If you’re on the hunt for a burger experience that’s bursting with flavor and texture, look no further than the Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce Recipe. These burgers bring together crispy, juicy beef patties smashed to perfection, topped with a smoky, creamy baconnaise that’s simply irresistible. Each bite delivers that perfect balance of savory bacon goodness and the classic burger charm, making it an absolute favorite whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight meal or impressing friends at your next cookout.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is surprisingly simple, yet each component plays a crucial role in creating the ultimate smash burger experience. From the juicy ground beef to the signature baconnaise sauce, every item adds its own unique flavor, texture, or color that makes this dish stand out.
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend): The perfect ratio ensures juicy, flavorful patties with a nice fat content for crisp edges.
- 4 slices of bacon: Crispy, smoky bacon is the star that elevates the baconnaise sauce to legendary status.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and a velvety base for the baconnaise sauce.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Provides a subtle tang that wakes up the flavor in the baconnaise.
- 1 tablespoon ketchup: A touch of sweetness balances the savory notes perfectly in the baconnaise sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and umami to the sauce for a more complex taste.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the beef.
- 4 hamburger buns: Soft yet sturdy enough to hold all the delicious layers without falling apart.
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully over the patty, adding sharpness and gooey texture.
- 1 tablespoon butter: For toasting the buns to golden perfection and adding a rich buttery flavor.
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions: Fresh veggies add crunch and color, making every bite exciting.
How to Make Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and fry the bacon slices until they’re nice and crispy. The crunch is vital for the baconnaise sauce, so don’t rush it. Once cooked, place the bacon on paper towels to drain the excess fat and cool before crumbling. This smoky bacon flavor will shine through your sauce in just a bit.
Step 2: Prepare the Baconnaise Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, crumbled bacon, Dijon mustard, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together until it’s well blended. This baconnaise sauce will be your burger’s creamy, smoky, and tangy highlight, making each bite wonderfully indulgent.
Step 3: Season the Ground Beef
Divide your ground beef into four equal portions. Don’t just throw them down though — form each into a loose ball and season each one generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. These simple seasonings bring out the natural beef flavor and complement that baconnaise sauce beautifully.
Step 4: Smash the Patties
Preheat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat until it’s smoking hot. Place each beef ball in the pan, leaving spaces in between so they cook evenly. Press down firmly with a spatula to smash the balls into thin patties, getting those edges nice and crispy. This technique is key to that signature “smash” burger texture.
Step 5: Cook Patties and Melt Cheese
Let the patties cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes until the edges are golden and crunchy. Flip each patty over and immediately place a slice of sharp cheddar cheese on top. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes to let the cheese melt perfectly, melding all those delicious flavors.
Step 6: Toast the Buns
While the patties finish cooking, butter your hamburger buns lightly and toast them in the same skillet used for the patties. Toasting the buns adds a subtle buttery crunch and helps keep your burger from getting soggy, ensuring every layer maintains its perfect texture.
Step 7: Assemble Your Burger
Spread a generous amount of the baconnaise sauce on both the top and bottom buns. Layer the cheesy, crispy patty on the bottom bun first, add your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, pickles, or onions, and crown it with the top bun. The layers of smokiness, creaminess, and freshness come together for a burger that’s unforgettable.
How to Serve Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes are the perfect way to add pops of crunch and brightness to your Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce Recipe. Crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, tangy pickles, and raw or caramelized onions all make fantastic toppings. They add visual appeal and keep each bite lively and balanced against the rich meat and sauce.
Side Dishes
Pair your burgers with classic sides like golden French fries or crispy onion rings for that ultimate comfort food combo. If you want something lighter, a crisp coleslaw or a simple green salad offers a refreshing counterpoint that balances the richness of the smash burgers and baconnaise sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, consider serving your Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce Recipe on a wooden board with a ramekin of extra baconnaise on the side for dipping. You could also make sliders using smaller buns for a fun appetizer or party platter. Wrapping burgers in parchment paper not only looks rustic but also keeps the mess at bay as everyone digs in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover smash burgers are best wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days, making for an easy leftover meal that still tastes great, especially if you reheat them carefully.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the patties separately without the buns or toppings, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer bag. The baconnaise sauce can be stored in a sealed container for up to one week in the refrigerator but isn’t recommended for freezing. Frozen patties can last up to 2 months.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat patties gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Toast the buns fresh or in the same pan for added flavor. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the patties rubbery and the buns soggy.
FAQs
What is baconnaise sauce?
Baconnaise is a creamy sauce made from mayonnaise blended with crispy bacon bits, mustard, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. It adds a smoky, tangy flavor that’s perfect for sandwiches and burgers.
Can I make the smash burger patties ahead of time?
While you can prepare the beef balls and the baconnaise sauce ahead, it’s best to smash and cook the patties fresh for optimal texture and juiciness.
What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic because it melts well and has a sharp flavor that complements the baconnaise sauce, but you can also experiment with American, Swiss, or pepper jack for a different twist.
Is an 80/20 beef blend necessary?
Yes, the 80/20 ratio (80% lean, 20% fat) is ideal. The fat content keeps the patties juicy and helps create the crispy edges when smashed and cooked hot.
Can I add other toppings to the Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce Recipe?
Absolutely! Customize your burger with anything you love, like sautéed mushrooms, avocado slices, jalapeños, or even a fried egg for extra indulgence.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, once you try the Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed burgers without it. The combination of crispy, juicy patties, melty cheese, and that heavenly smoky baconnaise sauce is a total game-changer. Don’t hesitate to whip these up for your next meal — they’re sure to become a beloved favorite in your recipe rotation.
Print
Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 15m
- Total Time: 0h 30m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce are juicy, crispy-edged beef patties cooked on a hot skillet, topped with melted cheddar cheese and a flavorful bacon-infused mayonnaise sauce. Perfectly toasted buns and optional fresh toppings complete this indulgent, satisfying burger experience that’s easy to make at home.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 4 slices of bacon
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Baconnaise Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Crumbled crispy bacon (from cooked 4 slices)
Optional Toppings
- Lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Pickles
- Onions
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: Preheat a skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon slices until crispy. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces for the sauce.
- Make Baconnaise Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, crumbled bacon, Dijon mustard, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and evenly blended.
- Prepare the Beef Patties: Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and shape them into balls. Season each ball generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Smash and Cook the Patties: Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat until very hot. Place each beef ball onto the skillet, leaving space between them. Using a spatula, firmly smash each ball into a thin patty. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the edges are crispy and browned.
- Flip and Add Cheese: Flip each patty carefully. Immediately place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each patty. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the patty is cooked through.
- Toast the Buns: Spread butter on the insides of the hamburger buns. Using the same skillet, toast the buns cut side down until golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Assemble the Burgers: Spread a generous amount of baconnaise sauce on both the top and bottom buns. Layer the bottom bun with the cheesy burger patty, add your choice of lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onions, then top with the sauced bun.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio for juicy patties.
- Use a sturdy spatula to smash the patties evenly and achieve crispy edges.
- Customize your toppings to your liking, but pickles and onions add great tang and crunch.
- Make sure the skillet is very hot before cooking the patties to get that perfect sear.
- Leftover baconnaise sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
