Smash Burger Recipe: Blackstone Griddle Perfection

The Blackstone griddle is a culinary powerhouse, and few things showcase its capabilities quite like a juicy, perfectly smashed burger. This recipe will guide you through creating the ultimate smash burger experience on your Blackstone, from prepping the patties to assembling the final masterpiece. Get ready for flavor explosions!

Ingredients: The Foundation of a Great Smash Burger

Before we fire up the Blackstone, let's gather our ingredients. This recipe yields approximately 4 smash burgers. Feel free to adjust quantities based on your appetite!

• 1 lb Ground Beef (80/20 blend recommended): This blend provides the perfect balance of fat and lean for juicy, flavorful patties.
• 4 Burger Buns: Choose your favorite! Brioche, sesame seed, potato – the possibilities are endless.
• 4 slices of your favorite cheese: Cheddar, American, Swiss, pepper jack – let your preferences guide you.
• Toppings of your choice: Let's get creative! Think lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, bacon, jalapeños, and your favorite burger sauce.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning the patties.
• Butter or oil: For greasing the griddle.

Preparing the Blackstone Griddle: Setting the Stage

The success of your smash burger hinges on proper griddle preparation.

1. Preheat: Preheat your Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat (approximately 350-400°F). A well-heated griddle ensures a beautiful sear on your patties.
2. Clean and Oil: Give your griddle a quick wipe-down to remove any debris. Then, lightly oil the surface with butter or oil, using a paper towel or pastry brush for even distribution. This prevents sticking and promotes even cooking.

Smashing the Patties: The Art of the Smash

This is where the magic happens!

1. Portioning the Beef: Divide your ground beef into four equal portions.
2. Smashing Technique: Place a meatball on the hot griddle. Use a metal spatula to firmly press down on each patty, smashing it to about ¼-inch thickness. This creates a large surface area for a delicious crust.
3. Sear and Cook: Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until your desired level of doneness is achieved. Don't overcrowd the griddle; work in batches if necessary.

Melting the Cheese: Adding Creamy Goodness

Once your patties are nearly cooked, it's time for the cheese!

1. Adding Cheese: Place a slice of cheese on top of each patty during the last minute of cooking. The heat from the griddle will perfectly melt the cheese.

Cooking the Toppings: Bringing it All Together

While your patties are cooking, you can also prepare your toppings on the Blackstone.

• Bacon: Crisp up bacon slices on a cooler part of the griddle.
• Onions: Caramelize onions for extra flavor.

Assembling Your Masterpiece: The Final Touch

Now for the most satisfying part – assembling your delicious smash burger!

1. Toast the Buns: Lightly toast your burger buns on the griddle for a warm, crispy texture.
2. Layer the Ingredients: Spread your favorite burger sauce on the bottom bun. Add your perfectly smashed patty, melted cheese, and your choice of toppings. Top with the other bun.

Serving and Enjoying: Your Blackstone Smash Burger Triumph!

Serve your Blackstone smash burgers immediately and enjoy the juicy, flavorful perfection you've created. The combination of the perfectly seared patty, melted cheese, and your favorite toppings will leave you wanting more!

Tips for Blackstone Smash Burger Success

• Don't press too hard: While you want a thin patty, avoid pressing so hard that all the juices escape.
• Adjust cooking time: Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your patties and your desired level of doneness.
• Clean your griddle: After cooking, clean your Blackstone griddle while it's still warm for easy cleanup.

This Blackstone smash burger recipe is your ticket to burger nirvana. Enjoy the process, experiment with different toppings, and savor the delicious results! Happy grilling!