How to Make Smash Burgers on the Grill
Few things rival the flavor of a perfectly made smash burger. That signature crispy crust, melty cheese, and juicy center are what backyard burger dreams are made of, and with the right tools, it’s easier than you think to achieve restaurant-quality results at home.
Using the Grilling Burger Kit, you can press, cook, melt, and serve smash burgers with confidence. The weighted press helps create that irresistible crispy edge, while the melting dome ensures gooey, evenly melted cheese every time.
And while smash burgers are often made on flat-top grills, you can achieve the same crispy results on a traditional gas or charcoal grill by using a stovetop griddle pan, like the Basalt Dual Top Grill Griddle.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout, planning a casual weeknight dinner, or feeding a hungry crowd, these smash burgers deliver bold flavor with minimal fuss.
Why Smash Burgers Need a Smooth Cooking Surface
Unlike traditional thick burgers cooked on grill grates, smash burgers require a solid, smooth surface. This allows the beef to make full contact with heat, creating the deeply browned, crispy crust smash burgers are known for.
If you already own a flat-top grill, you’re ready to go.
If you’re using a standard gas or charcoal grill, simply place a griddle pan on top of the grates. This creates the flat cooking surface needed for smashing burgers while still enjoying the outdoor grilling experience.
Recommended Griddle Pans for Smash Burgers
Using the right griddle is one of the easiest ways to level up your grilling results.
Our go-to griddle pans:
- Double Backsplash Griddle – High sides help contain grease and prevent flare-ups
- Two Burner Griddle King – Covers a larger cooking area for making multiple burgers at once
- Basalt Dual Top Grill Griddle – Dual surface allows for successful smash burgers on one side and perfectly toasty buns on the other
These griddles turn any grill into a smash burger station.
Burger Basics You’ll Need
Before firing up the grill, make sure you have the essentials ready. Having the right tools makes smash burgers faster, cleaner, and more consistent.
Burger Essentials:
- Grilling Burger Kit
- Sturdy spatula
- Parchment paper squares
- Grill-safe cooking oil
- Butter for toasting buns
These tools streamline the process and help ensure reliable results every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Burgers
- 1 lb 80/20 ground beef (divided into four ¼ lb balls)
- 1 yellow onion, very thinly sliced
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 brioche buns
- Smoked sea salt (or regular salt)
- Black pepper
Special Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- ¼ cup finely chopped baby dill pickles
- 1 tablespoon pickle brine
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Make the Special Sauce
Start by preparing the sauce so it’s ready when the burgers come off the grill.
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, chopped pickles, pickle brine, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well blended. Set aside until ready to use.
This tangy, slightly sweet sauce adds classic burger flavor and complements the crispy beef perfectly.
Prepare Your Grill and Griddle
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Place your grill griddle pan directly on the grill grates and allow it to heat thoroughly. Once hot, add a light drizzle of oil to prevent sticking.
A properly heated griddle surface is essential to achieving the crispy, caramelized crust that defines a great smash burger.
Smash and Cook the Burgers
Place one ball of ground beef onto the hot griddle surface. Immediately top it with a small handful of thinly sliced onions.
Lay a piece of parchment paper over the beef and onions. Using the Weighted Grill Press, press down firmly to flatten the burger into an even patty. Season generously with smoked salt and black pepper.
Allow the burger to cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes, or until a deep golden crust forms on the bottom.
Using a sturdy spatula, quickly scrape underneath the patty to release it from the surface, then flip. Be sure to do this quickly in one motion so the burger doesn’t stick. *If the burger sticks, your griddle may not be hot enough.
Season the second side with additional salt and pepper and cook for about 1 minute.
Place a slice of American cheese on top of the patty, then cover with the Cheese Melting Dome. The dome traps heat to melt the cheese quickly and evenly without overcooking the burger.
Toast the Buns
While the cheese melts, spread a little butter on the griddle surface and toast the brioche buns until golden brown.
Lightly toasted buns add structure and flavor while preventing sogginess once the sauce is added.
Assemble the Smash Burgers
Spread a generous layer of special sauce on the bottom bun.
Place the hot burger patty on top, allowing the melted cheese to drape over the edges. Add additional toppings if desired, then finish with the toasted top bun.
Serve immediately using the Burger Trays for easy handling and mess-free serving.
Tips for Perfect Smash Burgers
Use 80/20 ground beef
This ratio provides the ideal balance of flavor and juiciness.
Slice onions very thin
Thin slices cook quickly and caramelize into the burger.
Press once then don’t press again
Smashing more than once can squeeze out juices and reduce tenderness.
Cook on medium-high heat
A hot surface is essential for developing the crispy crust.
Always cook on a smooth griddle surface
Smash burgers cannot form properly on open grill grates.
Why the Nordic Ware Grilling Burger Kit Makes a Difference
Making smash burgers is all about consistency, and having the right tools helps you achieve it every time.
The Weighted Grill Press creates evenly flattened patties with maximum surface contact for that signature crispy crust. The Cheese Melting Dome speeds up melting while locking in heat, and the Burger Serving Trays make serving simple and clean.
Pairing the burger kit with a grill-safe griddle pan turns almost any grill into a full smash burger setup.
Other Great Grillware Products for Burger Night
Once you start making smash burgers at home, having the right tools on hand makes the process smoother, cleaner, and more enjoyable especially when cooking for family or a crowd.
We offer several grill-friendly products designed specifically for prepping, cooking, and serving burgers with ease.
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2 Pack Burger Serving Trays
Serve burgers just like your favorite burger spot with these convenient trays. The 2 Pack Burger Serving Trays make it easy to plate burgers, fries, and sides while keeping everything contained. They’re perfect for backyard cookouts, family dinners, or casual entertaining.
Stuffed Burger Maker and Patty Press
Take your burgers to the next level by creating perfectly shaped patties every time. The Stuffed Burger Maker and Patty Press helps form evenly sized burgers and makes it simple to add fillings like cheese, sautéed mushrooms, or bacon right inside the patty for an extra burst of flavor.
3-in-1 Prep, Grill and Serve Tray
Streamline your grilling workflow from kitchen to grill. The 3-in-1 Prep, Grill and Serve Tray allows you to prep raw patties indoors, transport them safely to the grill, and then bring cooked burgers back inside for serving all on the same tray. It’s especially helpful when managing multiple batches of burgers.
Serving Suggestions
Smash burgers pair perfectly with classic cookout favorites like:
- Oven Crisp Potatoes with Chimichurri
- Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Peppers
- Oven Fried Pickle Chips
- Grilled Mexican Street Corn
- Grilled Watermelon with Sweet Basil Coulis
For a complete cookout spread, serve alongside cold drinks and fresh summer salads.
More Burger Recipes to Try
Once you’ve mastered classic smash burgers, there are plenty of delicious variations to explore. These recipes are perfect for expanding your grilling menu and keeping cookouts exciting.
Try these burger favorites:
- Cheddar Jalapeno Burgers
- Stuffed Bleu Cheese Burgers
- Balsamic Portobello Burgers
- Bacon Burger with Smoked Gouda and Avocado Shallot Spread
Adding variety keeps burger night fresh and fun while making the most of your grilling tools.
Smash Burgers Worth Repeating
Once you make smash burgers at home, they’re bound to become a regular favorite. The crispy edges, juicy center, melty cheese, and flavorful sauce make every bite satisfying, and the Grilling Burger Kit makes the process simple, efficient, and enjoyable.
Fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to make smash burgers that rival your favorite burger spot right in your own backyard.
