Smoked Southern Smash Sliders

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs Ground beef (80/20 chuck is best)
• 12 Slider buns (potato or brioche rolls)
• 2–3 tbsp Salted Perfection Raleigh Select Blend
• 1 large White onion, finely diced
• 12 slices American cheese
• 2 tbsp Unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup Dill pickle chips
• 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp Ketchup
• 1 tbsp Yellow mustard

Instructions

1. Fire up your griddle to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 400°F). You want that surface hot enough to sear immediately!
2. While the griddle heats, divide your ground beef into 12 equal portions and roll them into loose balls. Do not overwork the meat; keep it tender!
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard to create your slider sauce. Set aside.
4. Spread the diced onions onto a section of the hot griddle with a little oil or butter. Cook them for 2–3 minutes until they start to soften and smell incredible.
5. Place the beef balls directly onto the hot griddle, spacing them out. Immediately smash them flat with a heavy spatula. You want them thin!
6. Generously season the tops of the patties with the Salted Perfection Raleigh Select Blend. The smoked salt and paprika in there are going to create a legendary crust.
7. Cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes until the bottom develops a deep, dark sear. Scrape under the patties firmly to keep that crust intact, then flip them over.
8. Immediately top each patty with a mound of the grilled onions and a slice of American cheese.
9. Place the top half of the slider buns directly onto the melting cheese, and the bottom buns on top of those (cut side down). This steams the buns and makes them pillowy soft. Let them cook for another minute.
10. Remove the bottom buns from the stack, swipe them with your sauce, and scoop the patty-cheese-bun stack right onto the bottom bun.
11. Serve immediately with a pickle on top or on the side. You absolutely crushed this! DUNZO!