A Blackstone griddle opens up a whole world of cooking beyond just burgers and pancakes — the large, flat cooking surface is perfect for getting a great sear, cooking multiple things at once, and locking in flavor. In this post, we’re sharing a detailed recipe for classic smash burgers, one of the most popular things to make on a flat-top, along with a roundup of other Blackstone-friendly recipes to try.
Why Smash Burgers Are a Blackstone Favorite
Smash burgers rely on high, even heat and a hard sear, which is exactly what a flat-top griddle does best. Pressing the beef thin against the hot surface creates a deeply caramelized, crispy crust — something that’s much harder to achieve on a regular grill grate.
Ingredients
Makes 4 burgers
- 1 ¼ lbs ground beef (80/20 blend works best for flavor and moisture)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 hamburger buns, buttered
- Sliced onion, thinly sliced (optional, for onion smash burgers)
- Lettuce, tomato, pickles, and condiments of choice, for serving
Equipment
- A Blackstone griddle (or any flat-top griddle)
- A sturdy metal spatula or burger press
- Parchment paper (for pressing)
- A squeeze bottle of oil or a bottle of cooking oil
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the griddle
Preheat your Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat, aiming for a hot, consistent surface across the cooking area. Add a thin layer of oil.
Step 2: Portion the beef
Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions, about 5 oz each, and loosely form into balls — don’t compact them too tightly, since a looser ball smashes out better.
Step 3: Toast the buns
While the griddle heats, butter the cut sides of the hamburger buns and toast them on the griddle for about 1-2 minutes, until golden. Set aside.
Step 4: Smash the burgers
Place the beef balls on the hot griddle, spaced apart. If using onions, place a small handful of thinly sliced onion on top of or under each ball. Using a sturdy spatula (or a burger press with a piece of parchment paper to prevent sticking), firmly smash each ball into a thin patty, about ⅓-inch thick.
Step 5: Season and sear
Immediately season the tops of the patties with salt and pepper. Let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes, until a deep golden-brown crust forms on the bottom.
Step 6: Flip and add cheese
Using a thin, sturdy spatula, scrape underneath each patty firmly to release the crust, then flip. Immediately place a slice of cheese on top of each patty and let cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the burger is cooked through.
Step 7: Assemble and serve
Place each burger patty on a toasted bun and top with your choice of lettuce, tomato, pickles, and condiments. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips for the Best Smash Burgers
- Use 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and moisture — leaner beef can dry out on the high heat.
- Don’t overwork the beef when forming it into balls, since a looser texture smashes out with better crispy edges.
- Smash hard and fast, right when the beef hits the griddle, for maximum surface contact and crust.
- Season right after smashing, while the surface is still exposed, so the salt and pepper stick well.
- Keep the griddle hot and avoid overcrowding, which can lower the surface temperature and prevent a good sear.
Storage
Cooked burger patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or on the griddle for a few minutes per side to help maintain some crispness.
More Blackstone Grill Recipes to Try
Beyond smash burgers, here are a few more dishes that work great on a flat-top:
- Steak fried rice — thinly sliced steak, rice, egg, and vegetables all cooked together on the griddle for a quick, hearty meal.
- Blackstone breakfast hash — diced potatoes, peppers, onions, and sausage cooked together, often topped with a fried egg.
- Griddle quesadillas — tortillas filled with cheese, chicken, and veggies, cooked flat on the griddle until crispy and melty.
- Shrimp and vegetable stir-fry — quick-cooking shrimp and vegetables tossed with a savory sauce right on the flat top.
- Pancakes and French toast — the large, even surface makes it easy to cook breakfast for a crowd all at once.
Final Thoughts
Smash burgers are one of the best ways to put a Blackstone griddle to work, delivering a crispy, caramelized crust that’s hard to replicate any other way. Once you’ve got the smash technique down, the other Blackstone recipes above are worth trying too — the flat-top surface makes it easy to cook big batches of food quickly and evenly.
