Smash Burgers With Baconnaise Sauce Recipe

There's nothing quite like biting into a perfectly seared smash burger, its crispy edges and juicy center bursting with flavor. Add a dollop of rich, smoky baconnaise sauce, and you've got a meal that's downright irresistible.

I first discovered the magic of smash burgers at a roadside diner and was hooked instantly. Now, I make them at home whenever I want to recreate that indulgent experience. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a quick dinner or weekend treat. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love These Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce

Get ready to fall head over heels for this burger recipe. It's not just a meal – it's a sensory experience.

1. The ultimate crispy sear. Smash burgers are known for their thin, caramelized crust, achieved by pressing the beef onto a sizzling hot griddle. It’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside – burger perfection.

2. Quick and easy. From start to finish, these burgers take less than 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

3. That baconnaise sauce. Smoky, creamy, and with just a hint of tang, the homemade baconnaise is a game-changer. It’s so good you might find yourself spreading it on everything.

4. Customizable toppings. Whether you’re a purist who loves classic lettuce and tomato or someone who piles on caramelized onions and pickles, this burger adapts to your cravings.

Once you try these smash burgers, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for anything else. Let’s look at the key ingredients that make this dish shine.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. High-quality, straightforward ingredients come together to create something extraordinary.

Ground beef (80/20 blend): For the juiciest burgers, use a mix with 80% lean meat and 20% fat. The fat is essential for flavor and helps achieve that golden crust.

Soft burger buns: Brioche buns are my favorite here. They’re slightly sweet, soft, and sturdy enough to hold all the toppings without falling apart.

Cheese slices: American cheese melts beautifully and adds the perfect creamy texture. You can also try cheddar if you prefer a sharper flavor.

Bacon: This is the star of the baconnaise sauce. Cook it until it’s crispy, and don’t forget to save some bacon fat – it’s key to the sauce’s smoky flavor.

Mayonnaise: A rich, creamy base for the baconnaise, it balances the smokiness of the bacon and adds a luxurious texture.

Seasonings: Salt and black pepper are all you need for the burgers. For the baconnaise, a touch of smoked paprika and garlic powder enhance the flavor.

Optional toppings: Shredded lettuce, thinly sliced tomatoes, pickles, or caramelized onions are all excellent choices to personalize your burger.

How to Make Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce

Creating these incredible burgers is simpler than you think. Here’s how to do it, step by step.

Step 1: Make the baconnaise.
Cook 6 slices of bacon until crispy, then crumble them into small pieces. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat. In a bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, the crumbled bacon, reserved bacon fat, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, and ¼ teaspoon garlic powder. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 2: Heat the griddle.
Preheat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until it’s smoking hot. This high heat is crucial for creating that signature crust.

Step 3: Form the beef patties.
Divide 1 pound of ground beef into 4 equal balls. Do not pack the meat tightly; keeping it loose ensures a tender texture. Season each ball generously with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Smash the burgers.
Place a beef ball onto the hot griddle and smash it down with a spatula or burger press. Press firmly for about 10 seconds to create a thin patty. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes without moving it.

Step 5: Flip and cheese.
Flip the patties and immediately top them with a slice of cheese. Let them cook for another minute, just until the cheese melts.

Step 6: Assemble the burgers.
Toast the burger buns on the griddle until golden. Spread a generous amount of baconnaise sauce on the bottom bun, add the burger patty, and finish with your desired toppings. Top with the other bun and serve hot.

In just 25 minutes, you’ll have mouthwatering smash burgers ready to devour!

Storage Options

While these burgers are best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers with a few simple steps.

Refrigerate: Wrap leftover patties and buns separately in foil or an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the baconnaise in a sealed container for up to a week.

Freeze: If you want to prep ahead, cook the patties and let them cool completely. Place them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheat: Warm the patties in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the burgers soggy.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Here are some fun ways to switch it up:

1. Swap the protein. Don’t eat beef? Ground turkey or chicken works beautifully. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time.

2. Spice it up. Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the baconnaise for a spicy kick.

3. Go gluten-free. Use gluten-free buns or serve the patties wrapped in lettuce for a low-carb option.

4. Try different cheeses. While American cheese is classic, you can experiment with pepper jack, blue cheese, or even a smoked gouda.

5. Bacon alternatives. For a vegetarian twist, try crispy tempeh bacon or omit the bacon entirely and use smoked paprika for flavor.

The possibilities are endless, so feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own!

Smash burgers with baconnaise sauce are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, combining bold flavors and a satisfying crunch. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or simply treating yourself to a cozy night in, this recipe delivers every time. Go ahead, fire up that griddle, and let the burger magic begin!

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