Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce

Introduction

When you think of the perfect burger, what comes to mind? For me, it’s got to be a juicy, crispy patty with all the right fixings—especially when that special sauce adds a creamy, smoky kick. Enter Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce. If you’ve never tried smash burgers before, you’re in for a treat! These burgers are all about that ultra-crisp, caramelized crust on the outside, while keeping the inside juicy and tender. They’re simple, yet so satisfying. And when you add Baconnaise—yes, you heard that right—a creamy sauce made with mayo, bacon, and a touch of smokiness, things get next-level.

I first discovered the magic of smash burgers a few years ago when my husband and I decided to get a griddle for the backyard. We’ve always loved burgers, but there’s something about smashing that patty down onto a hot griddle that creates a whole new burger experience. The crisp edges, the juicy middle, and then, of course, the baconnaise sauce that makes everything come together beautifully. Let me tell you, it quickly became a weekend tradition in our house. Even the kids are obsessed with it!

What I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can tweak it based on what you have on hand or even swap out ingredients to suit your tastes. But no matter how you make it, one thing is certain: Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce will always hit the spot. Let’s dive in and make the burger of your dreams!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce are the burger you didn’t know you needed:

Ultra-crispy patties: The smash method creates a perfectly crispy crust on every bite, making it a far cry from the traditional thick, dry burgers you may be used to.
Baconnaise sauce: This isn’t your average burger sauce. The smoky bacon combined with creamy mayonnaise takes this burger from good to absolutely irresistible.
Quick and easy: Smash burgers are super simple to make, and the Baconnaise comes together in a flash. No complicated steps, just quick, flavorful goodness.
Customizable: Whether you like your burger with a slice of cheese, extra pickles, or a spicy kick from jalapeños, you can make this recipe your own.
Crowd-pleasing: From backyard BBQs to casual weeknight dinners, these burgers are always a hit. They’re perfect for family dinners, parties, or just a quiet evening with your favorite people.

The combination of the crispy patty and the creamy, smoky Baconnaise is something that will make your taste buds sing. It’s like the perfect burger dream come true, and it’s all packed into a single, glorious bite.

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: Makes 4 smash burgers
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
Calories: 600
Protein: 35g
Carbs: 30g
Fat: 40g

Ingredients

For the Smash Burgers:

1 lb ground beef (80% lean): A good balance of fat and lean meat ensures your burgers are juicy and flavorful.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning goes a long way in letting the beef shine.
4 hamburger buns: Soft and slightly toasted for the perfect burger experience.
Cheese slices (optional): American cheese works wonders for its meltability, but feel free to go for cheddar or Swiss!
Pickles, lettuce, tomatoes (optional): Toppings that add freshness and crunch, but these are completely optional based on your taste.

For the Baconnaise Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise: The base of the sauce, creamy and perfect for blending with the other ingredients.
4 slices bacon: Crispy and crumbled for that delicious smoky flavor.
1 tsp Dijon mustard: Adds a touch of tang to balance the richness of the mayo.
1 tsp smoked paprika: For that smoky depth that complements the bacon.
1 tsp garlic powder: A pinch of garlic flavor never hurt anyone.
Salt and pepper: To taste, because seasoning is key to making the sauce shine.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the bacon for the sauce:
Start by cooking the bacon in a skillet over medium heat. You want it nice and crispy so you can crumble it later. Once it’s done, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool. Once it’s cool enough to handle, crumble it into small bits. Set aside for the sauce.
Prepare the Baconnaise Sauce:
In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, crumbled bacon, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. The smoky bacon and creamy mayo create an irresistible sauce that will elevate your burger to new heights. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—add a little extra smoked paprika for more flavor if you like! Set the sauce aside while you cook your burgers.
Preheat your griddle or skillet:
Heat your griddle or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. If you’re using a griddle, make sure it’s preheated evenly for the best burger sear. This is key for getting that deliciously crispy crust on the smash burgers.
Form the burger patties:
Divide your ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces each). You don’t need to form perfect patties because we’re going to smash them! Just loosely shape them into balls—no need to overwork the meat. When you smash them on the hot griddle, they’ll spread out and form a beautiful, thin patty.
Smash the burgers:
Place the meatballs onto the hot griddle or skillet. Let them sit for a few seconds to start sizzling, then use a sturdy spatula to smash them down. I like to use a second spatula or a heavy object (like a pot) to help press them evenly. The key here is to smash them flat and let them cook quickly, forming that crispy crust. Season generously with salt and pepper while they cook.
Cook the burgers:
Let the burgers cook for about 2-3 minutes on the first side, until they’re deeply browned and crispy. Then, flip them over and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. If you’re using cheese, add it on top of the burger once you flip it, and cover the skillet to help the cheese melt.
Toast the buns:
While the burgers are cooking, toast the hamburger buns. You can do this on the griddle or in a separate pan with a little butter. Toasting the buns adds a lovely crunch and ensures they won’t get soggy once you add the Baconnaise sauce.
Assemble the burgers:
Once the burgers are cooked, it’s time to assemble. Spread a generous amount of Baconnaise sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place the burger patty on top, followed by any additional toppings you like—pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, or extra bacon if you’re feeling fancy.
Serve and enjoy:
Place the top half of the bun on the burger and press down gently. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, like crispy fries or a simple side salad.

How to Serve

Classic Fries: You can’t go wrong with crispy, golden fries on the side. Whether you go for traditional fries, sweet potato fries, or even air-fried potatoes, they’re the perfect companion to these smash burgers.
Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy slaw is a great contrast to the richness of the burger. It adds freshness and texture to every bite.
Onion Rings: For an extra indulgence, serve your burgers with crispy onion rings. They add a nice crunch and a savory bite that pairs perfectly with the Baconnaise sauce.
Chilled Drinks: These burgers go great with a cold beer or a fizzy soda. A classic cola or iced tea would also complement the smoky flavors of the Baconnaise sauce.

Additional Tips

Use high-fat beef: For the juiciest, most flavorful burgers, choose ground beef that’s around 80% lean. The fat adds moisture, flavor, and helps create the perfect crispy edge when smashed.
Let the patties rest: After smashing, resist the urge to press down on the patties too much while cooking. Let the natural juices stay inside for a tender, flavorful burger.
Smash only once: It’s tempting to smash the patties multiple times, but you’ll lose that nice crispy crust and juicy interior. One firm press is all you need.
Customize your Baconnaise: Add a touch of heat by mixing in a little sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Baconnaise sauce. You can also add fresh herbs like chives or parsley for a fresh twist.
Griddle or cast iron is key: To get that perfect crispy crust, use a well-heated griddle or cast-iron skillet. Both retain heat and give the burgers that signature sear.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Option: Swap the beef patties for veggie patties or even a thick slice of grilled portobello mushroom. The Baconnaise sauce will still work wonders on these veggie alternatives!
Bacon-Free: If you’re not into bacon, try adding a smoky flavor with smoked paprika or liquid smoke in the sauce for a similar depth of flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add a little heat to your Baconnaise sauce by stirring in some sriracha or hot sauce. You can also add jalapeño slices to the burger for an extra spicy bite.
Cheese Variations: While American cheese is a classic, try switching it up with Swiss, cheddar, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles. The melted cheese perfectly complements the smoky bacon flavor of the Baconnaise.
Lettuce Wrap: For a low-carb option, ditch the bun and wrap the burger in lettuce leaves. This works especially well if you’re making a keto version of the smash burger.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes: Serve your Smash Burgers with a side of crispy fries, sweet potato fries, or even a fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette. For a heartier side, try onion rings or potato wedges.
Beer Pairings: A cold, crisp beer pairs perfectly with these smoky, juicy burgers. Try a pale ale, IPA, or even a lager. The carbonation helps cut through the richness of the Baconnaise sauce and beef.
For the Kids: Keep it simple by serving the burgers with some fresh fruit and crispy fries. They’ll love the juicy patties and creamy Baconnaise, and the minimal ingredients make it easy for the little ones to enjoy!

Freezing and Storage

Storing Leftovers: Store leftover cooked burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you have extra Baconnaise sauce, store it separately in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Freezing the Patties: If you want to make these burgers in advance, form the patties and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once they’re frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To cook, simply smash and cook the frozen patties on your griddle or skillet.
Reheating: Reheat the patties in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, flipping to ensure they heat through. You can also microwave the patties, but they may not get as crispy. Be sure to warm the Baconnaise separately and spread it generously on your burger.

Special Equipment

Cast-Iron Skillet or Griddle: Essential for achieving that crispy crust and juicy interior. A cast-iron skillet holds heat well and creates the perfect burger sear.
Sturdy Spatula: A wide, flat spatula is key for smashing the patties and flipping them without falling apart.
Skillet for Bacon: A non-stick skillet works best for cooking the bacon without any mess.

FAQ Section

Can I use a regular grill instead of a griddle or skillet?
Yes! You can definitely use a grill, but the key is to get a high sear. Just make sure your grill grates are clean and preheated.
Can I make the Baconnaise sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld together, making it even tastier.
Can I make these burgers without bacon?
Yes! If you’re not a fan of bacon or prefer a vegetarian option, you can skip the bacon in the sauce. Use smoked paprika or even liquid smoke to get that smoky flavor.
What’s the best way to smash the patties?
Use a sturdy spatula or a heavy object to press the patties down on the hot griddle. This ensures a flat patty with crispy edges.

Conclusion

Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce are an unbeatable combination of crispy, juicy, smoky goodness. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or making a quick weeknight meal, these burgers are sure to impress. The Baconnaise sauce adds a creamy, savory touch that takes the simple burger to a whole new level. Don’t forget to customize your burger with your favorite toppings and sides, and enjoy the perfect meal that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of flavor. With this recipe, you’ll be the burger master in no time!