Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil on your preheated griddle over medium-low heat. Once melted, add 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced, along with a pinch of salt. Cook slowly for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are a rich golden brown. Stir in 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and 1 teaspoon of balsamic glaze, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the liquids are absorbed and the onions are deeply caramelized.

While the onions are caramelizing, whisk together ½ cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of ketchup, 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon of dill pickle juice, and 1 teaspoon of paprika in a mixing bowl. Make sure to mix until smooth and well-combined. Once ready, cover the bowl and refrigerate the sauce until you’re ready to assemble your Ultimate Smash Burgers on the Griddle for a tasty zing.

Now it’s time to prepare your griddle! Increase the heat to 450-500°F. To check if it’s ready, sprinkle a few droplets of water onto the surface; they should sizzle and evaporate almost instantly. At this temperature, the griddle will sear the burgers beautifully, creating that delicious crispy edge you crave.

While the griddle is heating, take 1½ pounds of 80/20 ground beef and gently form it into loose balls, approximately 3-4 ounces each. Avoid packing the beef tightly to keep the patties tender and juicy. Once shaped, set them aside, and resist the urge to season them just yet; we’ll do that during cooking!

Place the beef balls onto the hot griddle, giving each enough space to avoid sticking. Using a metal spatula, smash each ball down firmly to create thin patties, approximately ¼ inch thick. Season generously with salt and black pepper on top. Let them cook for about 1½-2 minutes, or until the edges become crispy and brown.

Carefully flip each patty using the spatula; they should be nicely browned. Immediately place a slice of cheese on each patty, allowing it to melt as you cook for another 1 minute. Meanwhile, place the brioche or potato burger buns cut-side down on a cooler section of the griddle to toast lightly for a few minutes until golden brown.

Once the patties are cooked to perfection and the cheese has melted, it’s time to assemble your Smash Burgers on the Griddle. Start with a few dill pickle slices on the bottom bun, place the cheesy patty on top, followed by a generous serving of the caramelized onions. Finally, slather the top bun with your prepared burger sauce before closing the burger. Serve immediately for an unforgettable meal!