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Savory Blackstone Smash Burgers Recipe with Caramelized Onions and Thousand Island Dressing

blackstone smash burgers - featured image

A quick and easy smash burger recipe featuring juicy, crispy-edged beef patties topped with sweet caramelized onions and tangy Thousand Island dressing, perfect for casual gatherings or a comforting solo meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend), cold
  • Salt and black pepper, to season
  • 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ cup Thousand Island dressing (homemade or store-bought)
  • 4 slices American or cheddar cheese
  • 4 burger buns (preferably soft brioche or potato buns)
  • Thinly sliced dill pickles (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or neutral oil

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter on the Blackstone or a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown and sweet, watching closely to avoid burning.
  2. Divide 1 pound of cold ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces each). Form loose balls without overworking the meat. Season each ball generously with salt and black pepper.
  3. Preheat the Blackstone griddle to high heat until very hot. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to lightly coat the surface.
  4. Place each beef ball on the griddle and immediately press down firmly with a spatula or burger press to about ¼ inch (6 mm) thickness. Hold down for 10-15 seconds to form a good crust.
  5. Cook the patties without moving for about 2-3 minutes until the edges are deeply browned and crispy. Flip carefully.
  6. Immediately after flipping, place a slice of cheese on each patty. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and the patty is cooked through (medium doneness recommended).
  7. Toast the buns face down on the cooler side of the griddle until golden and slightly crisp, about 1-2 minutes.
  8. Spread Thousand Island dressing on both top and bottom buns. Add the patty with melted cheese, a generous heap of caramelized onions, and optional pickles. Close the burger and press gently.
  9. Serve immediately while hot for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

Make sure the beef is cold before smashing to form a nice crust and keep the inside juicy. Caramelize onions low and slow to avoid bitterness and bring out sweetness. Toast buns on the griddle to prevent sogginess. If patties stick, cook a bit longer before flipping. Smash to about ¼ inch thickness to avoid drying out the burger.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, Blackstone griddle, caramelized onions, Thousand Island dressing, quick burger recipe, comfort food, easy dinner