Backyard Smash Burgers
Thin, crispy-edged patties with lacy cheese skirts — the ultimate weeknight cookout.
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Ingredients
- 1.5 lb 80/20 ground beef
- 8 slices American cheese
- 4 brioche buns
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- Dill pickles
- Special sauce (mayo, ketchup, relish, hot sauce)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat a cast iron griddle on the grill until ripping hot.
- 2
Roll beef into 8 loose 3-oz balls. Do not compress.
- 3
Place balls on the griddle, top with a thin layer of onions.
- 4
Smash flat with a sturdy spatula for 30 seconds. Salt heavily.
- 5
Cook 2 minutes until edges are lace-crisp, then flip.
- 6
Top each patty with cheese, stack two, close lid for 30 seconds.
- 7
Toast the buns face-down on the griddle.
- 8
Build with sauce, pickles, and the double patty.
Why this recipe works best on a clean grill
A clean grill makes this recipe easier because the grates release food evenly, the heat moves predictably, and old grease does not smoke over the fresh ingredients. When carbon buildup sits on the grate, it can leave bitter flavors, create flare-ups, and make delicate foods stick right when they should sear.
Before cooking, preheat the grill fully, scrape the grate with a bristle-free tool, and lightly oil the surface. If your grill has yellow flames, heavy smoke, stubborn hot spots, or a greasy smell before the food goes on, it may need a deeper cleaning before your next cookout. For more context, read our clean grill benefits guide or request a professional quote from The Grill Guyz.
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