Get ready for a burger treat with these smash burgers topped with a creamy baconnaise sauce! They’re juicy, crispy, and packed with flavor in every bite. Yum!
Honestly, what’s better than bacon in sauce form? I could smother everything with it! 😂 These burgers are super easy to make, perfect for a fun dinner with friends or family!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend is ideal for juicy burgers. If you’re looking for a leaner option, go for 90/10, but keep in mind it might be less juicy. For a different flavor, try ground turkey or plant-based ground meat.
Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its flavor, but feel free to swap it for American cheese if you prefer it to melt more easily. Provolone or gouda can also add a unique twist.
Bacon: Use any cooked bacon you like! Turkey bacon is a lighter choice, or you could even use vegan bacon to suit dietary preferences. If you’re out of bacon, chopped crispy tofu works well, too.
Bacon Grease: This adds great flavor, but you can totally skip it or substitute with olive oil or butter. Keep in mind that you’ll miss out on that smoky taste.
Burger Buns: Sesame seed buns are a classic for these. If you’re watching your carbs, use lettuce wraps instead. Whole-grain or brioche buns can be delicious alternatives as well.
How Do You Smash Burgers to Get That Perfect Crust?
The key to delicious smash burgers is all in the smashing technique! First, make sure your skillet is really hot. This allows the burger to form a crust quickly. Here’s how to achieve that perfect sear:
- Divide the ground beef into equal balls but do not overwork the meat – this keeps them tender.
- Once the skillet is hot, place a beef ball down and instantly press it flat with a spatula. The pressing should be firm to ensure good contact with the pan.
- Let it cook for 2-3 minutes without moving it, so a good crust forms. Don’t rush flipping – patience pays off!
Also, don’t forget to season while cooking! A little sprinkling of salt and pepper just after smashing can elevate the flavor beautifully.
How to Make Smash Burgers With Baconnaise Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 4 burger buns (preferably sesame seed)
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- 4 strips of cooked bacon, chopped
For the Baconnaise Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons bacon grease (from cooking bacon)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Lettuce leaves
- Pickles (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time. So you’ll be enjoying delicious smash burgers in about 30 minutes total! Quick, tasty, and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Baconnaise Sauce:
First, grab a mixing bowl and combine the mayonnaise, bacon grease, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. Once done, set it aside for now.
2. Prepare the Smash Burgers:
Next, heat up a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. While it’s warming up, divide the ground beef into 4 equal balls, each about 4 ounces. These will be our delicious burgers!
3. Cook the Burgers:
When your skillet is nice and hot, place one of the beef balls on it. Using a spatula, smash it down flat to cook evenly. Sear it for about 2-3 minutes until it gets a lovely brown color. Don’t forget to season it with salt and pepper.
4. Flip and Add Cheese:
Once it’s beautifully browned, flip the smashed burger over. Right away, place a slice of cheddar cheese on top. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the burger reaches your desired doneness.
5. Toast the Buns:
While the burgers are cooking, you can toast the burger buns. Use another skillet or put them under a broiler until they are lightly golden. This will add a nice crunch to your burgers!
6. Assemble the Burgers:
Now it’s time to put your burgers together! On the bottom half of each toasted bun, place a lettuce leaf (if you like). Next, add the cheese-topped smash burger and drizzle it generously with the baconnaise sauce. Sprinkle the chopped bacon on top, and if you like, add some pickles. Finally, cap it with the top half of the bun.
7. Serve:
Serve your smash burgers immediately while they’re hot. If you want, offer some extra baconnaise sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Leaner Ground Beef for This Recipe?
While you can use leaner ground beef, it’s recommended to stick with an 80/20 blend for the best flavor and juiciness. If you choose a leaner cut, consider adding a little more bacon grease to keep the burgers moist!
What If I Don’t Have Bacon Grease?
No worries! You can substitute bacon grease with equal parts of melted butter or olive oil. This will still give the sauce a rich flavor, but you’ll miss that distinctive bacon taste!
Can I Make the Baconnaise Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the baconnaise sauce up to 3 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Give it a good stir before using, as it may thicken slightly in the refrigerator.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain juiciness. The baconnaise sauce can also be kept for the same duration and enjoyed as a dip!
