Introduction
Smash burgers with baconnaise sauce are the ultimate answer when you crave a bold, indulgent burger that delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Unlike thick pub-style burgers, smash burgers are pressed thin onto a hot surface, creating a deeply caramelized crust while staying juicy inside. The real star here is the baconnaise sauce, a rich, smoky blend that adds creaminess and depth to every bite. I tested this recipe on a cast-iron skillet at home, and the results were better than many restaurant burgers I have tried. These burgers come together quickly, making them perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or anytime you want a no-nonsense, flavor-packed meal. If you appreciate crispy edges, melty cheese, and a sauce that ties everything together, this recipe will not disappoint.
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Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce – Crispy, Juicy, and Irresistible
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Juicy smash burgers with crispy edges topped with melty cheese and a rich, smoky baconnaise sauce made from bacon and mayonnaise.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 burger buns
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 8 slices bacon
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or butter for cooking
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove, drain, and finely chop.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and chopped bacon to make the baconnaise sauce. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Divide the ground beef into 4 loose balls. Do not overwork the meat.
- Heat a heavy skillet or griddle over high heat and add oil or butter.
- Place beef balls on the hot surface and smash firmly with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes until crispy, flip, add cheese, and cook another 1–2 minutes.
- Toast the burger buns lightly.
- Assemble burgers by spreading baconnaise sauce on buns and adding the smash burger patties.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use high-fat ground beef for the best crispy edges.
- A cast-iron skillet works best for smash burgers.
- Add pickles or caramelized onions for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers restaurant-quality smash burgers at home with simple ingredients. The cooking process is fast, the flavors are bold, and the baconnaise sauce elevates the burger from classic to unforgettable.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef is the foundation of smash burgers. A higher fat content ensures juicy patties with crisp edges.
Burger buns provide a soft contrast to the crispy patties. Lightly toasting them improves texture and flavor.
Cheddar cheese melts beautifully over the hot patties, adding sharpness and richness.
Bacon adds smokiness and crunch, forming the base flavor for the baconnaise sauce.
Mayonnaise creates the creamy body of the sauce and balances the smoky bacon flavor.
Garlic powder enhances savoriness without overpowering the sauce.
Smoked paprika adds subtle heat and reinforces the smoky notes of the bacon.
Salt sharpens all flavors and is essential for proper seasoning.
Black pepper adds mild heat and depth to both the burgers and the sauce.
Directions
Begin by cooking the bacon in a skillet until crisp. Remove it from the pan, allow it to cool slightly, then chop finely. In a bowl, combine the chopped bacon with mayonnaise, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate while preparing the burgers to let the flavors develop.
Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat until very hot. Divide the ground beef into loose balls without compacting them. Place a ball onto the hot surface and immediately press it down firmly using a spatula. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook until the edges are deeply browned and crisp, then flip and add a slice of cheddar cheese. Cook briefly until the cheese melts.
Toast the burger buns lightly. Assemble by spreading baconnaise sauce on the buns, adding the smash patty, and topping as desired. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 15 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Burger patties are best enjoyed fresh. Leftover baconnaise sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat patties briefly in a hot skillet to restore crispness.
Variations and Customizations
These smash burgers are easy to adapt. Swap cheddar for American cheese for extra meltiness or pepper jack for heat. Add sliced pickles or caramelized onions for contrast. The baconnaise sauce can be customized with a dash of hot sauce or Dijon mustard for extra bite. For a lighter version, use turkey bacon and leaner beef, though the burgers will be slightly less juicy. You can also serve the patties lettuce-wrapped for a low-carb option without sacrificing flavor.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 620 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbs | 28 g |
| Fat | 42 g |
| Saturated Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 980 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
High Heat Matters: A very hot surface ensures crispy edges.
Do Not Overwork Beef: Loose meat creates better texture.
Sauce Ahead: Make the baconnaise sauce in advance for deeper flavor.
FAQs
What makes a smash burger different?
Smash burgers are pressed thin, creating a crispy crust through caramelization.
Can I cook these on a grill?
Yes, a flat-top grill or griddle insert works best.
What beef ratio is ideal?
An 80/20 fat ratio produces the juiciest results.
Can the sauce be made ahead?
Yes, it can be prepared up to three days in advance.
How do I keep burgers juicy?
Avoid pressing after the initial smash and cook quickly over high heat.
Are smash burgers suitable for meal prep?
They are best fresh, but patties can be cooked and reheated briefly.
Conclusion
Smash burgers with baconnaise sauce are a bold, satisfying meal that combines crispy textures with rich, smoky flavors. Simple techniques and quality ingredients make this recipe a standout choice for burger lovers seeking something extra special.
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