croissant Smash Burger features crispy, paper-thin beef patties crowned with melted cheese, caramelized onions, fresh vegetables, and creamy dill sauce, all served between buttery, toasted croissants. Perfect for an elevated weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests who appreciate gourmet comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale

2 large butter croissants, high-quality, fresh if possible
0.5 pound ground beef, 80/20 blend for optimal flavor and juiciness
Salt, for seasoning the beef
Black pepper, freshly ground preferred
2 slices American or sharp cheddar cheese, choose your preference
Lettuce, crisp and fresh
2 thick tomato slices, ripe and juicy
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon neutral oil, vegetable or canola
Pinch salt, for onions
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon mustard, yellow or Dijon
1 tablespoon finely chopped dill pickle
0.5 teaspoon paprika
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
Pinch salt, for glaze

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the Onions: Heat the neutral oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and a pinch of salt, then cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden brown and very soft, about 15-20 minutes. Set aside.
Make the Dill Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, chopped dill pickle, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper, stirring until smooth. Set aside.
Toast the Croissants: Slice each croissant in half horizontally. Place the cut sides down in a pan over medium heat and toast until lightly golden and slightly crisp, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Butter Glaze: In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, chopped fresh parsley, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
Form the Patties: Divide the ground beef into two portions. Place each portion between pieces of parchment paper and press firmly to form very thin, even patties. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
Cook the Beef: Heat a cast iron or stainless steel pan over high heat until very hot. Add the thin patties directly to the hot pan without moving them, cooking until the edges become crispy and deeply browned, about 1-2 minutes. Flip immediately and add the cheese slices. Cook until the cheese is fully melted, about 1-2 minutes longer. Remove and set aside.
Build the Base: Spread the creamy dill sauce generously on the bottom half of each toasted croissant.
Layer the Vegetables: Add a layer of crisp lettuce and a thick tomato slice on top of the sauce.
Add the Beef: Place the hot, cheesy smash patty directly on the vegetables, then top with the caramelized onions. Add more sauce if desired.
Finish and Glaze: Close the burger with the top croissant half and brush the butter parsley glaze generously over the top. Serve immediately while warm, crispy, and glossy.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes