Hey guys! Today, we're diving headfirst into the delicious world of Oklahoma smash burgers, cooked to perfection on a Blackstone griddle. If you're craving that crispy, caramelized patty with all the fixings, you've come to the right place. I will show you how to make the best Oklahoma smash burgers that will have everyone begging for more. This recipe is super easy, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for a backyard BBQ or a weeknight dinner. So, fire up that Blackstone, and let's get cooking!

Why Oklahoma Smash Burgers?

So, what's the big deal with Oklahoma smash burgers? These aren't your average, run-of-the-mill burgers, guys. The magic lies in the smashing technique. By pressing the burger thin onto a hot griddle, you create maximum surface area for that glorious Maillard reaction – that's the scientific term for the browning that creates an intensely savory, umami-rich crust. This crust is what gives smash burgers their distinctive, crave-able flavor. Plus, the thin patties cook super fast, making them ideal for when you want a quick and satisfying meal. Another key element of Oklahoma smash burgers is the thinly sliced onions that are smashed directly into the patty as it cooks. The onions caramelize and meld with the beef, adding sweetness and depth of flavor that's simply irresistible. Trust me, once you try an Oklahoma smash burger, you'll be hooked!

The Blackstone Advantage

Now, why use a Blackstone griddle? Well, the Blackstone is basically a burger-cooking dream machine. Its large, flat surface provides even heat distribution, which is crucial for getting that perfect smash burger crust. The griddle gets screaming hot, allowing you to achieve that beautiful sear without drying out the patty. Plus, the Blackstone's spacious surface means you can cook multiple burgers at once, making it perfect for feeding a crowd. And let's be honest, cooking outdoors on a Blackstone is just plain fun! It's a great way to enjoy the weather, hang out with friends and family, and create some amazing food. If you don't have a Blackstone, don't worry – you can still make smash burgers in a cast-iron skillet. However, the Blackstone really takes the experience to the next level.

Ingredients You'll Need

Alright, let's talk ingredients. Here's what you'll need to make some killer Oklahoma smash burgers:

• Ground Beef: The star of the show! I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and fat content. The fat is essential for keeping the burgers juicy and helping them develop that amazing crust.
• Onions: Thinly sliced yellow or white onions. These will be smashed into the patties as they cook, so make sure they're sliced nice and thin.
• Buns: Soft, squishy potato buns or brioche buns are the perfect vessels for smash burgers. They're sturdy enough to hold all the toppings, but still tender and delicious.
• Cheese: American cheese is the classic choice for Oklahoma smash burgers. It melts beautifully and adds that creamy, comforting flavor we all love. But feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack.
• Pickles: Dill pickle chips add a tangy, crunchy contrast to the rich, savory burger. Don't skip the pickles!
• Mustard: Yellow mustard is the traditional condiment for Oklahoma smash burgers. Its bright, tangy flavor complements the beef and onions perfectly. Feel free to add other sauce if you like.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple but essential. Season your beef generously with salt and pepper to bring out its natural flavors.
• Oil or Butter: For greasing the Blackstone griddle. This will prevent the burgers from sticking and help them develop that beautiful crust.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, guys, let's get cooking! Here's how to make Oklahoma smash burgers on a Blackstone griddle:

1. Prep Your Ingredients: First things first, get everything prepped and ready to go. Slice your onions super thin, portion your ground beef into 2-3 ounce balls, and set out your buns, cheese, pickles, and mustard. Having everything organized will make the cooking process much smoother.
2. Preheat Your Blackstone: Preheat your Blackstone griddle over medium-high heat. You want the surface to be nice and hot so the burgers will sear properly. A good way to test if the griddle is hot enough is to flick a few drops of water onto the surface. If the water sizzles and evaporates quickly, you're good to go.
3. Grease the Griddle: Once the griddle is hot, grease it lightly with oil or butter. This will prevent the burgers from sticking and help them develop that beautiful crust.
4. Smash the Burgers: Place a ball of ground beef on the hot griddle. Immediately smash it down with a burger press or a sturdy spatula. You want to smash it as thin as possible – about 1/4 inch thick. The thinner the patty, the more surface area for that delicious crust!
5. Add the Onions: Immediately after smashing the burger, top it with a small pile of thinly sliced onions. Press the onions into the patty with your spatula. This will help them adhere to the beef and caramelize as they cook.
6. Season Generously: Season the burger generously with salt and pepper. Don't be shy – this is your chance to add some serious flavor!
7. Cook the Burgers: Let the burgers cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they're deeply browned and crispy around the edges. Use a thin, flexible spatula to scrape under the burgers and flip them over. The crust should be nice and golden brown.
8. Add the Cheese: Once you've flipped the burgers, top each patty with a slice of American cheese. Let the cheese melt for about 30 seconds, or until it's nice and gooey.
9. Assemble the Burgers: Remove the burgers from the griddle and place them on your prepared buns. Top with pickles and mustard, or any other toppings you like.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Oklahoma smash burgers immediately and enjoy! These burgers are best eaten hot off the griddle, when the patties are crispy and the cheese is melty.

Tips for the Perfect Smash Burger

Want to take your smash burger game to the next level? Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Use High-Quality Beef: The better the beef, the better the burger. I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and fat content. Look for beef that's bright red and has a good amount of marbling (flecks of fat throughout the meat).
• Don't Overwork the Beef: When forming the beef into balls, be gentle. Overworking the beef will make it tough. Just gently shape the beef into a loose ball and you're good to go.
• Get the Griddle Hot: A hot griddle is essential for creating that perfect smash burger crust. Make sure your Blackstone is preheated to medium-high heat before you start cooking.
• Smash it Thin: The thinner the patty, the more surface area for that delicious crust. Don't be afraid to really smash those burgers down!
• Use a Sturdy Spatula: A thin, flexible spatula is essential for scraping under the burgers and flipping them over without tearing them. Look for a spatula with a sharp edge and a comfortable handle.
• Don't Overcook the Burgers: Smash burgers cook quickly, so keep a close eye on them. You want them to be deeply browned and crispy around the edges, but still juicy on the inside. Aim for an internal temperature of 160°F for medium-well.
• Experiment with Toppings: While the classic Oklahoma smash burger is simple, feel free to experiment with different toppings. Try adding bacon, avocado, caramelized onions, or your favorite sauce.

Variations and Add-ons

The beauty of smash burgers is that they're incredibly versatile. Here are a few variations and add-ons to try:

• Double Smash Burger: Double the patties, double the fun! Simply smash two patties on each bun for an extra-meaty burger.
• Spicy Smash Burger: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to your ground beef for a spicy kick.
• Bacon Smash Burger: Top your smash burger with crispy bacon for a smoky, savory flavor.
• Avocado Smash Burger: Add slices of ripe avocado for a creamy, healthy twist.
• Caramelized Onion Smash Burger: Caramelize some onions in butter and sugar and top your smash burger with them for a sweet and savory flavor.
• Special Sauce Smash Burger: Whip up a batch of your favorite special sauce (like a Thousand Island dressing) and slather it on your smash burger.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, folks! Everything you need to know to make amazing Oklahoma smash burgers on your Blackstone griddle. These burgers are simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. So fire up that Blackstone, gather your friends and family, and get ready to smash some burgers! Trust me, once you try these, you'll never go back to regular burgers again. Happy cooking, and enjoy!