These smash burgers are juicy and packed with flavor, topped off with a special baconnaise sauce that you won’t be able to resist! They’re quick to make and oh-so-tasty!
Who knew smashing a burger could create such magic, right? I love to pile on the toppings and enjoy them with fries. Trust me, once you try that baconnaise, you’ll be hooked!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend of meat to fat is recommended for juicy burgers. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use a 90/10 blend, but the flavor might be less rich. Alternatively, ground turkey or chicken also works well.
Burger Buns: Sesame seed buns have a lovely flavor and texture. If you can’t find them, try using brioche buns for a sweeter touch, or whole wheat buns for a healthier option. Gluten-free buns are also available if needed.
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for its strong flavor. If you want something milder, you could substitute with American cheese. Pepper Jack would add a nice kick, too!
Bacon Grease: It gives the baconnaise a wonderful flavor, but you can use olive oil or butter if you don’t have any. Crumbled bacon adds a nice salty crunch if you prefer that texture instead of grease.
How Do You Get the Perfect Sear on Smash Burgers?
Getting a good sear is key to a great smash burger. Here are some tips to ensure you achieve that crispy crust:
- Preheat your skillet until it’s hot. This will help create a nice sear and prevent sticking.
- Only smash the burger once. Gently press down with your spatula to flatten the meat, but don’t overwork it.
- Don’t flip too early! Wait for about 2 minutes or until the edges are brown and crispy before flipping.
Following these tips will help you create smash burgers that are both delicious and packed with flavor!
How to Make Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 4 sesame seed burger buns
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
For the Baconnaise Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons bacon grease (or cooked, crumbled bacon)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes total. You’ll need about 10 minutes to prepare the Baconnaise sauce and caramelize the onions, and then around 15-20 minutes to cook the burgers and toast the buns. It’s a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baconnaise Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, bacon grease, garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything until it’s smooth and well combined. Pop the sauce into the refrigerator to chill while you work on the burgers.
2. Cook the Onions:
Grab a skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add a splash of vegetable oil and toss in the sliced onions. Let them cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to get nice and caramelized, turning golden and sweet. Once done, set them aside.
3. Shape the Patties:
Take the ground beef and divide it into 4 equal pieces, each about 4 ounces. Gently roll each piece into a ball, but don’t pack it too tightly; you want your burgers to stay juicy!
4. Smash the Patties:
Next, turn up the heat on your skillet to high and add a bit more vegetable oil. Place the meat balls in the hot skillet and use a flat spatula to smash each ball down into a thin patty, about 1/2 inch thick. Sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper on top of the patties.
5. Cook the Burgers:
Let the patties cook for around 2 minutes until a nice crust forms on the bottom. Flip them over and immediately place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty. Top the cheese with the caramelized onions. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is all melty and delicious.
6. Toast the Buns:
While the burgers are finishing up, you can toast the burger buns. You can do this in another skillet or pop them under the broiler for a few minutes until they’re golden brown and warm.
7. Assemble the Burgers:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Spread a generous amount of baconnaise sauce on the bottom bun. Place your cheesy, onion-topped patty right on top of the sauce, and then put the top bun on.
8. Serve:
Your delicious smash burgers are ready! Serve them up with extra baconnaise on the side and your favorite sides like fries or a fresh salad. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Leaner Ground Beef for the Patties?
While you can use leaner ground beef, it won’t be as juicy and flavorful. An 80/20 blend (80% lean meat to 20% fat) is recommended for the best results. If you use leaner meat, consider adding a little olive oil to the mixture to help retain moisture.
What Can I Substitute for Bacon Grease?
If you don’t have bacon grease, you can substitute it with an equal amount of olive oil or melted butter for a different flavor profile. Alternatively, crumbled cooked bacon can also work as a delicious addition to the baconnaise sauce!
How Should I Store Leftover Burgers?
To store leftovers, wrap the burgers tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. If possible, add a bit of water to the pan and cover it to create steam, which helps keep the buns from getting dry.
Can I Make the Baconnaise Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The baconnaise sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using it to ensure everything is well combined.
