Blackstone Smash Burger Recipe

This Blackstone Smash Burger Recipe Changed My BBQ Game—And It’ll Change Yours Too

I still remember the first time I fired up my Blackstone griddle on a warm Saturday afternoon. The sun was shining, music was playing, and my family was impatiently waiting for something delicious. I had this itch to try something bold—something that would elevate our usual backyard dinner into something worth remembering. That’s when I decided to try a smash burger recipe I’d been perfecting for weeks.

Little did I know, that single decision would change my BBQ game forever.

If you're a busy woman juggling work, family, and meals, trust me when I say this Blackstone smash burger recipe will be your new secret weapon. It’s fast, satisfying, and dare I say—restaurant-level good. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or a casual weeknight dinner, these burgers deliver every time.

Let me walk you through exactly how to make these insanely juicy patties, what sauce takes them over the top, and why your grill or griddle will never feel the same again.

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Why Blackstone Smash Burgers Are the Best for Backyard BBQs

There’s something so satisfying about pressing a ball of ground meat onto a hot griddle and hearing that sizzle. That’s the magic of a smash burger.

Unlike thick burgers that take forever to cook and can end up dry, a smash burger is thin, quick, and delivers that golden brown crust we all crave. The Blackstone griddle provides even heat and tons of space—no flare-ups, no grill marks, just pure crusty perfection.

What started as a “let’s see how this goes” experiment has now become our go-to for weekend meals, casual dinners, and even impromptu gatherings.

Ingredients That Make the Difference

If you're going to do this, do it right. Here’s what you need—with exact measurements—to make the best smash burgers at home.

Classic Smash Burger Ingredients:

1 ½ lbs 80/20 ground beef (makes 4 double smash burgers)

1 tbsp kosher salt

1 tsp black pepper

4 tbsp unsalted butter (for toasting buns)

4 soft potato burger buns

8 slices American cheese

1 medium onion, thinly sliced (for caramelizing or raw topping)

Pickles (optional)

For the Smash Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise

2 tbsp ketchup

1 tbsp yellow mustard

1 tbsp dill pickle juice

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp paprika

Optional: 1 tsp hot sauce (for a kick)

How to Make the Perfect Smash Burger on a Blackstone Griddle

Step 1: Prep Your Patties

Divide your ground beef into 8 equal 3-oz portions. Roll them gently into balls without packing them too tightly. This helps keep them juicy.

Step 2: Preheat Your Griddle

Turn your Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat. Let it fully heat—this takes about 10–15 minutes. You want it screaming hot to get that signature crust.

Step 3: Toast the Buns

Spread a bit of butter on the inside of each bun. Place them face-down on the griddle until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Smash and Sizzle

Place two beef balls on the griddle for each burger. Immediately press each one down using a heavy spatula and parchment paper for a super-thin patty. Hold for 10 seconds to help that crust form.

Step 5: Season and Flip

Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Let cook for 2–3 minutes, then flip. Add cheese immediately and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 6: Stack and Sauce

Stack two patties on the bottom bun. Top with your signature sauce, onion, and pickles. Crown it with the top bun.

Let’s Talk Sauce—Because It’s Everything

This homemade smash burger sauce is tangy, creamy, and the perfect match for that crispy crust. I usually make a double batch because it also works beautifully with fries and even grilled chicken sandwiches.

Whisk all ingredients together and let it chill in the fridge while your patties cook. The pickle juice gives it a sharp little zing that cuts through the richness of the meat and cheese.

Amazon Product Pick #1: Blackstone 36” Griddle Cooking Station

Why I Love It:

This flat-top griddle is a backyard cook’s dream. With 720 square inches of cooking space, you can cook multiple burgers, toast buns, and caramelize onions all at once.

Perfect For:

Busy moms, party hosts, or anyone who wants to turn outdoor cooking into an effortless gourmet experience.

Grab the Blackstone Griddle on Amazon and level up your BBQ game

Caramelized vs Raw Onions: The Flavor Debate

Let’s get one thing straight—onions matter. Whether you prefer that deep, sweet flavor from caramelizing or the crunch of raw slices, each version brings something to the table.

To caramelize on the griddle:

Add 1 tbsp butter to a section of your griddle.

Add thinly sliced onions and cook on medium-low, stirring occasionally.

After 15–20 minutes, they’ll be golden brown and irresistible.

I switch between the two based on my mood. When I want comfort, caramelized is my go-to. For a fresher bite, raw red onions do the trick.

Amazon Product Pick #2: Cuisinart Cast Iron Grill Press

Why I Love It:

It helps press down those patties with just the right amount of pressure, creating maximum crust without smashing the juices out. Plus, it’s perfect for grilled cheese and bacon too.

Perfect For:

Anyone serious about crusty, juicy smash burgers or multitasking on the griddle.

Get the Cuisinart Grill Press on Amazon and start smashing like a pro

Turkey Smash Burgers—Yes, You Can!

If you're looking for a leaner option that still brings the flavor, try a turkey version. It’s lighter but still totally satisfying—especially with the right technique and toppings.

Turkey Patty Ingredients:

1 ½ lbs ground turkey (93% lean)

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Tips:

Don't overwork the meat—it dries out quickly.

Use parchment paper when smashing so the turkey doesn't stick.

Cook a bit longer to ensure doneness (internal temp of 165°F).

Serve with the same sauce, caramelized onions, and soft buns—it’s a lighter take on the same mouthwatering concept.

Amazon Product Pick #3: Mercer Culinary Hell’s Handle Spatula

Why I Love It:

This spatula is a dream for flipping and smashing. Its sturdy, wide blade gives you leverage for a killer crust, and the handle stays cool even on a hot griddle.

Perfect For:

Home cooks who want that diner-style burger experience—without the diner.

Snag the Mercer Smash Spatula and flip like a pro chef

Stacking Your Burger Like a Pro

There’s a right way to build this burger—and it starts with the bun.

Here’s how I layer it:

1. Bottom bun (toasted)

2. Spoonful of sauce

3. First cheese-covered patty

4. Second patty

5. More sauce

6. Caramelized or raw onions

7. Pickles (optional)

8. Top bun

Pro Tip: If you’re serving a crowd, wrap each burger in wax paper for a true smash burger experience—and easier cleanup.

Easy Sides for the Ultimate Burger Meal

To round out your meal, here are a few of my favorite pairings:

Sweet potato fries with extra sauce

Grilled corn with chili-lime butter

A quick coleslaw tossed with apple cider vinegar and honey

Or even a cold beer or sparkling lemonade

These burgers are rich, so light, crunchy sides balance everything perfectly.

Final Thoughts: Why You Need This in Your Life

Making this Blackstone smash burger recipe was more than just trying a new meal. It became a ritual—something our family looks forward to. Whether I’m making it with beef or turkey, slathering on the signature sauce, or flipping patties like a short-order queen on my griddle, it’s pure joy.

The best part? You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to do this. All you need is good ingredients, the right tools, and a little confidence. If I can do it—while juggling a job, school pickups, and everything else—you can too.

So fire up that grill or griddle, grab a spatula, and get smashing. Because dinner just got a whole lot more delicious.