1. Prepare the Croissants:

• If you're using store-bought mini croissants, you can warm them slightly in the oven to make them crispier and more structured for holding the burger. Slice them in half horizontally to create the top and bottom buns.

2. Prepare the Big Mac Sauce:

• In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, sweet relish, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

• Mix everything well until smooth, then set aside.

3. Prepare the Garlic Butter:

• In a bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well. Set aside.

4. Cook the Smash Burgers:

• Shape ground beef into small, football shaped patties so they fit well inside a mini croissant. Season with salt and pepper.

• Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat until it's very hot.

• Place the beef patties in the skillet, leaving space between each one.

• Immediately smash each ball down using a spatula or a burger press, creating a thin patty. Press hard enough to get a nice crispy edge, but not so much that it’s too thin.

• Cook for 2-3 minutes until the edges are crispy and brown. Don’t flip the patties just yet.

5. Add the Cheese:

• If you're adding cheese, place a slice on each patty after 2-3 minutes of cooking. Cover the skillet with a lid for a minute to melt the cheese.

6. Build the Croissant:

• In another large pan on medium heat, coat the bottom outside of the mini croissant and place inside the pan. Top with some big mac sauce, your patty, and some more sauce and then your top bun.

• Brush the top bun with some garlic butter and press down with the back side of your spatula.

• Flip and do the same on the other side, almost like a grilled cheese. Remove from pan once toasted on both sides.

7. Serve:

• Serve the mini croissant smash burgers immediately, and enjoy the perfect combination of flaky croissant and juicy, crispy burger!