There's nothing like biting into a juicy, flavorful smash burger fresh off the griddle. The crispy edges, tender center, and rich, creamy baconnaise sauce make this a burger lover’s dream come true.
I first tried smash burgers during a road trip, and their simplicity blew me away. With just a few key techniques and ingredients, you can achieve that same diner-quality burger at home. Let’s dive into why this recipe is bound to become your new go-to!
Why You'll Love This Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce Recipe
Get ready for a burger experience like no other. These smash burgers combine unbeatable flavor, texture, and ease, making them perfect for any occasion.
First, the crispy burger edges are a game-changer. Smashing the beef onto a hot griddle creates a caramelized crust that locks in the juices, giving you the ultimate bite every time.
The baconnaise sauce is pure magic. Creamy, smoky, and just a touch tangy, it elevates the classic burger to gourmet status. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make with just a handful of ingredients.
This recipe is also incredibly quick. From start to finish, you’ll have delicious, diner-quality burgers on the table in under 30 minutes – ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Lastly, these burgers are endlessly customizable. Whether you’re adding extra toppings or tweaking the sauce, you can make them uniquely yours with minimal effort.
Ingredients Notes
The key to this recipe is starting with simple, quality ingredients that pack a flavor punch. Each component plays a vital role in creating these unforgettable burgers.
Ground Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for the best results. The higher fat content ensures juicy burgers with crispy edges. Avoid over-handling the meat to keep the texture tender.
Cheese: Classic American cheese is the best choice here. It melts perfectly, enveloping the burger in gooey, creamy goodness. If you prefer, cheddar or pepper jack can add a twist.
Buns: Soft, slightly sweet brioche buns are a must. They provide the perfect contrast to the savory beef and hold up well to the toppings without getting soggy.
Bacon: Crispy bacon is not just for the sauce – it’s also an optional topping. Cook it until golden brown and crumble it into the baconnaise for extra texture and flavor.
Baconnaise Ingredients: Combine mayonnaise, crumbled bacon, a splash of Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and a squeeze of lemon juice for the ultimate sauce.
For cooking, you’ll need a sturdy griddle or large skillet, plus a spatula that’s wide and flat enough to smash the burgers evenly.
How To Make Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce
Making these smash burgers is as fun as it is simple. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal in no time.
Start by preparing the baconnaise sauce. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, crumbled bacon, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and lemon juice until smooth. Set aside in the fridge to let the flavors meld.
Next, divide the ground beef into loosely packed balls, about 2 ounces each. Handle them as little as possible to maintain their tenderness.
Heat your griddle or skillet over medium-high heat until it’s screaming hot. Lightly grease the surface with oil or butter. Place a beef ball onto the hot griddle, then use a spatula to press it down firmly until it’s about ¼ inch thick. Hold the pressure for a few seconds to ensure the patty sears properly.
Cook the patties for 2-3 minutes until the edges develop a golden-brown crust. Flip, add a slice of cheese, and cook for another minute until the cheese is perfectly melted.
While the burgers cook, toast your buns on the griddle for 30-60 seconds until golden and slightly crisp.
Assemble the burgers by spreading a generous layer of baconnaise sauce on each bun. Add the patty, your choice of toppings (lettuce, tomato, pickles, or onions), and the top bun. Serve immediately while the burgers are hot and juicy.
These burgers come together in less than 30 minutes, making them the ultimate quick and satisfying meal.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (though it’s unlikely), store the burger components separately to maintain their freshness.
- Keep cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them on a hot skillet to restore their crisp edges.
- The baconnaise sauce can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week. Stir well before using.
- Toasted buns are best eaten fresh, but you can keep them in a zip-top bag at room temperature for 1-2 days.
Avoid assembling the burgers in advance, as the sauce can make the buns soggy.
Variations and Substitutions
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Here are some ways to make it your own:
- Cheese Swaps: Try blue cheese or Swiss for a more gourmet flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the baconnaise for heat lovers.
- Veggie Option: Replace the beef patties with a plant-based alternative like Beyond Meat or black bean patties.
- Toppings Galore: Experiment with sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or avocado slices.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps for a low-carb version.
Feel free to mix and match until you find your perfect combination. With this recipe as your foundation, the possibilities are endless.
PrintSmash Burgers With Baconnaise Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulge in the ultimate smash burgers with baconnaise sauce—crispy-edged, juicy patties paired with a rich and smoky homemade baconnaise for a flavor-packed bite.
Ingredients
For the Smash Burgers:
- Ground beef (80/20 blend preferred)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Cheese slices (cheddar or American cheese)
- Burger buns
- Butter or oil for toasting buns
For the Baconnaise Sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp crispy bacon bits (finely chopped)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
- Dash of hot sauce (optional)
Optional Toppings:
- Lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Pickles
- Onion
Instructions
- Prepare the Baconnaise Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, crispy bacon bits, smoked paprika, Dijon mustard, honey, and hot sauce (if using). Mix well and set aside.
- Toast the Buns:
- Heat a skillet or griddle on medium heat. Lightly butter the buns and toast them until golden brown.
- Cook the Smash Burgers:
- Divide the ground beef into equal portions (4-6 oz each). Roll them into loose balls.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat until smoking hot. Place a beef ball onto the skillet and press it down with a spatula or burger press to flatten it. Cook for 2 minutes until the edges are crispy.
- Flip the patty, add a cheese slice on top, and cook for another minute.
- Assemble the Burgers:
- Spread the baconnaise sauce on the bottom bun. Add the cooked patty with melted cheese, followed by your desired toppings.
- Place the top bun on and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a sturdy spatula or burger press to achieve the signature crispy edges of a smash burger.
- Adjust the baconnaise sauce ingredients to your taste—add more hot sauce for heat or honey for sweetness.
- For an extra smoky flavor, cook the burgers on a grill.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
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