Description
This Blackstone Smash Burgers recipe delivers juicy, flavorful burgers with a perfect sear using a flat-top or Blackstone grill. Ground beef is divided into loose patties and smashed with cold butter beneath for enhanced moisture, then cooked quickly to create a crispy, caramelized crust while retaining rich juiciness. Customize with your favorite toppings and enjoy a classic burger experience made easy and fast.
Ingredients
Scale
Burger Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef, 80/20 fat ratio
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Toppings and Serving
- Your favorite burger toppings (lettuce, tomato, cheese, pickles, onions, etc.)
- Buns (optional, for serving)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for toasting buns)
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Preheat your flat-top or Blackstone grill to medium-high heat to ensure a hot cooking surface for optimal searing.
- Prepare the beef: Divide the 2 pounds of ground beef into 8 loose pieces; do not compact into balls. Season each piece generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Prepare the butter portions and parchment: Divide the 4 tablespoons of cold unsalted butter into 8 small pieces, one per burger. Have parchment paper squares ready, slightly larger than your burger press, to prevent sticking and maintain shape when pressing.
- Press the burgers: Working one burger at a time, place a piece of butter on the grill, then a piece of seasoned beef on top. Cover with parchment paper and use a burger press to smash down firmly, counting to 10 to ensure a tight press. Remove the press and immediately move to the next burger until all are on the grill. Start a timer for 2 minutes after pressing the first burger.
- Cook the first side: Let the burgers cook undisturbed for 2 minutes. Remember the order you placed them to flip in the same order. Avoid pressing the patties during cooking to preserve juices.
- Flip and cook the second side: Flip each burger in the original cooking order and cook for an additional 2 minutes. If using cheese, add a slice on top during the last minute of cooking to melt.
- Remove and serve: Remove the burgers from the grill promptly once cooked. Serve immediately while hot, with your choice of toppings on buns.
- Optional – Toast the buns: Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the flattop and swirl to coat. Press the open sides of the buns into the butter and toast for 1-2 minutes until golden and slightly crispy for enhanced flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use 80/20 ground beef for the perfect fat ratio for juicy burgers and good searing.
- Do not compact the beef tightly when dividing to maintain tenderness.
- Press burgers firmly for a thin, crispy crust but avoid pressing during cooking to retain juices.
- Using cold butter under the patties adds richness and helps create a caramelized crust.
- Toast buns on the flat-top with butter for a delicious, crispy finish.
- Keep a timer running to maintain precise cooking times for consistently cooked burgers.
