This Blackstone Smash Burgers recipe will show you how to achieve a perfectly crispy crust and a tender, juicy interior with each patty. These delectable features make this recipe stand out from your basic grilled burgers. With minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll be set to serve up the perfect diner-style smash burgers right from your backyard in no time.
The Blackstone griddle is an excellent tool for this task, offering a nonstick surface with high even heating to make thin and juicy burgers that easily cook in just minutes. Even better, you’ll enjoy the process of making these burgers just as much as the end result, because cooking them is just as satisfying as sinking your teeth into them.
Smash burgers are an excellent beginner recipe if you’re just getting acquainted with your Blackstone. Soon, this meal will become one of your favorites, smashing its way into your weekly rotation. Though the ingredients are simple and the instructions are straightforward, I’ve included some useful tips and tricks to help simplify the cooking process and avoid common mistakes. And for more burger-based inspiration, be sure to check out the related recipes below to keep the grilling party going in more unique ways.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Speedy Cooking: Smash burgers cooked on the Blackstone are ideal for any time you’re looking for a quick meal. These burgers cook in minutes, making them perfect for any day of the week.
- Consistently Perfect: The crispy sear on the exterior sets these burgers apart, delivering an irresistible texture with each bite. The technique behind it is simple and reliable, guaranteeing mouthwatering results every time.
- Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults love these burgers, and the recipe is simple enough to involve everyone in the cooking process. Even better, they’re so versatile and customizable that from the choice of cheese to a variety of toppings, everyone can enjoy their smash burger exactly the way they want it.
Ingredients in Blackstone Smash Burgers
- 2 pounds Ground Chuck: Perfect for making burgers of all sorts, ground chuck is fattier than traditional ground beef. This helps it hold together more easily and gives it a richer flavor and juicier texture. An 80/20 fat percentage is ideal for these burgers.
- Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: This simple blend of seasonings is all you need to enhance the beef’s natural taste. You can, alternatively, use your favorite burger seasoning, but going simple tends to be the best way to let the meat’s flavors shine through.
- 8 Slices Cheese: Sliced American cheese is classic for smash burgers, but feel free to experiment with your favorite kinds.
- 4 Buns: Opt for high-quality buns sturdy enough to serve as the foundation for your burgers. Potato rolls and brioche buns are great options.
- 1 Medium Yellow Onion: Though optional, caramelized onions are the perfect topping for your smash burgers. And they’re very easy to cook right on your Blackstone.
- 3 Tablespoons Butter: Butter is used for caramelizing the onions as well as adding flavor to the toasted buns.
Instructions for Making Smash Burgers on the Blackstone
1. Preheat and oil the Blackstone, then add the onions: Heat your Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat and lightly coat it with vegetable oil. Then add the sliced onions and 2 tablespoons of butter for sauteing.
2. Caramelize the onions: Frequently turn and flip the onions for 5 minutes or until lightly browned and caramelized. Remove from the griddle and set aside.
3. Portion the Beef: Create even balls of 4 ounces each. Keep the handling to a minimum for the best texture.
4. Smash and Sear: Place the beef on the griddle and press it flat, setting a small piece of parchment paper between each patty and the spatula to avoid sticking. Apply plenty of pressure to get each patty about 1/4 of an inch thick. This is flat enough to cook quickly, but thick enough to not fall apart.
5. Sprinkle the seasoning: Cook for about 2-3 minutes, then before flipping the burgers, sprinkle each patty with even parts salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
6. Flip Burgers: Use a metal spatula to flip each burger patty to cook the other side.
7. Add Cheese: Immediately after flipping, place cheese on the patties to melt. Cook for about 1 – 2 minutes before removing from the griddle.
8. Toast the Buns: Melt 4 tablespoons of butter across the griddle and place your buns, face down directly on top. Toast for about 2-3 minutes to add flavor and texture to complement your smash burgers.
9. Build Your Burger: Add your patty and desired toppings to the bun. Serve right away and enjoy all of the melty, cheesy goodness.
Variations and Substitutions
Cheese Alternatives: Beyond American, there are so many other cheese options you can use to dress up your burgers. Try cheddar to introduce a bold sharpness, or pepper jack for a little heat.
Toppings: Some people like to go a more simple route, opting for just onions, while others like to load their smash burgers up with everything from crispy bacon to lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and even sliced avocado. You can elevate your burger based on your flavor preferences, and the sky’s the limit for what you can create.
Sauces: You can also elevate the flavor of your smash burgers by incorporating a burger sauce. Experiment with everything from classic ketchup and mustard to aioli, BBQ sauce, or a tangy relish.
Tips and Tricks for Making Blackstone Smash Burgers
Keep it Loose: Make sure to handle the meat as little as possible. Overworking the ground beef can lead to tough burgers.
One Flip Only: Wait for that crispy crust to form on the bottom before flipping your burger patties. One flip is all you need to make the perfect smash burger.
Get Creative: Don’t be afraid to mix up the toppings and sauces. What makes this recipe fun is the ability to easily make it your own. Feel free to experiment until you find what works best for you.
Related Recipes
Weight Watchers Turkey Burgers
Blackstone Smash Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 6 tablespoons butter, divided
- 2 lb ground chuck, 80/20 fat ratio
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 8 slices American cheese
- 4 burger buns
Instructions
- Set your Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat and lightly coat it with vegetable oil. Add sliced onions to the griddle with 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Cook onions, frequently turning and flipping, for about 5 minutes or until they’re lightly browned and caramelized. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.
- Divide the ground chuck into 8 even portions, about 4 ounces each, and roll them into balls. Keep handling to a minimum to ensure the best texture.
- Place the burger balls on the hot griddle. Lay a small piece of parchment paper on top of each and smash them flat using a heavy spatula or burger press to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cook for 2-3 minutes without moving them to get a crispy crust.
- Sprinkle each patty with equal parts salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Then, using a metal spatula, flip each patty and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes.
- Immediately after flipping, place a slice of cheese on each patty. Allow it to melt as the patty finishes cooking.
- Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter on the griddle and place your buns, face down, directly on top. Toast for about 2-3 minutes until they’re lightly browned and slightly crispy.
- Start with the bottom bun, add your cooked patty with melted cheese, followed by caramelized onions, and any other toppings you desire. Repeat with a second patty and cap it off with the top bun. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
