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Crispy Smash Burger Quesadillas Recipe with Easy Chipotle Mayo and Pickles

crispy smash burger quesadillas - featured image

A quick and easy recipe combining crispy smash burgers with melty cheese, tangy pickles, and smoky chipotle mayo inside golden quesadillas. Perfect for casual gatherings and a fun twist on classic favorites.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef, 80/20 blend
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil or canola oil
  • 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch size; corn tortillas optional)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or cheddar and Monterey Jack blend)
  • 1 cup thinly sliced dill pickles
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 12 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Make the chipotle mayo: In a small bowl, combine ½ cup mayonnaise, minced chipotle peppers, lime juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and refrigerate for about 10 minutes.
  2. Prepare the beef: Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions (about 2 ounces or 55g each). Form loose balls without packing tightly.
  3. Heat the skillet: Place a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Heat until just before smoking.
  4. Cook the smash burgers: Place two beef balls in the skillet spaced apart. Smash each ball firmly with a spatula until about ¼-inch (6mm) thick. Season with salt and pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes until crispy and browned on edges.
  5. Flip and add cheese: Flip patties carefully, sprinkle about 2 tablespoons shredded cheese on each, and cook 1–2 minutes until cheese melts and patties are cooked through.
  6. Assemble quesadillas: Lay one tortilla flat, spread a thin layer of chipotle mayo over half, layer 2 smash burger patties with melted cheese, add sliced pickles, then fold tortilla over to form a half-moon.
  7. Cook quesadillas: Wipe skillet clean, reduce heat to medium, place folded quesadilla in pan, and cook 2–3 minutes per side, pressing gently, until golden brown and crispy with melted cheese.
  8. Serve: Slice into wedges and serve warm with extra chipotle mayo for dipping.

Notes

Use a heavy spatula to smash burgers thin for crispy edges. Preheat pan well to avoid sticking. Adjust chipotle peppers in mayo for desired heat. Use gluten-free tortillas and vegan mayo for dietary adaptations. Reheat leftovers in skillet to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, quesadilla, chipotle mayo, pickles, crispy, quick recipe, easy dinner, crowd-pleaser