Oklahoma Onion Smash Burgers

If you’re craving a burger that’s juicy, crispy, and packed with bold flavor, then let me introduce you to the Oklahoma Onion Smash Burger. This isn’t your average backyard burger—it’s a mouthwatering masterpiece where thinly sliced onions are smashed into the patty on a sizzling hot griddle until they caramelize and infuse every bite with sweet, savory goodness. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked.

These burgers are old-school diner magic—crispy edges, melty cheese, soft buns, and that irresistible smell of griddled onions wafting through the air. They’re ridiculously easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd or just satisfying your own burger cravings in serious style. Fire up that skillet, because it’s about to get real delicious.

Why You’ll Love Oklahoma Onion Smash Burgers

Unbelievably Flavorful: The secret is in the onions—they get caramelized right into the burger patty for a flavor bomb in every bite.
Crispy Edges: Smash burgers cook quickly and get those golden, crispy edges that make every bite a little crunchy, a little juicy, and totally addictive.
Easy to Make: No fancy ingredients or special equipment needed—just a hot skillet, ground beef, onions, and a good appetite.
Budget-Friendly: A handful of simple, inexpensive ingredients come together to create something seriously special.
Customizable: Add your favorite cheese, sauces, and toppings to make it your own (but honestly, it’s hard to beat the classic).

Ingredients in Oklahoma Onion Smash Burgers

Here’s what brings these burgers to life:

Ground Beef (80/20): The fat content gives you that juicy, flavorful bite and helps crisp up those edges just right.
Onions: Super thinly sliced white or yellow onions are the heart of this burger. When smashed into the patty, they caramelize and become unbelievably sweet and flavorful.
Salt and Pepper: That’s really all you need to season the beef. Simple, classic, and perfect.
American Cheese: Melts like a dream and adds that nostalgic burger flavor we all know and love.
Burger Buns: Soft, squishy buns like potato rolls or classic hamburger buns are perfect to cradle all that goodness.
Butter (optional): For toasting the buns—adds a little richness and crunch.
Pickles, Mustard, or Ketchup (optional): Totally optional, but great for adding a tangy kick or creamy finish.

Instructions

Let’s smash some burgers, shall we?

Step 1: Prep the Onions
Use a mandoline or a very sharp knife to slice the onions paper-thin. The thinner, the better—they’ll cook fast and melt into the burger beautifully.

Step 2: Preheat Your Griddle or Skillet
Get your cast-iron skillet or griddle screaming hot over medium-high heat. You want it really hot so you can get those crispy edges.

Step 3: Form Loose Balls of Beef
Take your ground beef and form it into loose 3- to 4-ounce balls. Don’t pack them too tightly—loose is better for smashing and crisping.

Step 4: Smash and Sear
Place a ball of beef on the hot griddle, then immediately pile a handful of onions on top. Use a heavy spatula or burger press to smash the burger flat into the onions. Season with salt and pepper. Let it sear without moving it for about 2-3 minutes until the edges get browned and crispy.

Step 5: Flip and Finish
Carefully flip the burger so the onions are now underneath. Top with a slice of cheese. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and the onions get nice and caramelized.

Step 6: Toast the Buns
(Optional) While the burger finishes cooking, toast your buns in a bit of butter on the skillet until golden and warm.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve
Place the burger on the bun, add any toppings or sauces you like, and dig in while it’s hot and melty!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 490
Total Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 95mg
Sodium: 520mg
Total Carbohydrates: 24g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 30g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Oklahoma Onion Smash Burgers

These burgers are perfect for serving hot off the griddle with classic sides like:

Crispy Fries or Tater Tots: Keep it classic with golden fries or tots on the side.
Potato Salad or Coleslaw: For a picnic-style vibe, these sides pair beautifully with the burger’s savory bite.
Pickles & Chips: Add a tangy crunch with pickles and your favorite kettle chips.
Cold Beer or Soda: Balance that rich, meaty flavor with a cold, fizzy drink.

And don’t forget the napkins—these babies can get a little messy (in the best way).

Additional Tips

Smash with Confidence: Press down firmly when smashing the burger to maximize surface contact (aka crispy goodness).
Use a Metal Spatula: A sturdy metal spatula will help you scrape and flip without tearing the burger.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Work in batches if needed to keep the skillet hot and get that perfect sear.
Cheese Options: While American cheese is classic, feel free to try cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack for a twist.
Add Toppings Sparingly: Let the onions and beef shine! A little mustard or a pickle is plenty—no need to overload.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of onion?
A1: Yes! White or yellow onions work best for sweetness and caramelization, but red onions can add a sharper flavor if you prefer.

Q2: Can I make these on a regular stovetop skillet?
A2: Absolutely! A cast iron skillet works great—just make sure it’s hot before you start smashing.

Q3: What’s the best beef for smash burgers?
A3: Use 80/20 ground beef for the juiciest results. You need a little fat for flavor and those crispy edges.

Q4: How do I slice the onions super thin?
A4: A mandoline slicer makes it easy, but a very sharp knife and steady hand work too. Just go as thin as you can!

Q5: Can I freeze these burgers?
A5: You can freeze the raw beef balls and sliced onions separately. When ready to cook, thaw and smash fresh.

Q6: Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
A6: These are best cooked and served fresh, but you can slice onions and prep beef balls ahead to save time.

Q7: What buns work best?
A7: Soft, squishy buns like potato rolls are ideal—they soak up the juices without falling apart.

Q8: Do I need oil or butter in the pan?
A8: If you’re using a well-seasoned cast iron skillet or griddle, you may not need much, but a little oil or butter can help with browning.

Q9: Can I make these burgers bigger?
A9: You can, but smash burgers are meant to be thin with crispy edges. If you go bigger, you’ll lose that signature texture.

Q10: What can I serve with Oklahoma Onion Smash Burgers?
A10: Classic sides like fries, potato salad, or baked beans are perfect. Or keep it light with a crisp green salad.

Conclusion

If you’ve never tried an Oklahoma Onion Smash Burger, now’s the time to make it happen. The crispy, caramelized onions, juicy beef, and melty cheese all come together in the most irresistible way. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these burgers are pure comfort food magic. Simple, fast, and ridiculously good—this one’s going straight into your burger night rotation.

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