These smash burgers are so juicy and flavorful, with a special twist from baconnaise sauce that you won’t be able to resist! Perfect for grilling season or a fun weeknight dinner.
Honestly, what’s not to love about crispy edges on a burger? And that baconnaise? Let’s just say it’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance! I love pairing these with fries for a classic meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using an 80/20 blend for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can work, but they won’t have the same richness.
Hamburger Buns: Sesame seed buns add a classic touch, but feel free to swap in brioche buns or whole wheat buns for a different flavor. Just make sure the buns can hold up to the juiciness of the burger.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds great texture and flavor on top. If you want a healthier alternative, consider turkey bacon or tempeh bacon for a vegetarian option. Both will change the flavor profile a bit!
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for that extra punch. However, you can use any cheese you like—Swiss, American, or pepper jack all work well and offer their own unique taste.
Baconnaise Sauce: This sauce is a star! If you’re short on bacon grease, use olive oil or avocado oil as a substitute. You can also swap out Dijon mustard for yellow mustard if you’re in a pinch.
How Can I Achieve the Perfect Smash Burger?
The key to a great smash burger lies in the cooking technique. When you smash the beef, you’re creating a lovely crust that holds in all the juices. Here’s how you do it right:
- Use a heavy cast-iron skillet or griddle for even heating.
- Preheat your skillet on high heat; it should sizzle when you place the beef on it.
- After shaping your beef into balls, use a spatula or a burger press to smash them quickly—press down firmly but gently so you don’t break them apart.
- Only flip once. The longer you cook it on one side, the better the crust becomes. Aim for 2-3 minutes before flipping.
Keep an eye on the burgers while cooking; they can go from perfectly cooked to overdone quickly!
How to Make Smash Burgers With Baconnaise Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 4 sesame seed hamburger buns
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 lettuce leaves (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 slices crispy bacon (for topping)
For the Baconnaise Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup bacon grease (or cooked, crumbled bacon)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and an additional 15 minutes to cook, making a total of 30 minutes. In no time, you’ll have tasty smash burgers ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baconnaise Sauce:
Start by making the baconnaise sauce! In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, bacon grease (or crumbled bacon), Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Be sure to season with a little salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until the sauce is nice and smooth, then set it aside for later.
2. Cook the Bacon:
Next, grab a skillet and place it over medium heat. Cook your bacon slices until they are crispy and golden. Once done, remove the bacon and let it drain on paper towels so it doesn’t get soggy.
3. Shape the Burgers:
Now it’s time to shape your burgers! Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions, each about 4 ounces. Gently roll each portion into a loose ball. Remember not to pack the beef too tightly—this will help them stay juicy!
4. Cook the Burgers:
Heat up a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat. Once it’s hot, place each beef ball onto the skillet and use a spatula to smash it down flat. Season the patties with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes to get a nice crust on the bottom.
5. Flip and Add Cheese:
Time to flip the burgers! Carefully turn each smashed burger over and place a slice of cheddar cheese on top. Continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the burger to reach your desired doneness.
6. Toast Buns:
While the burgers are cooking, split your sesame seed buns and place them face down in the pan to toast until they are golden brown. This will add a nice crunch to your burgers.
7. Assemble the Burgers:
Now for the fun part! Start assembling your burgers. On the bottom half of each toasted bun, place a lettuce leaf (if you’re using it) and then add a cheesy smash burger. Drizzle that amazing baconnaise sauce generously over the patty and top with a slice of crispy bacon. Finally, add the top half of the bun.
8. Serve:
Your smash burgers are ready to enjoy! Serve them immediately while they’re hot, and feel free to pair with your favorite sides or some crispy fries. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken in this recipe. Keep in mind that the flavor will be different; you may want to add extra seasonings to enhance it. Cook the patties until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
What If I Don’t Have Bacon Grease?
No worries! You can easily replace bacon grease with more mayonnaise to keep the same creamy texture. If you want a Baconnaise sauce with a slight bacon flavor, add in crumbled cooked bacon instead. Just be mindful of the additional texture!
How to Keep Leftover Baconnaise Sauce?
Store any leftover baconnaise sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can use it as a dip for veggies or as a spread for sandwiches for added flavor.
Can I Make the Burgers Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the burger patties in advance! Shape and season them, then store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just remember to let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes prior to cooking for even results.
