# What You'll Need:
→ Caramelized Onions
01 - 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1 teaspoon sugar
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/4 cup beef broth (optional)
→ Smash Burgers
07 - 1.5 pounds ground beef, 80/20 blend
08 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
09 - 8 slices Gruyère cheese
10 - 8 slider buns
→ For Serving
11 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
12 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
13 - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped (optional)
14 - 8 pickle slices (optional)
# Method:
01 - Melt butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions, salt, and sugar, stirring frequently until onions soften and turn golden brown, about 25 minutes. In the final 5 minutes, add beef broth to deepen flavor and scrape up browned bits. Remove from heat and set aside.
02 - Divide ground beef into eight equal portions (approximately 3 ounces each). Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat until very hot. Place meat balls onto the skillet and firmly press with a sturdy spatula to flatten to about 1/2-inch thick. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until edges crisp and brown. Flip patties, top each with caramelized onions and one slice of cheese. Cover and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to melt cheese.
03 - Toast slider buns cut side down in a dry skillet until golden brown. Combine mayonnaise and Dijon mustard, then spread the mixture on the bottom halves of the buns. Place burger patties topped with onions and cheese on each bun. Garnish with chopped chives and a pickle slice if desired. Close with top buns.
04 - Serve sliders immediately while hot for best flavor.
