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Best Spicy Nashville Smash Burger with Crispy Lacy Edges

Spicy Nashville Smash Burger - featured image
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A quick and easy smash burger with thin, crispy lacy edges and a bold Nashville hot spice blend. Perfect for weeknight dinners or game day, this burger delivers juicy, flavorful patties with a spicy kick that builds without overwhelming.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (for spice blend)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (for spice blend)
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (for spicy mayo)
  • ½ teaspoon lemon juice, fresh
  • 4 potato burger buns
  • 8–12 dill pickle slices
  • ½ white onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 slices American cheese (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons butter (for toasting buns)
  • Vegetable oil or clarified butter (for cooking)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the spice blend: In a small bowl, combine cayenne, brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the spicy mayo: In another small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, hot sauce, smoked paprika, and lemon juice. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  3. Form the beef balls: Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces each). Gently roll each into a ball without overworking the meat. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for at least 5 minutes until screaming hot. Add a thin layer of vegetable oil or clarified butter.
  5. Place one beef ball in the hot pan. Immediately press down with a metal spatula using firm, even pressure. Hold for 10-15 seconds until patty is about ¼ inch thick. Do not move it.
  6. Sprinkle a generous pinch of the Nashville hot spice blend over the patty. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until edges are dark brown and lacy.
  7. Slide the spatula under the patty and scrape firmly to release the crispy edges. Flip in one motion. If using cheese, place a slice on top immediately. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and patty is cooked through.
  8. While patties rest, wipe out the pan, add butter, and toast the cut sides of the buns for 30-60 seconds until golden.
  9. Assemble: Spread spicy mayo on both halves of the toasted bun. Place patty on bottom bun, top with pickle slices and thinly sliced onion. Close burger and press down gently. Let rest for a minute before serving.

Notes

Don’t overwork the beef; keep it loose. Preheat the pan for at least 5 minutes. Use a thin metal spatula and press firmly. Do not move the patty while it sears. Scrape firmly when flipping to release crispy edges. Season immediately after smashing. Let patties rest briefly before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Nashville hot, smash burger, crispy edges, spicy burger, weeknight dinner, game day food

Find it online: https://chloeplate.com/best-spicy-nashville-smash-burger-with-crispy-lacy-edges/