Get ready for some tasty smash burgers topped with a creamy baconnaise sauce! These juicy beef patties are cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor.
Who could say no to bacon mayonnaise? Right? I can’t resist adding a dollop of this sauce to every bite—it’s like a party for your taste buds! 🎉
Making these burgers is quick and easy. Just smash ’em on the grill, mix the baconnaise, and you’re all set for a fun meal that’s great for any day of the week!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Use an 80/20 blend for the best juicy burgers. If you want to cut back on fat, you can try 85/15. For a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can work, but be mindful of seasoning, as they lack the beefy flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: While I love using sharp cheddar for its strong flavor, feel free to swap it for American cheese for that classic burger taste or pepper jack if you like a little heat.
Burger Buns: Sesame seed buns add a nice crunch and flavor, but any sturdy bun works. Brioche buns are great for a richer taste. Just make sure they can hold the juicy burger and sauce!
Baconnaise: If you want a lighter sauce, consider Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and toss in crumbled bacon for the smoky flavor. Use vegan mayo if you prefer a plant-based version.
How Do You Smash Burgers to Get That Perfect Crust?
Smash burgers are all about achieving that delightful crispy crust. Here’s how you can do it:
- Start with a hot cast-iron skillet or griddle. It should be ready when a drop of water sizzles instantly.
- Form loose balls of ground beef without packing them too tightly. This helps keep them juicy.
- Once the beef is in the skillet, use a heavy spatula or burger press and press down firmly to flatten to about 1/2 inch. Apply enough pressure for a good sear.
- season with salt and pepper as soon as you smash them. This helps the flavor soak into the meat.
- Let them cook in peace for 2-3 minutes without touching them, which develops that beautiful crust. Flip once they’re browned!
Happy smashing, and enjoy your burgers with that crispy edge and juicy interior!
How to Make Smash Burgers With Baconnaise Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Smash Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for optimal juiciness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- 4 burger buns (preferably sesame seed topped)
- 4 lettuce leaves
- Pickles (optional)
For the Baconnaise Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook, giving you a total of about 25 minutes from start to finish. That means you can whip up these mouthwatering smash burgers in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Baconnaise Sauce:
In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, finely chopped bacon, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. Set the sauce aside—this will add lovely flavor to your burgers!
2. Prepare the Smash Burgers:
Preheat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. While the skillet is heating up, take the ground beef and form it into four loose balls, about 4 ounces each. Remember, don’t pack them too tightly; you want them to stay juicy!
3. Cooking the Burgers:
Once your skillet is hot, carefully place the beef balls in the skillet while leaving some space between them. Using a heavy spatula or a burger press, smash each ball down to about 1/2 inch in thickness. This creates that signature crispy edge! Season the smashed burgers with salt and pepper, and let them cook for about 2-3 minutes until the edges are golden brown and crispy. Now, flip the burgers over and immediately place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each one. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
4. Assemble the Burgers:
While the cheese is melting, take a moment to toast your burger buns lightly in the same skillet for extra flavor. Start layering your burgers by placing a lettuce leaf on the bottom half of each bun. Then, add the smashed burger with the melted cheese on top. Drizzle a generous amount of the baconnaise sauce over each burger, and if you like, add some pickles. Finally, top it off with the other half of the bun.
5. Serve:
Now it’s time to enjoy your smash burgers! Serve them with extra baconnaise on the side for dipping, and watch them disappear. Bon appétit!
Can I Use Leaner Ground Beef for the Burgers?
While you can use leaner ground beef, it’s best to stick with an 80/20 blend for the juiciest results. If you choose leaner beef, consider adding a bit of bacon fat or oil to keep the burgers moist during cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Dijon Mustard in the Sauce?
If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can substitute with yellow mustard or even spicy brown mustard. Each will bring a different flavor profile to the baconnaise, but they’ll all still taste delicious!
How Should I Store Leftover Baconnaise Sauce?
Store any leftover baconnaise sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It should be good for up to 5 days. Just give it a good stir before using it again, as separation may occur over time.
Can I Make the Burgers in the Oven Instead of on the Stovetop?
Yes! To make these burgers in the oven, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the beef balls on a baking sheet, smash them down, season, and cook for about 10-12 minutes, adding cheese for the last couple of minutes until melted. This method works well if you’re making a larger batch!
