Smash Burgers

There’s something about making burgers on a Blackstone that feels like a rite of passage.

We recently added a Blackstone griddle to our outdoor cooking setup, and of course, smash burgers were one of the first things I had to try. I’ll be honest—my first batch wasn’t perfect. Some of the patties fell apart, and the heat may have been a little too high… but you know what? They were still SO good. Juicy, cheesy, packed with flavor, and devoured in minutes.

That’s the beauty of learning something new in the kitchen (or backyard)—you don’t have to get it perfect to enjoy it. These Blackstone Smash Burgers are proof that flavor wins over form, and that experimenting is half the fun.

Why Smash Burgers?

Smash burgers are all about maximizing that golden brown crust—aka the “Maillard reaction”—which gives you the most incredible texture and flavor. By smashing the beef onto a hot griddle, you’re creating more surface area for that crisp, caramelized edge.

But it’s not just about technique—it’s also about the ingredients. And I added my own spin to the mix.

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My Smash Burger Recipe (with a Delicious Twist)

Here’s what I used:

Burger Mix:

• 1 lb ground beef (I used 80/20 for that juicy, flavorful balance)
• 8 oz white cheddar, freshly grated
• 1 packet ranch seasoning
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• Bacon bits (I just tossed in a generous handful!)

Yup, you read that right—ranch seasoning and sour cream in the burger mix! It sounds a little unexpected, but trust me… it works. The sour cream adds richness and moisture, and the ranch brings a punch of flavor. Paired with smoky bacon bits and melty white cheddar? Chef’s kiss.

Form the mixture into 6-ounce balls. You’ll want them to be thick enough to smash down into a good-sized patty without crumbling too much.

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Smash Time: How I Cooked Them

Equipment:

• Blackstone griddle (or any flat-top grill)
• Metal burger smasher (or a sturdy spatula + parchment paper)
• Buttered buns
• Toppings of your choice (I did lettuce, tomato, pickles, ketchup, and mustard)

Steps:

1. Preheat the griddle to medium-high heat. Not blazing hot—lesson learned! You want a good sizzle, not smoke alarms.
2. Place the beef balls on the griddle and immediately press them down using a smasher. I used parchment paper between the meat and the press so it didn’t stick.
3. Cook for about 4–5 minutes on the first side, flip, and cook another 3–4 minutes until the inside is cooked through and the cheese is melty and gooey.
4. Butter the buns and toast them directly on the griddle during the last minute of cooking.

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What Went Wrong (And Why It Didn’t Matter)

Some of my patties crumbled a bit during the smash. My griddle was a touch too hot, so the beef seared too fast before I could smash it thin. But even with those minor mishaps, the flavor? Unmatched.

They were messy, cheesy, bacon-packed, and honestly everything you want in a homemade burger.

So if you’re feeling intimidated about starting your Blackstone journey—don’t be. Start with something fun, like burgers, and just go for it. You’ll get better each time, and the food will still be delicious along the way.

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Tips for First-Time Smash Burgers on a Blackstone

• Don’t overwork the meat: Mixing is important to blend everything evenly, but over-mixing can make the meat tough.
• Parchment paper is your friend: It makes smashing cleaner and helps release the patty without sticking.
• Preheat, but not to max heat: Medium-high is best. You want sizzle, not scorched meat.
• Use freshly grated cheese: It melts better than pre-shredded and makes a huge difference in flavor and texture.
• Toast your buns! That little bit of crisp buttered toast makes it feel like a restaurant burger.

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Our Burger Build 🍔

We kept it simple:

• Leaf lettuce
• Sliced tomato
• Dill pickles
• Ketchup + mustard

Of course, you can dress yours up any way you like—add grilled onions, jalapeños, fry an egg on the side, or go double-decker if you’re really hungry!

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Why I Shared the Process

I filmed myself making these burgers—even the not-so-pretty parts—because I wanted to show the real side of cooking. You don’t need to be a chef to make something your family will love. Sometimes the best meals are the ones where things don’t go exactly as planned.

These burgers may not win a beauty contest, but they’ll win over any burger lover. And they’ll definitely be making a regular appearance at our house.

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Final Thoughts

Cooking on a Blackstone has been a game changer—it’s fast, fun, and perfect for summer grilling nights. I’m excited to keep experimenting and improving my technique, but for now? I’ll be savoring every cheesy, juicy bite of these smash burgers. And if you’re on the fence about trying it? Just do it. You won’t regret it.

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Save or Share This Recipe:

If you try these smash burgers, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram @DeliciouslyBold so I can see your version. Let’s keep learning and grilling together!