Confetti Corn Smash Burger

Prepare to fall absolutely in love with this incredible Sweet Corn Smash Burger! It’s a culinary creation that promises an explosion of flavors and textures, making it truly the best burger you’ll find anywhere. Imagine two perfectly seared smash patties, each blanketed with melted American cheese, then generously topped with an astonishingly fresh sweet corn relish and a rich, tangy homemade burger sauce. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that transforms the classic burger into something truly extraordinary.

For those in the Twin Cities area, you can experience this sensational burger in real life at our beloved food truck, Hodgepodge. We are proudly stationed at the fantastic Forgotten Star Brewing Co. in Fridley, Minnesota, ready to serve up this local legend and many other delicious creations.

Experience the Hodgepodge Sweet Corn Smash Burger

If you haven’t yet heard the exciting news, this spring marked the grand opening of our very own food truck, Hodgepodge, at our absolute favorite brewery here in Minnesota! This venture is a collaborative dream come true, bringing a Midwest mobile kitchen experience to life in partnership with our wonderful friends at Forgotten Star Brewing Co. You’ll find our truck parked conveniently right outside the brewery in Fridley, offering a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for all our guests.

Our menu at Hodgepodge is a heartfelt tribute to Midwest-inspired cuisine, thoughtfully designed as “food-for-all.” This philosophy shines through in every aspect, from the diverse range of menu items to the incorporation of unique, locally-sourced Midwestern ingredients, all offered at an approachable price point. Among our standout offerings, this irresistible Sweet Corn Smash Burger has quickly become an undeniable sensation. It perfectly embodies our commitment to fresh, flavorful, and innovative dishes that resonate with the spirit of the region.

Since its introduction, this burger has consistently been our best seller on the truck, captivating taste buds and garnering rave reviews. If you’re fortunate enough to live in or visit the vibrant Twin Cities, we warmly invite you to come and savor this burger in all its glory. Experience firsthand the harmonious blend of flavors and textures that has made it a local favorite. However, if a trip to Fridley isn’t in your immediate plans, fear not! We are thrilled to share the complete recipe, allowing you to recreate this sensational Sweet Corn Smash Burger right in your own kitchen at home, bringing the Hodgepodge experience to you, wherever you are.

Crafting Your Sweet Corn Smash Burger: Key Ingredients

The magic of our Sweet Corn Smash Burger lies in its perfectly balanced components, each bringing a crucial layer of flavor and texture to the final masterpiece. Let’s delve into the star ingredients that make this burger so unforgettable:

The Signature Burger Sauce

Our renowned burger sauce is a cornerstone of this recipe, requiring just a handful of common ingredients – ten, to be precise! Chances are, you already have most of these staples tucked away in your fridge and pantry. This homemade burger sauce boasts a perfectly tangy and creamy profile, offering a delightful counterpoint to the rich beef patties and the sweetness of the corn relish. Its complex yet approachable flavor makes it an absolutely amazing pairing for any burger, but it truly shines when combined with the unique elements of our sweet corn smashie. Forget store-bought options; once you try this fresh, vibrant sauce, your burger game will be forever changed.

The Irresistible Sweet Corn Relish

If you’ve had the pleasure of visiting Hodgepodge, you already know, without a doubt, that this sweet corn relish is beyond incredible. It’s a revelation! Our patrons have fallen so deeply in love with it that they’re adding it as a vibrant side to dip their potato chips in, using it to elevate a classic bratwurst, and, of course, absolutely relishing it on this signature Sweet Corn Smash Burger. Crafted with the simplest, freshest ingredients, this relish delivers an unbelievably flavorful punch, bursting with the natural sweetness of corn and subtle complementary notes. It’s the unexpected star that makes our burger truly unique, offering a refreshing and texturally exciting contrast that sets it apart from any other burger you’ve tasted.

Perfectly Seared Smash Patties

For the foundation of our burger, we opt for perfectly portioned 1/4 lb. smash patties. The secret, however, is to double up, stacking two juicy patties on each burger for maximum flavor and satisfaction! Each patty is then topped with a slice of classic American cheese – in our humble opinion, it’s simply the best burger cheese for achieving that ultimate, melt-in-your-mouth, gooey goodness. The smashing technique is key here, creating a beautiful crust and locking in those delicious beefy juices. We aim for thin, crispy edges and a tender, flavorful interior, ensuring every bite is a textural delight.

The Essential “Gooood” Bun

Never underestimate the power of a superior bun! A dry, bland, or overly bready bun can tragically undermine an otherwise perfect burger. To truly complement the juicy patties, luscious sauce, and flavorful relish, we wholeheartedly recommend selecting a high-quality brioche bun or a premium burger bun. The ideal bun should possess a delightful squishiness, providing a soft embrace for all the fillings, yet it must be robust enough to hold up beautifully without disintegrating under the delicious pressure of a fully loaded, juicy burger. A great bun provides the perfect textural balance and enhances the overall enjoyment of every single bite.

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Easy Burger Sauce

These sweet corn smash burgers come slathered in our amazing homemade burger sauce. It’s the perfect companion to any burger, enhancing every bite with its tangy, creamy goodness.

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Top Tips for Mastering Your Sweet Corn Smash Burger

Achieving smash burger perfection requires a few crucial techniques and considerations. Follow these expert tips to ensure your homemade Sweet Corn Smashie rivals even the best food truck offerings:

• Don’t Overlook the Quality of Your Beef: The foundation of any great burger is exceptional meat. For optimal flavor and texture, we highly recommend using high-quality ground beef, ideally with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio. This balance provides enough fat to render down and create that sought-after crispy, caramelized crust while keeping the patty juicy and flavorful. Invest in good beef, and your smash burger will thank you.
• Don’t Oil the Pan Before Smashing: This is a common misconception! Unlike traditional burgers, you don’t need to add any additional moisture or oil to the pan before searing your smash burger. The fat rendered from the beef itself, combined with the incredibly high heat, is what creates those iconic crispy edges and deep, flavorful caramelization (the Maillard reaction). Starting with a dry, scorching hot pan allows the beef to truly “smash” and adhere to the surface, forming that irresistible crust.
• Don’t Crowd the Pan with Patties: Patience is a virtue when making smash burgers. To ensure consistent high heat and optimal searing, we typically cook no more than two patties at a time. Crowding the pan will drastically lower the temperature, leading to steamed patties rather than crispy ones. If your pan is large enough to accommodate more without sacrificing heat, feel free to adjust, but prioritizing space and heat is key for that perfect smash.
• Extra Sweet Corn Relish = Perfect Leftovers: You’ll likely find yourself with some extra sweet corn relish after assembling your burgers – and that’s a fantastic thing! This versatile relish is too delicious to waste. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy it as a vibrant side salad, a delicious topping for other grilled meats, or even as a flavorful dipper for potato chips. Its fresh, tangy-sweet profile makes it a delightful addition to countless meals.

Elevate Your Burger: Additional Topping Suggestions

While our Sweet Corn Smash Burger is undeniably delicious served as-is, we firmly believe that every great burger can be personalized and enhanced with fantastic toppings! Feel free to unleash your creativity and add any of the following delectable burger toppings to jazz up your “smashie” even more. These additions can introduce new layers of flavor and texture, complementing the existing profile or taking it in an entirely new direction:

• Caramelized Onions: Sweet, deeply savory, and tender, caramelized onions add a sophisticated depth that pairs wonderfully with the burger’s richness.
• Sautéed Mushrooms: Earthy and umami-rich, sautéed mushrooms bring a robust flavor and a soft, juicy texture that enhances any beef patty.
• Sliced White Onion: For a sharp, piquant crunch and a fresh bite, a few thin slices of raw white onion can cut through the richness beautifully.
• Pickles: Whether you prefer dill or bread-and-butter, pickles offer a bright, acidic tang and a satisfying crispness that is essential for many burger aficionados.
• Relish: Beyond our sweet corn relish, a classic dill relish can offer a different kind of tang and finely chopped texture.
• Ketchup: The timeless, sweet and tangy tomato condiment remains a popular choice for its comforting familiarity.
• Lettuce: Crisp lettuce leaves, like romaine or butter lettuce, add a refreshing coolness and a light crunch without overwhelming the other flavors.
• Fried Egg: For an indulgent twist, adding a perfectly fried egg with a runny yolk transforms your burger into a decadent breakfast burger, or simply a richer, more satisfying meal at any time of day.

Proper Storage for Leftovers

Should you be lucky enough to have any leftovers of these incredible smash patties, proper storage is key to maintaining their quality and flavor. Store any cooked smash patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. It is crucial to always store the burger components separately from the burger buns, the homemade burger sauce, and the sweet corn relish. This prevents the buns from becoming soggy and helps each component retain its optimal texture and freshness when you’re ready to reassemble and enjoy your delicious leftovers.

Complementary Serving Suggestions

Transform your Sweet Corn Smash Burger into a complete and unforgettable meal by pairing it with one of these delightful side dishes. Many of these options are perfect for grilling, allowing you to easily prepare them alongside your smash burgers and streamline your cooking process. These sides are chosen to complement the burger’s robust flavors without overpowering them, offering a balanced and satisfying feast:

• Grilled Carrots: Sweet and tender with a slight char, grilled carrots bring a healthy and flavorful element to your plate.
• Grilled Zucchini: Lightly smoky and perfectly tender, grilled zucchini is a fresh and seasonal accompaniment.
• Easy Grilled Peppers and Onions: A vibrant and sweet medley that offers a wonderful texture and aromatic burst, perfect for grilling next to your patties.
• Easy Grilled Asparagus in Foil: Simple to prepare and bursting with flavor, asparagus cooked in foil remains tender and delicious.
• Baked Potatoes in Foil: Classic and comforting, a perfectly baked potato wrapped in foil can be cooked right on the grill for a hearty side.
• Balsamic Grilled Brussels Sprouts: Crispy and caramelized with a tangy balsamic glaze, these sprouts are a surprisingly delicious addition to a burger meal.
• Foil Pack Red Potatoes: Seasoned and tender, these potatoes cook beautifully in a foil pack on the grill, absorbing all the delicious flavors.

Hodgepodge Sweet Corn Smash Burger

You’ll love this sweet corn smash burger! Two smash patties with American cheese are topped with an incredible sweet corn relish and a homemade burger sauce.

By:
Emily Richter

Prep:
20 mins

Cook:
5 mins

Total:
25 mins

Servings:
4

Ingredients

Sweet Corn Relish

• ½ white onion, sliced
• 1.5 teaspoons white wine vinegar
• ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• 10 oz. corn kernels
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup chopped fresh dill

Special Sauce

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup full-fat Greek yogurt
• ½ cup ketchup
• ¼ yellow onion, finely minced
• 4 small dill pickles, grated
• 3 teaspoons pickle juice
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar

Other Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 8 slices American cheese
• 12 pickle rounds
• 4 burger buns

Instructions

1. Prepare the Corn Relish: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced white onion, white wine vinegar, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon granulated sugar. Toss gently to ensure the onions are well coated. Then, add the corn kernels, mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, and chopped fresh dill. Toss again until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Set this vibrant relish aside to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Whip Up the Special Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine all the ingredients for the special sauce: ¼ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup full-fat Greek yogurt, ½ cup ketchup, ¼ finely minced yellow onion, 4 grated small dill pickles, 3 teaspoons pickle juice, and 1 teaspoon granulated sugar. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Set aside.
   
3. Heat Your Pan: Place a cast iron pan over high heat on your stovetop, or heat a flat top griddle to at least 450ºF (232ºC). It is crucial for the pan to be extremely hot to achieve the perfect smash burger crust.
4. Prepare the Patties: In a large bowl, combine the 1 lb. of ground beef with 2 teaspoons of salt. Gently mix the ingredients together – avoid overworking the meat. Divide the seasoned beef into 8 equal 2 oz. balls. Using a food scale is the easiest and most accurate way to ensure consistent patty sizes. Set these balls aside, ready for smashing.
5. Smash and Cook: Carefully place two beef balls onto the preheated, dry pan. Immediately use a stiff metal spatula or a dedicated burger press to firmly press each burger down to about ¼-inch thick. Apply even pressure to create those signature crispy edges. Cook undisturbed for 30 seconds. Flip the burgers over and immediately place a slice of American cheese on top of each patty. Continue to cook for another 30 seconds, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and the burger has a deep brown crust. Promptly remove the cooked patties from the pan.
   
6. Repeat the Process: Continue repeating step #5 until all eight burger patties have been cooked to perfection. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure each patty achieves that ideal smash and crust.
   
7. Assemble Your Burgers: To assemble, take the bottom half of a burger bun. Place one perfectly cooked, cheesy burger patty on top. Arrange three pickle slices over the patty. Then, add the second cheesy burger patty. Generously spoon 1-2 tablespoons of your homemade special burger sauce over the top patty, followed by 2-3 tablespoons of the sweet corn relish. Crown your masterpiece with the top bun and enjoy every sensational bite of your Hodgepodge Sweet Corn Smash Burger!
   

Tips & Notes

• For optimal flavor, we recommend using high-quality ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio.
• Avoid adding any moisture or oil to the pan before searing to achieve those desired crispy edges on your smash burger.
• Cook only 2 patties at a time to prevent crowding the pan and ensure consistent high heat for proper searing.
• Any leftover sweet corn relish is delicious! Save it for a side salad, add more to future burgers, or use it as a dip for chips.

Nutrition

Calories: 685 kcal

Carbohydrates: 46 g

Protein: 28 g

Fat: 44 g

Fiber: 3 g

Sugar: 16 g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.