Oklahoma Smash Burgers

Picture this: a sizzling burger patty, smashed to perfection, crispy on the edges, juicy in the middle. Now, add melted cheese, fresh toppings, and a toasted bun—cue the food coma. Trust me, these Oklahoma Smash Burgers are a game-changer. Whether you’re grilling in the backyard or whipping up a weeknight dinner, these burgers are all about that crispy, caramelized edge and juicy center we all crave.

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The magic happens when you smash the patties onto a hot griddle or skillet. They get that beautiful crispy crust, while staying juicy and tender inside. It’s a burger lover’s dream come true.

Why You’ll Love Oklahoma Smash Burgers

This recipe isn’t just about burgers—it’s about creating a satisfying, mouthwatering experience. Whether you’re grilling in the sun or making burgers in the comfort of your kitchen, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Crispy Edges: The “smash” method gives you those crave-worthy crispy edges that add texture and flavor to every bite. It’s all about getting that golden crunch without sacrificing juiciness.

Customizable: You control the toppings! Go classic with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickles, or add your favorite flair like avocado, bacon, or fried onions. The options are endless.

Simple Ingredients: You don’t need anything fancy here—just good-quality beef, a hot skillet or griddle, and a few toppings. It’s the beauty of simplicity.

Quick and Easy: These burgers cook up in just a few minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu weekend cookouts.

Crowd-Pleasing: Smash burgers are a hit with everyone. They’re big, juicy, and fun to eat—guaranteed to leave everyone satisfied.

Ingredients in Oklahoma Smash Burgers

Let’s talk about what makes these burgers so irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground Beef: The key to a great burger. We’re talking 80/20 ground beef for that perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.

Cheese: Classic American cheese is the way to go for that melty goodness, but you can switch it up with cheddar, Swiss, or any cheese that melts well.

Burger Buns: Soft, yet sturdy enough to hold all those juicy toppings. You can go for traditional hamburger buns or try something a little different like brioche.

Pickles: Because what’s a burger without pickles? They add that crunchy, tangy bite that pairs perfectly with the rich beef.

Onions: Grilled or raw, onions add a sharp, savory contrast to the rich burger.

Lettuce & Tomato: Fresh, crisp toppings to balance the burger’s richness.

Condiments: Mayo, ketchup, mustard, or any sauce you love.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into how to make these smash burgers:

Preheat Your Skillet/Griddle: Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until it’s smoking hot. The high heat is crucial for getting that crispy crust.

Form the Patties: Take your ground beef and form it into balls (about 4 oz each). Don’t overwork the meat—just roll it into loose balls.

Smash the Patties: Place the meatballs on the hot skillet and use a spatula to smash them down flat. Press hard to get them nice and thin. You should hear a satisfying sizzle.

Cook Until Crispy: Let the patties cook for about 2-3 minutes until the edges are crispy and golden brown. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes for a perfect medium-rare burger. Add cheese on top just before the burger is done.

Toast the Buns: While the burgers are cooking, toast your buns lightly on the skillet until golden brown. This adds a nice crunch and helps the buns hold up to the juicy meat.

Assemble the Burger: Place the smashed patties on the toasted buns, then add your favorite toppings: pickles, lettuce, tomato, onions, and condiments.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy the crispy, juicy goodness of your Oklahoma Smash Burger!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4 burgers
Calories per serving: 400 (approximate)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

How to Serve Oklahoma Smash Burgers

Classic Toppings: Serve with classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onions. The simplicity of these flavors allows the crispy patty to shine.

Fries or Onion Rings: Pair these burgers with crispy fries or onion rings for a true diner-style meal. Maybe add a dipping sauce on the side?

Coleslaw: A tangy slaw adds crunch and freshness, balancing out the richness of the burger.

Grilled Veggies: Consider grilling some veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms to add more flavor and texture.

Pickled Jalapeños: For a little kick, try adding pickled jalapeños. The spicy-sour flavor is the perfect contrast to the juicy burger.

Additional Tips

Don’t Overwork the Meat: When forming your patties, keep it simple. Too much handling can make them tough.

Get Your Skillet Super Hot: The key to crispy edges is a smoking-hot skillet. Don’t rush this step!

Rest the Patties: Let the patties rest for a minute after cooking to lock in juices.

Double the Recipe: Smash burgers are so good, you’ll want extras. Double the patties and freeze them for another day!

Add Bacon: Want to take it to the next level? Add crispy bacon on top of your burger for an extra layer of flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use leaner beef for these burgers?
A1: You can, but 80/20 ground beef is ideal for juicy smash burgers. Leaner beef might result in a drier patty.

Q2: Can I make the patties ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can form the patties and store them in the fridge for up to a day before cooking.

Q3: Can I freeze the patties?
A3: Absolutely! Freeze the patties in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. They’ll last for up to 3 months.

Q4: How do I make these burgers spicier?
A4: Add jalapeños or spicy mustard to your toppings, or mix some cayenne pepper into the beef before cooking.

Q5: Can I cook these on the grill?
A5: Yes! Use a cast-iron skillet or grill-safe pan on the grill to get that crispy crust.

Q6: Can I use a vegetarian patty?
A6: Yes! Swap the beef for a veggie patty, but keep the smash technique to get that crispy texture.

Q7: What if I don’t have a cast-iron skillet?
A7: A regular non-stick skillet will work, but make sure it’s heated properly before adding the patties.

Q8: How do I make these burgers more filling?
A8: Add extra cheese, or serve with a side of baked potatoes or a hearty salad.

Q9: Can I make these burgers bigger?
A9: Sure! Just keep the smashing part, but use larger patties for a more substantial burger.

Q10: Can I make a double smash burger?
A10: Yes! Just smash two smaller patties together for a double decker burger experience.

These Oklahoma Smash Burgers are ready to take your burger game to the next level. Go ahead, give them a try—and get ready for the crispy, juicy magic. Enjoy!

Oklahoma Smash Burgers

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• Author: Maria
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 burgers
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilled
• Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

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Description

These Oklahoma Smash Burgers are packed with flavor, thanks to thin burger patties smashed over crispy onions, topped with melty American cheese. The edges get delightfully crispy while the center stays juicy and tender. Perfect for a quick and easy burger fix!

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Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced

• Garlic powder, to taste

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 4 slices American cheese

• 4 hamburger buns

• Condiments of choice (mustard, ketchup, pickles, etc.)

 

• Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato slices

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Instructions

• Spray a griddle or large skillet with nonstick spray and toast the hamburger buns over medium heat until golden brown.

• Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions but keep them loosely gathered (do not form into patties yet).

• Place a handful of sliced onions on the hot griddle. Put a ball of ground beef on top of the onions.

• Smash the beef down using a sturdy spatula, creating thin patties (about ¼ inch thick). Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

• Cook each patty for 2-3 minutes, allowing the edges to get crispy. Flip and cook for another minute.

• Add a slice of American cheese to each patty and let it melt.

 

• Assemble the burgers by placing each patty on a toasted bun. Add your preferred condiments and optional toppings. For a double burger, simply stack two patties on one bun. Serve and enjoy!

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Notes

• For added flavor, use your favorite burger toppings like sautéed mushrooms or crispy bacon.

 

• The thin, crispy edges of the patties are a signature feature of this burger—don’t skip the smashing step!

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 burger
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 70mg