Pimento Cheese Smashburgers w/ Hot Honey

PRO TIPS

Smashburgers need one thing above all: full, even contact with a hot surface. The Model G Electric Griddle delivers that edge to edge, so every patty gets the same hard sear at once instead of hot spots and cold spots. Toast the buns in an open corner while the patties finish, and the whole meal comes together on one surface.

A clean smash depends on the right tool as much as the technique. The Current® Griddle Toolset's solid spatula is stainless steel and built specifically for flipping burgers, pancakes, and other griddle favorites. Slide the wide head fully under the patty in one motion and let the crust release on its own before you flip, rather than chipping at the edges. Keep the toolset's scraper nearby too. It clears the griddle surface between batches so the next round of patties sears just as evenly as the first.

Pimento cheese melts fastest with a little steam. If it's not melting quickly enough, add a splash of water next to the patty and cover briefly with a dome or an inverted bowl. Go light on the hot honey at first. You can always add more, but too much can overpower the tang already built into the burger sauce. For more outdoor griddle recipes like this one, browse our griddle recipe collection.

FAQs

What's the best way to flip smashburgers on a griddle without tearing them?

Use a wide, stainless steel spatula and get all the way under the patty in one motion instead of chipping at the edges. The Current® Griddle Toolset's solid spatula is built for exactly this: it's designed specifically for flipping burgers, pancakes, and other griddle favorites thanks to its wide head that slides under a hard crust cleanly. Wait until the edges look deeply browned and slightly lifted before you try. That's your sign the crust has released from the griddle on its own.

What comes in the Griddle Toolset, and do I need all three pieces for this recipe?

The Griddle Toolset includes a solid spatula, a slotted spatula, and a scraper, all stainless steel with ergonomic, heat-resistant handles. For this recipe, the solid spatula is the one you'll use most, both to press the meatballs flat and to flip the patties once they're seared. The slotted spatula is better suited for foods you need to drain, like fish or eggs, and the scraper keeps the griddle surface clean between batches. All three are dishwasher safe, so cleanup is quick once the burgers are done.

Can I make pimento cheese smashburgers without an outdoor griddle?

Yes. A large cast-iron skillet on the stovetop works, though you'll cook in smaller batches since you won't have the same edge-to-edge surface. The Model G Griddle is built for smashburgers like this one. Its flat, even surface sears the whole patty at once, and its size lets you cook multiple burgers side by side instead of one pan at a time, which makes it one of the easier outdoor griddle recipes to scale up for a crowd.

Can I make the burger sauce ahead of time?

Yes, and it actually improves with a little time in the fridge. Mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, white wine vinegar, and pickle relish up to a few days ahead, then store it covered and refrigerated. Give it a stir and taste before using since the flavors mellow and blend the longer it sits.