Hot Pickle Burger with Melted Loaded Pickle Topping

Chef Cynthia
Servings

4 burgers

Prep Time

25 minutes

Cook Time

10 minutes

Cuisine

Modern American

Category

Main Course

This burger leans all the way into contrast—crisp-edged beef, molten creamy topping, and a punch of briny heat that cuts through the richness. The loaded pickle topping eats like a warm dip crossed with a sauce, melting into the patty and locking everything together. It’s bold, a little messy, and absolutely built for people who think pickles deserve center stage. Hot Pickle is available exclusively at Walmart.
Hot Pickle Burger with Melted Loaded Pickle Topping recipe

Ingredients

    Smash Burgers

    • 1½ lb 80/20 ground beef (divided into 4 loose 6 oz balls)
    • 2 Tbsp Spiceology Hot Pickle seasoning
    • 4 brioche buns
    • Soft butter, for toasting

    Loaded Pickle Topping

    • ¾ cup pickles, drained and finely chopped
    • 1½ Tbsp pickle juice
    • 1 small jalapeño, finely minced
    • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
    • ½ cup cooked bacon, finely chopped
    • 2 Tbsp sour cream
    • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
    • 1 cup shredded triple cheese blend
    • 2 tsp Spiceology Really Ranch seasoning
    • 1 Tbsp hot sauce

    Directions

      Loaded Pickle Topping

      1. In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth and free of lumps.
      2. Add sour cream and mix until fully incorporated. Stir in shredded cheese, Really Ranch seasoning, pickle juice, and hot sauce until evenly combined.
      3. Fold in chopped pickles, jalapeño, green onions, and bacon until well distributed.
      4. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. (Can be made ahead; bring slightly toward room temp for easier melting.)

      Smash Burgers

      1. Heat a flat top, cast iron pan, or grill over medium-high heat until very hot.
      2. Butter cut sides of buns and toast until golden brown. Set aside.
      3. Place beef balls onto the hot surface and immediately smash into thin patties (about ¼-inch thick). Season the top side with Hot Pickle seasoning.
      4. Cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes, until a deep brown crust forms around the edges.
      5. Flip patties and cook an additional 1–2 minutes.
      6. Spoon 2–3 oz of loaded pickle topping onto each patty. Cover with a dome or lid and cook for 60–90 seconds, until warmed through and melted.
      7. Transfer patties to toasted buns and serve immediately.
      Recipe Products
      Blend

      Really Ranch Salt-Free Seasoning

      Key Ingredients

      Garlic, Dill Weed, Citric Acid, Parsley, Dried Chives
      Big Dill Energy: Your Burger Questions Answered

      Very. This burger was built for pickle lovers, featuring Spiceology Hot Pickle Seasoning plus a creamy loaded pickle topping packed with chopped pickles, pickle juice, jalapeños, and Really Ranch Seasoning.

      Absolutely. The topping can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just let it soften slightly before melting it onto your burger for maximum creamy, cheesy goodness.

      Nope! A cast iron skillet works beautifully. The goal is a hot cooking surface that helps create those crispy, caramelized edges that make smash burgers so irresistible.

      Person placing a bun on a burger beside a Spiceology PK Tangy Garlic jar, habanero peppers, and fresh dill on a marble counter