Smash Burger Onion Jam is the secret ingredient that takes your sliders from ordinary to extraordinary. These sliders are not just a meal; they are a flavor-packed experience that will impress everyone at your next gathering. With sweet and savory notes, this recipe combines beautifully caramelized onions with juicy beef for an unforgettable bite. Let’s dive into how to create these amazing Smash Burger Onion Jam sliders!
Why You’ll Love This Smash Burger Onion Jam
You’ll absolutely adore these sliders because they are:
- Perfectly portioned for gatherings.
- Easy to make, requiring just an hour of your time.
- Packed with a savory onion jam that elevates the flavor.
- Versatile enough for various toppings and sauces.
- Ideal for any occasion, from barbecues to weeknight dinners.
- A hit with both kids and adults alike.
- Made with quality ingredients for a gourmet touch.
- Pair well with side dishes like fries or salads.
This recipe is categorized under American cuisine and utilizes grilling as the method, making it a perfect choice for summer cookouts.
Ingredients for Smash Burger Onion Jam
Gather these items:
- 1 lb 80/20 ground chuck beef
- 12 brioche slider buns or potato rolls
- 12 American cheese slices
- 2 large sweet onions (Vidalia or Walla Walla, or regular yellow onions)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- Coarse sea salt to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- Optional special sauce (mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, sugar, pickle relish or apple cider vinegar)
How to Make Smash Burger Onion Jam Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Slice the onions thinly.
- Step 2: Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook for 15-20 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Step 3: Add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar to the pot. Stir well and cook on low heat for another 30-45 minutes, stirring every 5-10 minutes until deep golden-brown and jammy. If too dry, add a splash of water or beef broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 4: Gently divide the ground beef into 1.5 to 2-ounce portions and roll into loose balls. Season generously with coarse sea salt and black pepper.
- Step 5: Heat a cast-iron griddle or heavy skillet over high heat for 5-7 minutes. Optionally brush with neutral oil.
- Step 6: Place a few beef balls on the hot griddle, cover with parchment paper, and smash each ball into a thin patty. Cook for 1.5-2 minutes until crispy edges form. Season the top side with salt and pepper, then flip the patty.
- Step 7: Immediately place a slice of American cheese on each patty and cook for another 30-60 seconds until melted.
- Step 8: While the last batch of burgers cooks, butter the cut sides of the slider buns and toast them face down on the griddle for 30 seconds to 1 minute until golden.
- Step 9: Spread optional special sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun, add a hot cheesy smash burger patty, top with a spoonful of onion jam, and crown with the top bun. Serve immediately!
Pro Tips for the Best Smash Burger Onion Jam
Keep these in mind:
- Use fresh onions for the best flavor.
- Don’t rush the onion cooking process; patience is key for caramelization.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for unique flavors.
- Consider adding a splash of whiskey to the onion jam for a gourmet twist.
Best Ways to Serve Smash Burger Onion Jam
Here are some great ideas for serving:
- Pair with crispy fries or sweet potato wedges.
- Serve alongside pickles for an added crunch.
- Top with a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
How to Store and Reheat Smash Burger Onion Jam
If you have leftovers, store the onion jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop. This makes it perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy these sliders on another day!
Frequently Asked Questions About Smash Burger Onion Jam
What’s the secret to perfect Smash Burger Onion Jam?
The secret lies in the slow cooking of the onions. Taking your time allows the natural sugars to caramelize, resulting in a rich, savory flavor that enhances your burgers.
Can I make Smash Burger Onion Jam ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the onion jam a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before serving for maximum flavor.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Smash Burger Onion Jam?
One common mistake is rushing the cooking process. Take your time to caramelize the onions properly, as this step is crucial for achieving that perfect sweet and savory balance.
Variations of Smash Burger Onion Jam You Can Try
Feel free to experiment with these variations:
- Use red onions for a sharper taste.
- Add different herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic touch.
- Mix in some balsamic glaze for an extra layer of flavor.
- Make a spicy version by including chopped jalapeños or hot sauce.
For more delicious recipes, check out our Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil or Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa.
For more tips on cooking with onions, visit Healthline’s article on the benefits of onions.
For more recipes, you can also explore Homemade Tomato Sauce and Caprese Salad for fresh ideas!
Print
Smash Burger Onion Jam: 12 Irresistible Sliders to Savor
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Diet: None
Description
These Smash Burger Onion Jam Sliders are not just another burger recipe; they’re a flavor-packed experience! Perfectly portioned and irresistibly delicious, they are sure to impress at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 lb 80/20 ground chuck beef
- 12 brioche slider buns or potato rolls
- 12 American cheese slices
- 2 large sweet onions (Vidalia or Walla Walla, or regular yellow onions)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- Coarse sea salt to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- Optional special sauce (mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, sugar, pickle relish or apple cider vinegar)
Instructions
- Slice the onions thinly.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook for 15-20 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar to the pot. Stir well and cook on low heat for another 30-45 minutes, stirring every 5-10 minutes until deep golden-brown and jammy. If too dry, add a splash of water or beef broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently divide the ground beef into 1.5 to 2-ounce portions and roll into loose balls. Season generously with coarse sea salt and black pepper.
- Heat a cast-iron griddle or heavy skillet over high heat for 5-7 minutes. Optionally brush with neutral oil.
- Place a few beef balls on the hot griddle, cover with parchment paper, and smash each ball into a thin patty. Cook for 1.5-2 minutes until crispy edges form. Season the top side with salt and pepper, then flip the patty.
- Immediately place a slice of American cheese on each patty and cook for another 30-60 seconds until melted.
- While the last batch of burgers cooks, butter the cut sides of the slider buns and toast them face down on the griddle for 30 seconds to 1 minute until golden.
- Spread optional special sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun, add a hot cheesy smash burger patty, top with a spoonful of onion jam, and crown with the top bun. Serve immediately!
Notes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg











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