You’re going to love this Hodgepodge Sweet Corn Smash Burger. Two thin smash patties topped with American cheese are finished with a bright, creamy sweet corn relish and a tangy homemade burger sauce for a memorable, craveable burger. This version reflects the popular sandwich served from our Hodgepodge food truck and is easy to prepare at home.
Find the burger at our food truck, Hodgepodge, parked outside Forgotten Star Brewing Co. in Fridley, Minnesota, or make it at home using the recipe below.
Get this Recipe at Hodgepodge
Hodgepodge is a Midwest-inspired mobile kitchen offering approachable, ingredient-forward comfort food. This sweet corn smash burger has quickly become one of our most popular items—two stacked smash patties, melty American cheese, a dollop of house burger sauce, and a vibrant sweet corn relish that cuts through the richness. If you live in the Twin Cities, stop by to try it; otherwise, follow the recipe here to recreate it at home.
Ingredients for Sweet Corn Smash Burgers
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
This relish is bright and versatile. It works beautifully on the burgers, but you’ll find extra is great on brats, as a chip dip, or stirred into a salad.
Special Burger 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
The sauce combines creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet elements that complement the charred smash patties and the sweet corn relish.
Smash Patties & Other Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef (for four servings; use a high-quality grind)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 8 slices American cheese
- 12 pickle rounds
- 4 burger buns (brioche recommended)
Top Tips for the Perfect Sweet Corn Smashie
- Choose good beef: Use fresh, high-quality ground beef for the best flavor and juiciness.
- High heat and no added oil: Heat a cast-iron pan or flat top to at least 450°F. Don’t oil the pan before smashing—this helps develop the crispy, caramelized edges that define a smash burger.
- Work in batches: Cook two patties at a time to avoid overcrowding and ensure a hot surface for proper searing.
- Save extra relish: Expect leftover corn relish—use it as a side, a topping for other sandwiches, or a chip dip.
- Ideal bun: Choose a soft brioche or classic burger bun that holds up to juices and toppings without falling apart.
Instructions
- Prepare the corn relish: In a bowl, toss the sliced white onion with the white wine vinegar, salt, and sugar. Add the corn kernels, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and chopped dill. Mix until combined and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Make the sauce: Combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, ketchup, finely minced yellow onion, grated dill pickles, pickle juice, and sugar in a bowl. Stir until smooth and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Heat your cooking surface: Preheat a cast-iron skillet or flat top over high heat to at least 450°F.
- Form the meat: Place the ground beef and salt in a large bowl and gently mix. Portion the meat into 2 oz balls (a food scale is helpful). Leave them loosely packed—don’t overwork the meat.
- Smash and sear: Place two meat balls in the hot pan. Using a stiff metal spatula, press each ball firmly to a thickness of about ¼ inch. Cook for 30 seconds, flip, and immediately place a slice of American cheese on each patty. Cook another 30 seconds, then remove the patties. Repeat until all patties are cooked and cheese is melted.
- Assemble the burgers: On the bottom bun, place one patty, then three pickle rounds. Top with the second patty, spread 1–2 tablespoons of burger sauce, and spoon 2–3 tablespoons of sweet corn relish over the top. Add the top bun and serve immediately.
Additional Toppings
These burgers are delicious as written, but feel free to customize:
- Caramelized onions
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Sliced white onion
- Extra pickles
- Leaf lettuce
- Ketchup or extra burger sauce
- Fried egg for a breakfast-style burger
Storage
Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–5 days. Keep the buns, burger sauce, and corn relish stored separately to maintain texture and freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these burgers with simple grilled or roasted sides to complete the meal. Great options to cook on the grill alongside the burgers include:
- Grilled carrots
- Grilled zucchini
- Peppers and onions
- Grilled asparagus
- Baked potatoes in foil
- Balsamic grilled Brussels sprouts
- Foil-pack red potatoes
Nutrition
Nutrition (approximate per serving): Calories: 685 kcal; Carbohydrates: 46 g; Protein: 28 g; Fat: 44 g; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 16 g. Nutrition information is an approximation and will vary with ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Tips & Notes
- For a crisp edge and deep flavor, work with a very hot pan and a sturdy metal spatula when smashing.
- Do not add oil to the pan before searing; the beef’s fat will render and contribute to browning.
- Cook in small batches so each patty gets a proper sear.
- Reserve extra relish for other uses—it’s especially good on grilled sausages and as a dip.