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Savory Blackstone Smash Burgers Recipe with Crispy Griddle-Fried Onions Made Easy

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This recipe features juicy, crispy-edge smash burgers cooked on a Blackstone griddle, paired with sweet, golden crispy griddle-fried onions for a flavorful and quick meal perfect for backyard gatherings or busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 slices American or cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 4 sturdy hamburger buns (potato buns recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • Pickles (optional)
  • Lettuce (optional)
  • Tomato slices (optional)
  • Mustard (optional)
  • Ketchup (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon oil or butter (for cooking onions)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C) until hot.
  2. Toss thinly sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Add a tablespoon of oil or butter to one side of the griddle and spread onions evenly. Cook undisturbed for 5 minutes, then stir occasionally until golden and caramelized, about 15 minutes total. Keep warm on a cooler part of the griddle.
  3. Divide ground beef into 4 loosely packed balls (about 4 oz or 115g each), handling gently to keep texture loose.
  4. Lightly oil the other side of the griddle. Place each beef ball on the hot surface and press down firmly with a sturdy metal spatula to smash into a thin patty about 1/4 inch (6mm) thick. Hold pressure for 10 seconds to set shape.
  5. Immediately season patties with salt and pepper. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until edges are dark brown and crispy.
  6. Flip patties carefully using the spatula. Add cheese slices on top if using. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and patties are cooked through but still juicy.
  7. Brush cut sides of buns with melted butter and toast on the griddle for about 1 minute until golden.
  8. Assemble burgers by placing patties on toasted buns, topping with crispy griddle-fried onions, and adding pickles, lettuce, tomato, mustard, and ketchup as desired.
  9. Serve immediately while warm and juicy.

Notes

Use 80/20 ground beef for best juiciness and crust. Handle meat gently and form loose balls. Press patties firmly once and avoid pressing again during cooking to retain juices. Keep griddle hot for proper sear. Toast buns with butter for extra flavor and texture. Onions can be caramelized ahead and reheated. For gluten-free, use almond flour buns or lettuce wraps. Plant-based ground beef can be used for vegan versions.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burgers, Blackstone griddle, crispy onions, backyard grilling, quick burgers, easy dinner, ground beef burgers