These smash burgers are juicy and packed with flavor, topped with a creamy baconnaise sauce that takes them to the next level. Perfect for grill nights!
Who doesn’t love a burger that’s crispy on the edges? I often make extra baconnaise for dipping fries too! It’s a win-win on the taste front. 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend is ideal for juicy burgers. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you could use 85/15, but keep in mind it might be a bit drier. For a twist, substitute ground turkey or chicken, though these may need flavor adjustments.
Bacon Grease: This adds rich flavor to the baconnaise. If you don’t have it, you can use olive oil or butter. For a vegetarian version, try using plant-based bacon or skip the bacon completely and enhance flavors with smoked paprika.
Cheddar Cheese: Classic burgers often use cheddar, but feel free to use Swiss or pepper jack for a spicier kick. If dairy is a concern, there are great plant-based cheese alternatives too.
Mayonnaise: It’s the base for the baconnaise sauce. If you’re avoiding eggs, try a vegan mayo. Greek yogurt could also work for a lighter, tangy alternative.
How Do I Get Perfect Smash Burgers?
The key to smash burgers is all in the cooking technique. This method creates a great crust that enhances flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a hot skillet. Preheat your cast-iron skillet well to seal in the juices.
- Form the beef into loose balls without overworking it. This keeps the meat tender.
- When smashing, use firm and even pressure. This will help achieve that delicious crust while keeping the inside juicy.
- Season generously with salt and pepper as you cook to enhance the flavor.
Also, remember to flip the burgers only once to maintain the nice sear and flavor. 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)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 sesame seed burger buns
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- Lettuce leaves (for topping)
For the Baconnaise Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp bacon grease (or rendered bacon fat)
- 2 tbsp crumbled cooked bacon
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take around 30 minutes to complete, including preparation and cooking time. You’ll spend about 10 minutes whipping up the baconnaise sauce and preparing the ingredients, then another 20 minutes cooking the burgers and assembling everything. It’s quick and super tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baconnaise Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, bacon grease, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is smoothly combined. Once it’s ready, set the sauce aside to let the flavors meld.
2. Shape the Patties:
Take the ground beef and divide it into 4 equal portions, about 4 ounces each. Be gentle with the meat—just lightly form each portion into a loose ball. Avoid squeezing or compacting it too much.
3. Cook the Smash Burgers:
Heat a cast-iron skillet or a griddle over medium-high heat. When it’s nice and hot, add the beef balls to the skillet. Use a spatula to smash each ball down flat, giving it a nice wide patty shape. Sprinkle salt and pepper on top for flavor.
4. Add Cheese:
Let the patties cook for about 2-3 minutes until they have a lovely crust on one side. Carefully flip them over, and place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty. Allow them to cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
5. Toast the Buns:
While the burgers are cooking, slice the sesame seed buns in half. Toast them in a separate pan or pop them under the broiler until they are golden brown. This adds a lovely crunch!
6. Assemble the Burgers:
To build your burgers, start with the bottom half of each toasted bun and place a lettuce leaf on it. Then, add the cheesy smash patty on top, and top it off with a generous spoonful of baconnaise sauce. Finish with the other half of the bun to complete your burger.
7. Serve:
Enjoy your delicious smash burgers right away! You can serve them with extra baconnaise on the side for dipping if you like. Happy eating!
Can I Use Other Types of Meat for the Burgers?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based burger option. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the internal temperature—poultry should reach 165°F for safe consumption.
What Can I Substitute for Bacon Grease?
If you don’t have bacon grease, you can use olive oil, butter, or any neutral oil for the baconnaise sauce. This will change the flavor slightly, but it will still be delicious! If you want a smoky taste, consider adding a dash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika to the mayonnaise.
How to Store Leftover Baconnaise Sauce?
Store any leftover baconnaise sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Give it a good stir before using, as it may separate slightly when sitting. Perfect for sandwiches, salads, or to dip veggies!
Can I Prepare the Baconnaise Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the baconnaise sauce up to 2 days in advance. Just keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. This will allow the flavors to meld and deepen, making it even tastier when you’re ready to assemble your burgers!
