These smash burgers are juicy, with a crispy edge that you’ll love. Topped with a creamy baconnaise sauce, they bring bacon flavor to every bite!
Making these burgers is super fun! Just squish the patties, fry them up, and add that baconnaise. I can’t help but smile at how tasty they are—they’re great for a fun dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend gives the juiciness and flavor smash burgers need. If you prefer leaner meat, you can use 90/10, but watch out for dryness. For a twist, you could use ground turkey or chicken, just be mindful of cooking times.
American Cheese: It’s melt-friendly and classic for burgers! If you want a different cheese, try cheddar or Monterey Jack for a robust flavor. Vegan alternatives can work, too—look for good melting vegan cheeses.
Baconnaise Sauce: Mayonnaise is a great base, but Greek yogurt can add creaminess with fewer calories; just adjust the seasoning. If you don’t have Dijon, yellow mustard works fine. For a smoky twist, try chipotle mayo instead!
Sesame Seed Buns: These add a nice texture. If you’re avoiding gluten, opt for gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps for a lighter option. Whole grain buns can also add a nice flavor.
How Do I Smash the Burgers Perfectly?
Smashing the burgers is what gives them that crispy edge and rich flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a heavy spatula or burger press for good leverage. This helps to flatten the beef evenly. Aim for about 1/2 inch thick for the perfect cook.
- Don’t rush it! Press down for 10-15 seconds to allow a crust to form. This is key to that tasty texture.
- Season the burgers right after smashing—they’ll soak up the flavor better that way!
Following this method will help you get burgers with a great outer crust while keeping the inside juicy. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Smash Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 slices of American cheese
- 4 sesame seed burger buns
- Lettuce leaves (optional)
- Sliced pickles (optional)
For the Baconnaise Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 4 strips of cooked bacon, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to cook, making for a total of around 25 minutes. It’s a quick and delicious option for a weeknight dinner or weekend treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Baconnaise Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, chopped bacon, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together until you have a nice, creamy sauce. Cover the bowl and pop it in the refrigerator to chill while you work on the burgers.
2. Form the Patties:
Take the ground beef and divide it into four equal portions, about 4 ounces each. Be careful not to overwork the meat; just gently shape each portion into a loose ball. This will help keep your burgers tender.
3. Heat a Skillet or Griddle:
Set your large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat to preheat. If you want, you can add a drizzle of oil to the pan, but it’s generally not needed since the ground beef has enough fat to cook nicely.
4. Smash the Burgers:
Once your skillet is hot, place the beef balls in it. Take a spatula and press down firmly on each ball to flatten it into a patty. Use a little muscle here—it should take about 10-15 seconds per patty! Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper.
5. Cook the Patties:
Let the patties cook for about 2-3 minutes until a lovely crust forms. Carefully flip the patties over and immediately place a slice of cheese on each burger. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the burgers reach your desired level of doneness.
6. Toast the Buns:
While the burgers are cooking, toast your sesame seed buns in another pan until they’re golden brown. This will take about 1 minute. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
7. Assemble the Burgers:
Spread a generous layer of baconnaise sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. If you like, add some lettuce and pickles on top. Place the cooked burger patty with melted cheese on top, add a touch more baconnaise sauce, and finish with the top half of the bun.
8. Serve:
Enjoy your smash burgers right away while they are hot and juicy! Pair them with your favorite sides, such as crispy fries or onion rings, for a complete meal. Dig in and relish every bite!
Can I Use Leaner Ground Beef for the Burgers?
While you can use leaner ground beef, keep in mind that an 80/20 blend is ideal because the fat contributes to flavor and juiciness. If using leaner meat, consider adding a spoonful of bacon grease or a small amount of oil to keep the burgers moist.
How to Store Leftover Baconnaise Sauce?
You can store leftover baconnaise sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Just give it a good stir before using it again, and be sure to enjoy it on sandwiches, wraps, or as a dip!
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The baconnaise sauce can be made a day in advance. Just mix the ingredients, store it in the fridge, and let the flavors meld together overnight for an even richer taste!
What Can I Substitute for American Cheese?
If you want to switch it up, you can use other types of cheese like cheddar, Swiss, or provolone! Just be aware that each cheese has a slightly different melting point and flavor profile, so choose one that matches your taste preference!
