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Crispy Smash Burgers on the Griddle

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These crispy smash burgers are juicy, flavorful, and feature ultra-crispy edges thanks to a simple technique on a hot griddle. Perfect for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or nostalgic cookouts, they deliver classic diner-style taste with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs ground beef, 80/20 blend
  • 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil or beef tallow (such as avocado, canola, or vegetable oil)
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter (optional)
  • 8 slices American cheese (or cheddar/Swiss)
  • 8 soft potato buns or brioche buns
  • 1 cup dill pickle chips
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup burger sauce or mayonnaise (or mix ketchup, mayo, and a dash of pickle juice)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your griddle or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for at least 5 minutes, aiming for a surface temperature of 400–450°F.
  2. Divide ground beef into 8 equal portions (about 4 oz each) and roll each into a loose ball. Keep beef cold until ready to cook.
  3. Slice onions and tomatoes, gather cheese, pickles, lettuce, and sauce. Toast buns cut-side down on the griddle for 1–2 minutes until golden; set aside.
  4. Add 1 tablespoon of oil or beef tallow and a dab of butter to the griddle; swirl to coat.
  5. Place 2–4 beef balls on the hot griddle. Immediately press down with a sturdy spatula for 10–15 seconds until patties are about 1/3-inch thick.
  6. Sprinkle each patty with salt and pepper. If desired, press a thin layer of sliced onion onto the raw side.
  7. Cook patties undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until edges are deeply browned and crispy.
  8. Flip burgers with spatula, scraping up crispy bits. Top each patty with a slice of cheese and cook for 1 minute until cheese melts.
  9. Place patties on toasted buns, add pickles, lettuce, tomato, onions, and sauce as desired. Serve immediately.
  10. Wipe down griddle between batches and repeat until all burgers are cooked. Keep finished burgers warm in a low oven if needed.

Notes

For best results, use freshly ground beef with 20% fat. Gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps work for GF diets; vegan cheese or no cheese for dairy-free. Smash burgers are best served hot and fresh. Toasting buns adds crunch and prevents sogginess. Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches for best crispiness. Store leftover patties in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, griddle burger, crispy burger, diner burger, easy burger recipe, American cheese burger, family cookout, summer grilling, classic burger, comfort food

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/crispy-smash-burgers-on-the-griddle-easy-recipe-for-juicy-flavorful-bites/