Smash burgers cook fast, so have everything prepped before you turn on the griddle. Slice the vegetables, mix the burger sauce, butter the buns, and divide the beef into equal portions. Avoid packing the meat tightly. Loosely formed beef balls create a more tender burger.

Step 1: Make the Burger Sauce

In a small mixing bowl, combine:

½ cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons ketchup

1 tablespoon yellow mustard

1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

¼ teaspoon black pepper

Whisk until completely smooth. Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the burgers. Chilling the sauce for even 15 to 20 minutes gives the flavors time to blend together.

Tip: If you like a tangier sauce, add an extra teaspoon of yellow mustard. For a little heat, stir in a dash of hot sauce.

Step 2: Preheat the Blackstone Griddle

Turn your Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat, aiming for a surface temperature of about 425°F to 450°F.

Allow the griddle to preheat for 8 to 10 minutes. A properly heated cooking surface is the secret to getting that crispy, golden crust.

Lightly scrape and wipe the cooking surface clean if needed.

Tip: Sprinkle a few drops of water on the griddle. If they dance and evaporate almost instantly, it’s ready.

Step 3: Toast the Brioche Buns

Spread the softened butter on the cut sides of each bun.

Place the buns butter-side down on the griddle for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly golden.

Remove them and set aside.

Visual Cue: The buns should be golden brown with crisp edges but still soft inside.

Step 4: Place the Beef on the Griddle

Place the eight beef balls onto the hot griddle, leaving a few inches between each one.

Immediately cover each ball with a small square of parchment paper if using.

Press firmly with your burger press or heavy spatula until each burger is about ¼ inch thick.

Remove the parchment.

Do not press the burgers again after this step.

Tip: Smashing immediately creates maximum contact with the hot griddle, which is what gives smash burgers their signature crispy crust.

Step 5: Season the Burgers

Season the tops generously with:

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Because smash burgers are thin, seasoning right away ensures every bite is flavorful.

Step 6: Cook the First Side

Cook the burgers without touching them for 2 to 3 minutes.

Avoid moving them around. During this time, the beef develops a deeply browned crust.

Visual Cue: The edges should look dark brown and crispy while juices begin to appear on the top.

Step 7: Flip the Burgers

Using a sturdy metal spatula, scrape completely underneath each burger.

Flip quickly in one motion.

If any crispy bits stick to the griddle, scrape them up and place them back onto the burger.

That’s pure flavor.

Step 8: Add the Cheese

Immediately place one slice of American cheese on each burger.

Cook another 45 to 60 seconds until the cheese becomes soft and fully melted.

If needed, place a melting dome over the burgers for about 20 seconds to help melt the cheese faster.

Step 9: Assemble the Burgers

Spread a generous spoonful of burger sauce on both halves of each toasted brioche bun.

Layer in this order:

Bottom bun

Shredded lettuce

Smash burger with melted cheese

Tomato slices

Onion slices

Dill pickles

Extra burger sauce, if desired

Top bun

For double smash burgers, simply stack two patties before adding the top bun.

Step 10: Serve Immediately

Serve while the burgers are hot and the cheese is perfectly melted.

These burgers are at their absolute best within the first few minutes after cooking.

Pair them with:

Crispy French fries

Onion rings

Sweet potato fries

Coleslaw

Potato salad

Macaroni salad

Dill pickle spears

A cold lemonade, iced tea, or classic root beer makes the meal even better.