Smash Burgers on Blackstone in 15 Minutes

The sizzle of beef hitting a hot griddle is magical. It creates crisp edges and a delicious aroma. As someone who loves making smash burgers on Blackstone griddle, I’m excited to share my knowledge with you.

Smash burgers are more than just a cooking method. They celebrate simplicity and flavor. This guide will help you make restaurant-quality burgers in your backyard.

In 15 minutes, you can turn 2 pounds of ground beef into eight delicious smash burgers. Your family and friends will love them. You’ll learn the Blackstone griddle technique to make amazing meals.

This guide covers everything from choosing the right beef to setting the perfect griddle temperature. You’ll learn how to make burgers that are crispy outside, juicy inside, and full of flavor.

Essential Equipment for Blackstone Smash Burgers

Blackstone burger cooking needs specific tools for the perfect smash burger. The right gear can make your griddle experience better and improve your cooking. To cook smash burgers like a pro, you need a few key accessories.

• A reliable infrared thermometer for precise temperature control
• Sturdy metal spatulas or a dedicated burger press
• Parchment paper or wax paper to prevent sticking
• Griddle scraper for easy cleaning

Griddle Temperature Control Tools

Getting the temperature right is key for smash burger cooking. An infrared thermometer lets you check your Blackstone griddle’s temperature. It should be between 450-500°F for a crispy outside and juicy inside.

Smashing Tools and Accessories

For that thin patty, you have two main choices:

1. Burger Press: Gives consistent patty thickness
2. Metal Spatulas: Gives more control during smashing

The Blackstone 3-Piece Hamburger Kit has a burger press and basting dome. It’s a great buy for serious home cooks.

Surface Preparation Materials

Prepping the surface is vital for great blackstone burgers. Get a good griddle scraper and high-heat cooking oil. Seasoning your griddle and keeping its surface in good shape will make your burgers taste better and clean up easier.

Perfect Meat Selection and Preparation

Making the perfect smashed burger starts with the right ground beef. It’s all about choosing high-quality meat with the right fat content. Experts say an 80/20 ground beef blend is the key to a juicy and flavorful burger.

Here are the key steps for preparing your smashed burger:

• Select fresh ground beef with 80% lean meat and 20% fat
• Avoid overworking the meat during preparation
• Keep meat cold until ready to cook
• Form loose meat balls weighing 2.5-3 ounces

Smash burgers have a rich history. They date back to the Great Depression. Cooks then used thinner patties to stretch limited meat, making a flavorful burger with a crispy crust.

Professional tip: Cold meat creates a better crust and prevents sticking to your smashing tool.

The science behind smash burgers is fascinating. The Maillard reaction happens when meat meets high heat, making the outside crispy and the inside juicy. By handling the meat gently, you get a tender and tasty burger that will wow anyone.

Key Ingredients for Classic Smash Burgers

To make the perfect smashburger, you need the right ingredients. These ingredients make your burger go from good to great. Start by picking the best parts to create a fantastic taste.

Ground Beef Specifications

For the best smashburger, choose ground beef with the right fat content. Go for 85/15 or 80/20 ground chuck. This mix gives you flavor and juiciness. It’s key for that crispy edge and rich taste.

• Total ground beef weight: 2 pounds
• Recommended fat content: 15-20%
• Meat type: Ground chuck

Seasoning Components

Smashburger techniques need simple yet strong seasoning. A mix of salt, pepper, and spices can make your burger stand out.

• Salt: 2 teaspoons
• Black pepper: 1 teaspoon
• Optional additions:
  • Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Paprika: 1 teaspoon

Cheese and Bun Options

Your cheese and bun choices are key. American cheese melts well, giving you that classic burger feel. Soft buns like brioche or potato rolls are perfect for your burger.

• Cheese recommendations:
  • American cheese: 12 slices
  • Alternative options: Cheddar, Swiss
• Bun selection:
  • Sesame seed buns: 6 total
  • Recommended styles: Brioche, potato rolls

Pro tip: Invest in high-quality ingredients to elevate your smashburger from home cooking to gourmet experience.

Preheating and Preparing Your Blackstone Griddle

To make perfect smashburgers on your Blackstone griddle, you need to prepare it well. Experts say to season it at least three times before you start cooking. This makes the griddle ready for great food.

Keeping the temperature right is key for amazing smashburgers. Heat the griddle to 450-500°F. This high heat gives your burgers a perfect sear and a crispy crust.

Griddle Preparation Checklist

• Check griddle surface for cleanliness
• Select a high smoke point oil like canola (smoke point 450-470°F)
• Apply a thin, even layer of oil across the cooking surface
• Watch for oil shimmer and first smoke wisps

When you’re getting your Blackstone griddle ready, watch the temperature zones. The center is usually hotter than the edges. A little oil helps prevent sticking and adds flavor to your smashburgers.

Pro tip: Use only a light squirt of water during cooking to prevent griddle warping.

By following these steps, you’ll make a great surface for delicious blackstone griddle smashburgers. They’ll surely impress any burger lover.

Smash Burgers on Blackstone: Step-by-Step Process

Making the perfect smash burger needs skill and precision. The art of burger smashing turns a simple patty into a crispy, flavorful treat. This will take your grilling to the next level. Let’s explore the key burger smashing methods for making top-notch burgers on your Blackstone griddle.

Forming Meat Balls

Getting your meat right is the first step to amazing smash burgers. Here are some tips for the best results:

• Use ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio
• Divide beef into 2-ounce portions
• Gently form loose balls without overworking the meat
• Keep meat balls around 2 inches in diameter

Proper Smashing Technique

The secret to a crispy outside is in your smashing technique. Aim for a patty thickness of 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Place meat balls 4-5 inches apart on the hot griddle. Then, use a sturdy spatula or burger press to smash them down firmly.

Timing and Temperature Control

Cooking smash burgers requires precision. Cook the first side for about 90 seconds until edges are crispy and deep brown. You want to reach an internal temperature of 160°F for a juicy inside. Use kosher salt to improve the crust and keep moisture in.

Pro tip: Two 2-ounce patties can create an even crispier texture compared to a single 4-ounce patty.

Essential Seasoning Tips and Timing

Seasoning is key to making smash burgers taste amazing. Timing and technique are vital for the best flavor. Season your meat at the perfect moment.

Here are the top seasoning tips for smash burgers:

• Season right after smashing the patty
• Use plenty of seasoning
• Make a simple yet effective seasoning mix

Your seasoning mix should include:

1. Kosher salt – boosts flavor
2. Freshly ground black pepper
3. Optional garlic powder
4. Optional onion powder

“The perfect seasoning turns a good burger into a memorable dish.”

When seasoning, sprinkle it on the meat after smashing. This method helps create a tasty crust while keeping the beef’s flavor. Some seasoning will fall on the griddle, so add more than you think you need.

Pro tip: Use an 80/20 ground beef mix for the best flavor and juiciness.

Mastering the Flip and Cheese Application

Making perfect smash burgers needs careful flipping and cheese adding. Your skill can greatly affect the burger’s taste and feel.

Timing is key when making smash burgers. Keep an eye on your patties as they cook on the hot griddle.

Perfect Flipping Method

To get smash burgers like a pro, follow these flipping steps:

• Wait until the patty gets a deep golden-brown crust (about 90 seconds)
• Use a sturdy, wide metal spatula for clean scraping
• Slide the spatula completely under the crispy edges
• Flip in one swift, confident motion
• Make sure to catch all those tasty caramelized bits

“The flip is where magic happens in smash burger cooking!” – Professional Griddle Chef

Cheese Melting Technique

Adding cheese right can make your smash burgers amazing. Put your cheese on the hot patty right after flipping.

• Choose American or cheddar for the best melting
• Put cheese on while the patty is very hot
• Let the heat make a smooth, shiny cheese layer
• Cover briefly with a metal dome or lid to help melt evenly

Pro tip: For double smash burgers, put the second patty on top of the melting cheese for more flavor.

Toasting Buns and Assembly Techniques

Toasting buns on your Blackstone griddle makes a simple burger into a work of art. The key to great buns is knowing when and where to place them during cooking.

Here’s how to toast buns perfectly:

• Clear a small section of your Blackstone griddle
• Add a thin layer of butter for a golden-brown color
• Place buns cut-side down on the griddle
• Toast for 30-45 seconds until crispy

Getting your bun toasting right can make your burger better. Go for a light golden-brown color for a crispy outside and soft inside. The burger grease adds extra flavor while toasting.

Assembling your burger is all about layering. Start with the bottom bun and add your favorite sauces. Then, put the patty with cheese, followed by fresh toppings:

• Crisp lettuce
• Sliced tomatoes
• Pickles
• Thinly sliced onions

End with the top bun, pressing down gently. This completes your blackstone burger, making it a top-notch meal at home.

Classic Toppings and Sauce Combinations

Improving your smashburger skills is more than just a great patty. The right toppings and sauces can make a big difference. Your choice of garnishes and condiments is key to a memorable meal.

Traditional Toppings That Complement Smash Burgers

The classic smashburger toppings offer a great mix of textures and tastes. Here are some favorites:

• Crisp iceberg lettuce for crunch
• Ripe tomato slices for freshness
• Thinly sliced raw or grilled onions
• Tangy dill pickle chips
• Sharp cheddar or American cheese

Signature Sauce Recipes

Making the perfect smashburger sauce can take your burger to the next level. Here’s a simple yet tasty recipe:

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1-2 teaspoons mustard
• Optional: dash of pickle juice for extra tang

Mix these ingredients well to get a creamy, zesty sauce. It will enhance the rich, caramelized flavors of your smash burger. Try different amounts to find your favorite mix.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect smash burger needs precision and care. Even skilled cooks can make mistakes that ruin their burgers. Knowing these common errors will help you improve your smash burger skills and get amazing results.

Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Overworking the meat: Too much handling can make patties tough. Try to handle the meat lightly when shaping.
• Incorrect griddle temperature: Your griddle should be between 375°F to 400°F. A cooler griddle won’t let the meat get that perfect crust.
• Pressing the burger multiple times: After the first smash, don’t press again. This can dry out the burger by pushing out juices.

Choosing the right meat is also important. Use ground beef with an 80/20 meat-to-fat ratio for the best taste and juiciness. Make your meat balls loose and about 2-3 ounces for regular-sized burgers.

Timing is key too. Wait until the crust forms before flipping, which usually takes 2 minutes. Don’t put too many burgers on the griddle at once. This can mess up heat distribution and prevent a good crust.

Pro tip: Use parchment paper when smashing to ensure even pressure and prevent sticking.

Avoiding these mistakes will make your smash burgers better. You’ll impress everyone with your cooking skills.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Mastering smash burger cooking doesn’t end when you leave the griddle. Proper storage and reheating can help you enjoy your delicious burgers even after the initial cooking session. Knowing the right techniques will preserve the quality and flavor of your smash burgers.

Proper Storage Methods

Storing your smash burgers correctly is key to keeping their taste and texture. Follow these important guidelines:

• Use airtight containers to store cooked patties
• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking
• Keep burgers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days
• Separate patties with parchment paper to prevent sticking

Reheating Instructions

Reheating smash burgers needs careful technique to keep their crispy exterior. The microwave can make burgers soggy, so use these methods:

1. Reheat on a preheated Blackstone griddle or skillet
2. Use medium heat to warm patties
3. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side
4. Add a slice of cheese to restore moisture

Pro tip: For best results, bring refrigerated burgers close to room temperature before reheating. This helps ensure even heating and preserves the burger’s juiciness.

Remember, while reheated smash burgers won’t be exactly like freshly cooked ones, these techniques will help you enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort.

Conclusion

Making perfect smash burgers on a Blackstone griddle is an art. It combines skill with passion. These burgers started in 1963 at Dairy Cheer and have become a favorite among home cooks.

To make smash burgers like a pro, you need to know a few things. First, use high heat, around 550 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, smash the burgers just right and cook them fast. The Blackstone griddle is perfect for getting those crispy edges.

Getting better at making smash burgers takes practice. Try different meats, cheeses, and toppings to find your favorite. With time and the right techniques, your smash burgers will be as good as those in restaurants.

Every burger you make is a chance to get better. Cooking for family or friends? Your Blackstone griddle is key to making smash burgers that everyone will love. They’ll be asking for more!