Is This The Ultimate Backyard Smashburger? Freddy’s copycat recipe on the Traeger Flatrock

This might just be the perfect backyard smashburger. Warden and I fired up the new Traeger Flatrock to recreate his favorite burger, Freddy’s Steakburger, with those signature crispy edges, melty cheese, and paper-thin patties you can only get from a proper griddle smash. We even made Freddy’s-style shoestring fries, homemade fry sauce, and a copycat dry seasoning that brings it all together.

Whether you’re cooking for the family or dialing in your griddle skills, this is the kind of food that brings everyone to the table.

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RECIPES IN THIS VIDEO

Freddy’s Smashburger Copycat
• 2 oz ground beef (80/20), smashed thin on a hot griddle
• Seasoned immediately with dry seasoning (below)
• Topped with American cheese
• Serve with mustard, pickles, and diced onion on a toasted sandwich bun

Freddy’s Dry Seasoning Blend
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
(Mix and use on burgers, fries, and more)

Shoestring Fries (Blanch & Chill Method)
• Slice russet potatoes thin with a mandoline
• Blanch in salted boiling water for 2 minutes
• Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes
• Fry at 375°F until golden and crispy
• Toss with dry seasoning while hot

Freddy’s Fry Sauce
• 1/2 cup mayo
• 3 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp pickle juice
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Optional: pinch of sugar and paprika
Whisk and chill before serving

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Thanks for watching! I’m Zach, dad of five and home cook behind The Bates Kitchen. We share simple, delicious recipes that bring families together—from comfort food to copycat favorites to griddle cookouts like this one.

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What should we recreate next? Drop your favorite burger or fast food spot in the comments.

#Smashburger #FreddysCopycat #GriddleCooking #TraegerFlatrock #TheBatesKitchen #SmashburgerRecipe #ShoestringFries #FamilyCooking #BurgerNight #BackyardGrilling
00:00 Introduction
00:48 New Traeger
01:38 Dividing the meat/ Preparing the buns
02:33 Grilling the buns
04:05 Heating tallow for fries
04:50 Grill the Smashburger
07:17 Cutting the onion/dropping the fries
07:43 Back to Burgers/ Grillin and chillin
10:20 Assembling the Smashburger
11:20 Final taste test / Better than Freddy's Burgers