How to Cook Burgers on Blackstone? Ultimate Guide for Perfect Patties

Craving a juicy, flavorful burger that’s perfectly cooked every time? If you have a Blackstone griddle, you’re already halfway there.

But mastering the art of cooking burgers on your Blackstone can take your backyard meals from good to unforgettable. Whether you prefer thick, hearty patties or crispy smash burgers, knowing the right heat settings, timing, and techniques will make all the difference.

Ready to impress your friends and family with mouthwatering burgers that sizzle with every bite? Keep reading to discover simple, step-by-step tips that will transform your Blackstone into the ultimate burger-making machine.

Preparing The Blackstone Griddle

Start by cleaning the griddle surface with a scraper. Remove all leftover food bits. Then, apply a thin layer of oil to season the Blackstone. This protects the surface and helps food cook evenly.

Choose an oil with a high smoke point. Good options are canola, vegetable, or grapeseed oil. These oils won’t burn easily and keep the griddle smooth.

Preheat the griddle for about 10 minutes on medium-high heat. The surface should be hot enough to sizzle when you touch water drops on it. This step ensures burgers cook quickly and get a nice crust.

Selecting And Preparing Patties

Choose ground beef with 80/20 fat ratio for juicy burgers. This mix keeps patties tender and flavorful. Avoid very lean meat; it dries out quickly.

For smash burgers, shape small balls of beef. Press them flat on the hot griddle using a spatula or press. This creates a crispy crust and thin patty.

Thick patties need gentle shaping. Handle meat lightly and form round, even discs. Make a small dent in the center to avoid puffing up while cooking.

Seasoning is simple but key. Use salt and pepper just before cooking. Sprinkle evenly on both sides for best taste. Avoid mixing seasoning into raw meat to keep texture.

Cooking Smash Burgers

Set the Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat for the best burger sear. The surface should be hot enough to make the patties sizzle instantly. Use a sturdy spatula or a burger press to smash the beef balls flat. Press firmly but quickly to get a thin, even patty. This helps form a crispy crust that locks in juices.

Cook the patties for about 2 minutes on the first side without moving them. Flip carefully to keep the crust intact. After flipping, add a slice of cheese right away. Cover the burger briefly to help the cheese melt perfectly. This method creates juicy, flavorful smash burgers on your Blackstone griddle every time.

Cooking Thick Burgers

Set the Blackstone to medium heat zones for thick burgers. This helps build a crust without burning the outside. Start by placing the patties on the griddle. Let them cook undisturbed to form a nice brown crust. Flip the burgers to finish cooking inside. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Aim for 160°F (71°C) for well-done burgers. Remove the patties from the heat once done.

Let the burgers rest for 5 minutes before serving. This keeps the juices inside, making the burger juicy. Resting also helps the meat finish cooking evenly. Avoid pressing the burger while cooking. It can squeeze out the tasty juices.

Toasting Buns On The Blackstone

Choosing the right buns makes a big difference. Soft buns like brioche or potato buns work well. They soak up juices but do not get soggy. Avoid very thick or hard buns; they take longer to toast.

Preheat the Blackstone griddle on medium heat. Lightly butter the cut side of each bun. Place buns butter-side down on the griddle. Toast for 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown.

Watch closely to prevent burning. Toasting adds a nice crunch and warmth. It also keeps buns from getting soggy from burger juices.

Use a spatula to flip buns carefully. Remove from griddle once both sides are toasted. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Adding Toppings And Assembly

Classic toppings include crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and crunchy pickles. Sliced onions add a sharp bite. Melted cheese is a must for many.

Creative sauces and extras bring new flavors. Try spicy mayo, tangy BBQ sauce, or creamy ranch. Avocado slices and grilled mushrooms add richness.

For layering tips, start with the bun bottom, then add sauce. Place the patty on top carefully. Add cheese and toppings evenly. Finish with the top bun.

To keep your burger stable, avoid piling too high. Use thicker sauces to hold ingredients together. Press gently to compact the layers without squeezing out juices.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

To avoid sticking, make sure the griddle is hot before placing the burgers. Use a small amount of oil or butter to create a non-stick surface. Let the burger cook without moving it too soon. This helps form a crust that releases easily.

Managing flare-ups is key to safe cooking. Keep a spray bottle of water nearby to gently put out flames. Avoid pressing down on the burgers, as fat drips can cause flare-ups. Adjust the heat if flames get too high.

Fixing uneven cooking requires attention to heat zones. Use the hottest area for searing and cooler spots for finishing. Flip burgers only once to cook evenly. Press down lightly to help heat spread but avoid squishing the meat.

Cleaning And Maintenance After Cooking

Clean the Blackstone griddle while it is still warm. Use a metal scraper to remove food bits. Wipe the surface with a damp cloth to clear grease.

Apply a thin layer of cooking oil after cleaning. This keeps the seasoning intact and prevents rust. Avoid using soap, as it can remove the seasoning.

Store the Blackstone in a dry place. Cover it with a protective cover to keep dust and moisture away. This helps maintain its condition for longer use.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Cook Burgers On A Blackstone Grill?

Preheat the Blackstone grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the surface. Place burger patties and cook 3-4 minutes per side. Add cheese near the end. Toast buns on the grill. Serve hot for juicy, flavorful burgers.

What Is The Best Setting On The Blackstone For Burgers?

Set the Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat (around 375°F to 400°F) for juicy, well-seared burgers. Use a two-zone setup: high heat for searing, medium heat to finish cooking evenly. Lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking and toast buns on the griddle for added flavor.

Do You Use Oil When Cooking Burgers On Blackstone?

Yes, lightly apply oil or beef tallow on the Blackstone griddle to prevent sticking and enhance burger flavor.

What Is The 5 6 7 Rule For Burgers?

The 5 6 7 rule for burgers means cooking at 500°F for 5 minutes, flipping, then cooking 6 minutes, and resting 7 minutes.

Conclusion

Cooking burgers on a Blackstone griddle is simple and fun. Keep the griddle clean and heat it well. Use medium heat for thick burgers or high heat for smashed ones. Press patties evenly and cook until juicy and browned. Add cheese just before finishing for melty goodness.

Don’t forget to toast the buns on the griddle. Practice helps you find the perfect timing and temperature. Enjoy tasty, juicy burgers every time with your Blackstone. Ready to grill your next meal?