Get ready to meet your new favorite burger obsession: Oklahoma Onion Smash Burgers. Imagine a hefty handful of seared, deeply caramelized onions merging with crispy-edged beef, all tucked under gooey cheese and stacked high on a butter-toasted bun. This classic griddled burger delivers bold flavor and delightful crunch in every bite, showcasing humble ingredients that transform into pure diner-style bliss. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or satisfying a sudden burger craving, Oklahoma Onion Smash Burgers are quick to make and impossible to forget.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s amazing about Oklahoma Onion Smash Burgers is how just a handful of staples make something so crave-worthy. Every ingredient here pulls its weight, adding depth, juiciness, or that perfect golden color that makes a burger irresistible.
- Ground Beef (80/20): Higher fat content guarantees juicy, flavorful patties with those essential crispy edges.
- Yellow Onion, thinly sliced: The star of this burger, thin slices melt down and caramelize beautifully during cooking.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that let the beef and onions shine.
- American Cheese: Melts easily and brings that unmistakable creamy, nostalgic flavor to the burger.
- Burger Buns: Choose soft, classic buns that can soak up juices but hold their shape for the ultimate bite.
- Butter (optional, for buns): Adds extra richness and browns the buns perfectly if you toast them on the skillet.
- Mustard, Pickles, and Toppings: A squirt of mustard and a few tangy pickles cut through the richness, but feel free to pile on any favorites.
How to Make Oklahoma Onion Smash Burgers
Step 1: Shape the Beef
Begin by dividing your ground beef into four equal portions. Gently roll each portion into a ball, but don’t pack them tightly—you want loose, airy texture for maximum tenderness. Set these aside while you get your skillet piping hot.
Step 2: Preheat the Skillet or Griddle
Place a large cast-iron skillet or flat griddle over medium-high heat until it’s sizzling hot. This is crucial for developing that gorgeous crust and caramelized edge Oklahoma Onion Smash Burgers are famous for.
Step 3: Build the Onion Base
Scatter a generous mound (about 1/4 cup) of your ultra-thin onion slices onto four spots on the hot skillet. The onions are the secret to this burger—they’ll steam and sear, infusing the beef with sweet, smoky flavor.
Step 4: Smash and Season
Immediately position a beef ball on top of each onion mound. Use a sturdy spatula (or even two stacked together) to smash each ball down as thin as possible, pressing the onions into the beef. Sprinkle each generously with salt and pepper. Let them cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes, until those trademark crispy edges develop.
Step 5: Flip and Add Cheese
Carefully flip the patties so the onions are now on top. You’ll smell that glorious onion aroma! Place a slice of American cheese on each patty and let it melt while the second side cooks for another 1–2 minutes. The onions nestle into the cheese, making every bite pure magic.
Step 6: Toast the Buns
If you want diner perfection, throw your buns (cut side down) onto the skillet with a dab of butter while the burgers finish up. A warm, golden-toasted bun adds the perfect finishing touch.
Step 7: Assemble and Serve
Layer your cheesy, onion-topped patties onto the toasted buns. Slather on mustard, add a couple tangy pickles, and cap with the bun top. Oklahoma Onion Smash Burgers are best enjoyed fresh and piping hot, so dig in right away!
How to Serve Oklahoma Onion Smash Burgers
Garnishes
These burgers come alive with simple, punchy garnishes. Mustard is the classic pick—sharp, tangy, and totally at home here. Add crunchy dill pickles (sliced or chips) for a little zip, and if you’re feeling bold, scatter some thinly sliced raw onions or crisp lettuce for extra bite and freshness.
Side Dishes
What’s a burger without sides? Pair Oklahoma Onion Smash Burgers with golden shoestring fries or kettle chips for that true diner feel. If you want to lighten things up, serve with a simple green salad or coleslaw—anything that adds a refreshing crunch as a counterpoint to these rich, savory burgers.
Creative Ways to Present
The fun doesn’t stop at classic assembly! Stack two patties for a towering double, melt some pepper jack or cheddar instead of American cheese for a twist, or swap in brioche buns for a little sweetness. You can also skewer mini sliders with cocktail picks for a party platter perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Oklahoma Onion Smash Burgers left (difficult, but not impossible!), let the patties cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days—the onions and beef will stay surprisingly juicy.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked burger patties (without buns or toppings) by wrapping them individually in foil or plastic wrap, then sealing in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To revive your Oklahoma Onion Smash Burgers, reheat the patties gently in a hot skillet for a few minutes on each side, or zap briefly in the microwave. Toast fresh buns and add new toppings, and your leftover burger will taste almost as good as new.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While American cheese is the nostalgic classic and melts perfectly, you can sub in cheddar, Swiss, or even pepper jack for your Oklahoma Onion Smash Burgers. Pick any cheese that melts well and matches your flavor cravings.
Do I need to use a cast-iron skillet?
Cast iron delivers unbeatable browning and even heat, but if you don’t have one, use a heavy-duty stainless steel skillet or a flat-top griddle. The key is preheating your pan until it’s very hot for that signature sear.
How thin do the onions need to be?
As thin as possible! Use a mandoline slicer if you have one, or a very sharp knife. Paper-thin slices are what make Oklahoma Onion Smash Burgers tender and caramelized, with no harsh bite.
Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
You can prep the beef balls and onions a few hours ahead and chill them separately, but for that crispy-onion magic, cook and assemble Oklahoma Onion Smash Burgers just before serving. The fresh-off-the-griddle experience is unbeatable!
What other toppings work with these burgers?
Besides classic mustard and pickles, try mayo, ketchup, sliced jalapeños, or even a swipe of BBQ sauce. Feel free to pile on shredded lettuce or tomato for extra texture and freshness.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made Oklahoma Onion Smash Burgers at home, you’re in for a treat—this recipe is fast, fun, and loaded with old-school flavor that’s hard to beat. Gather your favorite people, fire up that skillet, and take your burger night to a whole new level. Give these a try and watch everyone’s eyes light up at first bite!
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Oklahoma Onion Smash Burgers Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious Oklahoma Onion Smash Burgers at home with this easy recipe. These crispy-edged, flavorful burgers are a classic diner favorite!
Ingredients
Ground Beef Patties:
1 pound ground beef (80/20)
Onions:
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
Seasoning:
Salt and black pepper to taste
Cheese and Buns:
4 slices American cheese, 4 burger buns
Optional:
1 tablespoon butter (for toasting buns), mustard, pickles, and other desired toppings
Instructions
- Divide and Shape: Divide beef into 4 portions, shape into loose balls.
- Preheat and Smash: Heat skillet, place onions, top with beef, smash thin, season.
- Cook: Cook until crispy, flip, add cheese, melt.
- Toast Buns and Serve: Toast buns, assemble burgers with toppings. Serve hot.
Notes
- For authentic flavor, use thin onion slices and smash the beef for crispy edges.
- Serve with fries or chips for a classic diner experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
