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Flavorful Nashville Hot Smash Burger Sliders with Honey Butter Brioche Buns

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These sliders combine the fiery kick of Nashville hot sauce with buttery honey butter brioche buns for a juicy, spicy, and comforting bite. Perfect for quick weeknight meals or parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef, 80/20 blend
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Vegetable oil or neutral cooking oil (for the griddle)
  • 4 tablespoons cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
  • Pickles (optional)
  • Shredded iceberg lettuce (optional)
  • Sliced red onions (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the honey butter brioche buns: In a large bowl, whisk together warm milk, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Add the eggs, honey, sugar, salt, and softened butter to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a sticky dough forms. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  2. Shape and proof buns: Punch down the dough gently and divide into 10-12 equal pieces (about 2 ounces each). Shape each into a smooth ball and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely and let them rise again for 45 minutes.
  3. Bake the buns: Preheat oven to 375°F. Brush buns with egg wash for a golden finish. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped. Cool on a wire rack. Optionally, brush with melted butter for extra softness and shine.
  4. Make the Nashville hot sauce: In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Whisk in cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, and salt. Keep warm on very low heat, stirring occasionally.
  5. Prepare the smash burgers: Heat cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat (about 400°F). Divide ground beef into 10-12 equal balls (around 2 ounces each). Add a little oil to the pan and place 2-3 balls on the skillet without crowding. Using a heavy spatula or burger press, smash each ball down firmly to about 1/4 inch thickness. Season immediately with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until edges are crispy and bottom is browned. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until cooked …
  6. Assemble the sliders: Brush the cooked patties generously with the warm Nashville hot sauce. Slice the brioche buns horizontally. Layer patties on the buns, add pickles, shredded lettuce, and sliced onions if desired. Top with the bun crown and serve immediately.

Notes

If hot sauce thickens too much, add a splash of melted butter or water to loosen. Smash patties quickly on a screaming hot skillet for crispy edges. Avoid overworking beef to keep patties tender. Let buns cool completely before slicing to prevent squishing. Can substitute gluten-free flour or vegan butter for dietary needs.

Nutrition

Keywords: Nashville hot sauce, smash burger, sliders, honey butter brioche buns, spicy burgers, homemade buns, party food

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/flavorful-nashville-hot-smash-burger-sliders-recipe-easy-homemade-with-honey-butter-brioche-buns/