Smash Burgers BlackStone

Okay, so you guys saw my excitement about getting the Blackstone griddle, and let me tell you, it did NOT disappoint! The first thing I absolutely had to try was making smash burgers. And oh my goodness, they turned out incredible – exactly like the ones I remember from my parents' restaurant growing up, with those perfect, crispy edges! If you're wondering how to get those restaurant-quality smash burgers right in your backyard, here's my personal breakdown of what worked wonders on my new Blackstone. First things first, the meat. I found that an 80/20 ground chuck is ideal. You want enough fat for flavor and to help create those crispy bits. Don't overwork the meat! Just gently form it into loose, golf-ball sized rounds. Season liberally with salt and pepper – don't be shy! Some people like to mix in a little onion powder or garlic powder too, but I kept it simple for my first go. Now, for the smash part. Get your Blackstone griddle nice and hot, medium-high heat is usually perfect. A little bit of oil (like avocado or grapeseed) on the griddle helps prevent sticking and aids in crisping. Place your meatball on the hot surface, then immediately press it down firmly with a sturdy spatula. The trick is to press once and hard for about 10 seconds, creating a thin patty that's larger than your bun. This is where those glorious crispy edges start to form! Cook for about 2-3 minutes on the first side. You'll see those beautiful caramelized, crispy edges develop. That's the magic happening! Once you see a nice crust, scrape under the burger with your spatula to make sure you get all those delicious crispy bits, and flip. Immediately add a slice of cheese if you're using it – American cheese melts perfectly for smash burgers. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the burger is cooked through. For that extra touch, I like to lightly toast my burger buns on the griddle for about 30 seconds after removing the burgers. It adds another layer of texture and warmth. Serving these smash burgers is all about personal preference! I kept it classic with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and a special sauce. But honestly, with how flavorful and crispy these are, you don't need much. The cleanup on the Blackstone was surprisingly easy too! A quick scrape and wipe down while it's still warm, and it's ready for the next meal. I'm already dreaming of what else I can cook. Seriously, if you're on the fence about getting a Blackstone, I say go for it! It's completely transformed my outdoor cooking game, and making these incredible smash burgers was just the beginning. Let me know if you try it!