Kurt
Culinary Explorer
Have this wonderful snack!
Ingredients:
- Ground beef (80/20 lean to fat ratio is ideal for juicy burgers)
- Salt and pepper
- American cheese slices
- Hamburger buns
- Butter or cooking oil (for toasting buns)
Optional toppings:
- Lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Onion slices
- Pickles
- Ketchup, mustard, mayo, or your favorite burger sauces
Instructions:
- Preheat your Blackstone griddle: Place it over medium-high heat and allow it to heat up for about 10 minutes. You want the surface to be hot to get that nice sear.
- Prepare the burger patties:
- Divide your ground beef into equal-sized portions, usually around 4-6 ounces each, depending on how big you want your burgers.
- Roll each portion into a ball, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Season the patties: Generously season each ball of beef with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Smash the patties: Place a ball of beef onto the hot griddle and immediately smash it down using a heavy spatula or burger press. Press down firmly to flatten the patty until it's quite thin (about 1/4 inch thick). The thinner edges will crisp up nicely.
- Cook the patties: Let the patties cook for about 2-3 minutes until the edges start to brown and crisp up. Don't press down on them again while they cook; you want to keep the juices inside.
- Flip and add cheese: Use a metal spatula to carefully scrape under each patty and flip them. Immediately add a slice of American cheese to each patty so it starts melting.
- Toast the buns: While the cheese is melting, butter the insides of the hamburger buns and place them butter-side down on the griddle to toast until golden brown.
- Assemble the burgers: Once the cheese is melted and the buns are toasted, remove everything from the griddle. Place a patty on the bottom half of each bun. Add your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and sauces.
- Serve: Close the burgers with the top half of the bun and serve immediately while they're hot and juicy.