Griddled Pickle Smash Burgers with Crispy Edges

This pickle smash burgers recipe is a tasty twist on classic sliders, pairing griddled pickles with seasoned, juicy beef patties. Cook on a flat griddle—like a Blackstone or Traeger—to get crispy edges and caramelized toppings.

Pickle Smash Burgers Griddle Recipe on Traeger Flatrock Grill

Table of Contents

Learn how to make flavorful Pickle Smash Burgers on a hot griddle for quick, savory sliders.

Scroll to the bottom for a printable recipe card.

Closeup of Griddled Pickle Smash Burgers

Also great alongside griddle-style cheeseburger wraps and other flat-top favorites.

Ingredients

  • 30 pickle slices (round)
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic salt
  • 2 medium Roma tomatoes, sliced
  • 6 Hawaiian slider rolls
  • 1½ tbsp butter, divided
  • ½ tbsp olive oil

How to griddle pickle smash burgers

Step 1. Make the patties

In a bowl, mix the ground beef with black pepper and garlic salt. Divide into six even portions and roll each into a ball. Pat pickle slices dry with paper towels to reduce excess moisture. Slice tomatoes and set aside.

Burgers Prepped for Pickle Smash Burgers

Step 2. Griddle the tomatoes

Preheat the griddle to medium. Add ½ tablespoon butter and sear tomato slices 1–2 minutes per side until slightly softened and caramelized. Remove and keep warm.

Griddle Cooking Tomatoes

Step 3. Toast the buns

Add the olive oil to the griddle area where the tomatoes cooked. Place slider rolls cut-side down and toast until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.

Step 4. Griddle the pickles

Melt 1 tablespoon butter and spread it on the griddle. Place half the pickle slices singly to char and crisp, and arrange the remaining pickles in groups of two or three roughly the size of the patties—these will act as the base for smashing.

Cooking Pickle Smash Burgers on Traeger Flatrock Griddle

Step 5. Smash the burgers on the pickles

Set each beef ball on top of a grouped pickle cluster and press down with a heavy spatula to form thin patties. Cook a few minutes until the edges brown and a crust develops, flip, and cook the other side to your desired doneness.

Closeup of Griddle Cooking Smash Burgers with Pickles

Step 6. Assemble sliders

Layer the toasted Hawaiian rolls with a griddled patty, a slice of griddled tomato, additional charred pickle slices if desired, and your favorite condiments. Serve immediately while hot.

Closeup of Griddle Cooked Smash Burger with Pickles

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  • Italian Marinade For Grilled Foods

    Italian Marinade For Grilled Foods

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— Jenna

Pickle Smash Burgers Griddle Recipe on Traeger Flatrock Grill

Pickle Smash Burgers Griddle Recipe

A savory take on sliders: griddled pickles meet seasoned smash patties for a fast, flavorful meal cooked on a flat-top griddle.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

  • 30 pickle slices, round
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 2 medium Roma tomatoes, sliced
  • 6 Hawaiian slider rolls
  • 1.5 tablespoon butter, divided
  • ½ tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Combine ground beef, black pepper, and garlic salt. Mix and form six equal balls.
  2. Pat pickles dry and slice tomatoes.
  3. Heat griddle to medium. Melt ½ tablespoon butter and cook tomato slices 1–2 minutes per side. Remove.
  4. Add olive oil and toast slider rolls cut-side down until golden. Remove.
  5. Melt 1 tablespoon butter and spread across the griddle. Grill half the pickles individually and arrange the rest in pairs or threes for the patties.
  6. Place each beef ball on the grouped pickles, smash flat with a spatula, and cook a few minutes until browned. Flip and finish cooking to desired doneness.
  7. Assemble sliders with buns, patties, griddled tomatoes, extra pickles, and preferred condiments.

Notes

Watch the recipe video if you prefer a visual guide.

Nutrition

Calories: 537 kcal | Carbs: 35 g | Protein: 26 g | Fat: 33 g