Smash Burger Recipe Blackstone: Crispy Burgers Ready in Minutes
Ingredients
For the Smash Burgers
- 2 pounds 80/20 ground beef, divided into 8 equal portions (4 ounces each).
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
- 8 slices American cheese.
- 8 hamburger buns.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened.
Burger Toppings
- Dill pickle slices.
- Sliced white onion.
- Shredded lettuce.
- Tomato slices.
- Ketchup.
- Yellow mustard.
- Mayonnaise.
Optional Ingredients
- Crispy bacon.
- Caramelized onions.
- Jalapeno slices.
- Sauteed mushrooms.
- Fried egg.
- Pepper Jack cheese.
- BBQ sauce.
- Burger seasoning.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground chuck can be replaced with 85/15 ground beef for a slightly leaner burger.
- Cheddar, Swiss, Provolone, or Pepper Jack cheese work well instead of American cheese.
- Brioche buns, potato buns, or sesame seed buns all make excellent choices.
- Butter lettuce can replace shredded iceberg lettuce.
- Turkey or plant-based burger patties can be used if preferred, although cooking times may vary.
Equipment Needed
- Blackstone griddle.
- Metal burger press or heavy spatula.
- Parchment paper squares.
- Long metal spatula.
- Burger scraper.
- Mixing bowl.
- Measuring spoons.
- Instant-read meat thermometer (optional).
- Cutting board.
- Chef’s knife.
- Small bowl for toppings.
- Tongs.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Blackstone
Preheat your Blackstone griddle over medium-high to high heat for about 10 minutes until it reaches approximately 425°F to 450°F.
A properly heated surface is the secret to getting crispy edges.
Sprinkle a few drops of water onto the griddle. If they instantly sizzle and evaporate, it’s ready.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef
Divide the ground beef into eight loose 4-ounce balls.
Do not pack or compress the meat tightly. Loose meat creates a more tender burger after smashing.
Season each beef ball lightly with salt and black pepper.
Step 3: Toast the Buns
Spread butter on the cut sides of each bun.
Place them on the cooler side of the Blackstone for about 1 to 2 minutes until lightly golden.
Remove and set aside.
The buns should be lightly crisp with golden brown edges.
Step 4: Smash the Burgers
Place 2 to 4 beef balls onto the hot cooking surface, leaving room between each.
Lay a square of parchment paper over each ball and firmly press down using a burger press or sturdy spatula until each patty is about ¼ inch thick.
Press only once.
Never press the burgers again after the initial smash. Pressing later squeezes out flavorful juices.
Step 5: Cook the First Side
Cook for about 2 minutes without moving the patties.
The edges will begin turning dark brown and crispy.
You’ll notice deep caramelization forming around the edges.
Step 6: Flip and Add Cheese
Use a sturdy spatula to scrape completely underneath each burger, lifting all of the crispy crust.
Flip immediately.
Top each burger with one slice of American cheese.
Cook another 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese melts.
For food safety, the burgers should reach 160°F internally.
Step 7: Assemble the Burgers
Spread your favorite sauces onto the toasted buns.
Layer with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and the cheesy smash burger.
Add the top bun and serve immediately while everything is hot.
Nutrition Facts
Cost To Make This Recipe
Item – Estimated Cost (USD).
Ground beef – $12.00.
American cheese – $3.00.
Hamburger buns – $3.50.
Butter – $0.50.
Vegetables and toppings – $4.50.
Condiments – $1.50.
Estimated Total Recipe Cost
Approximately $25.00 USD.
Estimated Cost Per Serving
Approximately $3.13 USD per burger.
