Cheddar-and-Onion Smashed Burgers

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Ingredients

1. 16 thin bread-and-butter pickle slices, patted dry
2. Four 4-inch potato buns, buttered and toasted
3. 1 1/4 pounds ground beef chuck (30 percent fat)
4. Salt and freshly ground pepper
5. 2 small onions, sliced paper thin
6. 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, sliced
7. Umami dust, for sprinkling (optional, see Note)

1. Heat a cast-iron griddle until very hot. Layer the pickle slices on the bottom buns.
2. Without overworking the meat, loosely form it into 4 balls and place them on the griddle. Cook the meatballs over moderately high heat for 30 seconds. Using a sturdy large spatula, flatten each ball into a 5-inch round patty. Season the patties with salt and pepper and cook for 2 minutes, until well seared. Press a handful of sliced onions onto each patty. Using the spatula, carefully flip each burger so the onions are on the bottom. Top with the cheese and cook for 2 minutes. Cover with a roasting pan and cook just until the cheese is melted, 1 minute more. Transfer the burgers with the onions to the buns and sprinkle with umami dust. Top with the buns and serve.