Ultimate Smashed Cheeseburger on the Grill

Introduction

Get ready to experience the ultimate burger, seared to perfection on the Arteflame grill. This smashed cheeseburger combines a crispy, caramelized exterior with a juicy, tender interior. The secret? Searing the burger patties on the center grate at over 1,000°F for that perfect steakhouse-quality crust, then finishing them on the flat cooktop griddle to ensure a juicy, flavorful bite every time.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
• 4 slices of American cheese
• 4 burger buns
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 4 lettuce leaves
• 4 slices of tomato
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil (for grill preparation)

Instructions

1. Fire Up the Grill

Prepare your Arteflame grill by pouring vegetable oil onto three paper napkins and placing them in the grill. Stack firewood over the napkins and light them up. Allow the grill to heat up for about 20 minutes, until the center grate reaches over 1,000°F.

2. Prep the Patties

Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and gently shape them into balls. Do not overwork the meat to keep the burgers tender. Season each ball generously with salt and pepper.

3. Sear the Patties

Place the beef balls onto the center grill grate and smash them down with a spatula until they are about 1/4 inch thick. Sear each patty for 1-2 minutes until a crispy, caramelized crust forms.

4. Finish on the Flat Griddle

Move the seared patties to the flat cooktop griddle. Add a slice of cheese on each patty and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and the burger reaches your desired doneness.

5. Toast the Buns and Onions

While the patties are cooking, melt the butter on the flat griddle. Place the burger buns and sliced onions on the griddle. Toast the buns until golden brown and cook the onions until they are soft and slightly caramelized.

6. Assemble the Burgers

Spread mayonnaise, mustard, and ketchup on the bottom buns. Place the patties with melted cheese on top, followed by the caramelized onions, lettuce, and tomato slices. Top with the other half of the bun.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Remove the burgers from the grill when the internal temperature is 15°F below your target (about 135°F for medium-rare). Let them rest for a couple of minutes, then serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Tips

• For a smoky flavor, add a chunk of hardwood to the fire before searing the patties.
• Don’t skip the butter for toasting buns—it adds a rich, buttery flavor that complements the crispy burger crust.

Variations

1. Bacon Jalapeño Smash Burger: Add crispy bacon and sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
2. Mushroom Swiss Smash Burger: Top with sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese for a rich, savory flavor.
3. BBQ Bacon Smash Burger: Swap the mustard and ketchup for your favorite BBQ sauce and add a slice of crispy bacon.
4. Blue Cheese Smash Burger: Add a dollop of blue cheese and a few slices of red onion for a tangy twist.
5. Avocado Smash Burger: Top with sliced avocado and a drizzle of chipotle mayo for a creamy, spicy variation.

Best Pairings

• Side Dishes: Sweet potato fries, coleslaw, grilled corn on the cob.
• Drinks: Craft beer, lemonade, or a classic milkshake.

Conclusion

With this recipe, you'll master the art of making a perfect smashed cheeseburger on the grill. The combination of a crispy crust and juicy interior, topped with melted cheese and fresh toppings, will make this your go-to burger recipe for every cookout.