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Crispy Blackstone Griddle Smash Burgers Recipe with Easy Secret Sauce

blackstone griddle smash burgers - featured image

This recipe delivers crispy-edged, juicy-centered smash burgers cooked on a Blackstone griddle, paired with a tangy, creamy secret sauce. Quick and easy to make, it’s perfect for casual gatherings and a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend), fresh
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
  • 4 soft burger buns, split and toasted (brioche recommended)
  • Butter, unsalted and softened (for toasting buns)
  • Secret Sauce:
  • ½ cup (120ml) mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) pickle juice (optional)
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • Optional extras for serving:
  • Thinly sliced red onion
  • Leafy green lettuce
  • Tomato slices
  • Pickles

Instructions

  1. Preheat your Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 204°C) and let it heat for 5-7 minutes until sizzling.
  2. Prepare the secret sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, pickle juice, and black pepper in a bowl. Chill in the fridge.
  3. Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces / 113g each) and gently roll each into a loose ball without packing tightly.
  4. Spread softened butter on the cut sides of the buns and toast them face-down on the griddle until golden and crispy, about 1-2 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  5. Place one beef ball on the griddle per burger. Using a metal spatula, press down firmly to flatten each into a thin patty about ¼ inch (6mm) thick. Hold pressure for 10-15 seconds to form a crust. Season immediately with salt and pepper.
  6. Cook the patties undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until edges are crisp and juices bubble on top.
  7. Flip each patty carefully and immediately place a slice of cheddar cheese on top. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and burger is cooked through.
  8. Assemble the burger by spreading a generous dollop of secret sauce on the toasted bottom bun. Add lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickles if desired. Place the cheese-covered patty on top and crown with the top bun.
  9. Serve the burgers hot with your favorite sides.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the griddle; cook in batches if needed. Avoid pressing patties after flipping to retain juices. Secret sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for better flavor. Use fresh ground beef for best results. For gluten-free, substitute buns with gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. Cheese and mayo contain dairy and eggs respectively; choose alternatives if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burgers, Blackstone griddle, crispy burgers, secret sauce, quick burger recipe, easy dinner, backyard burgers