Craving that perfectly seared burger with a crispy crust and melty cheese cascading over its edges? Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce deliver exactly that—thin, ultra-juicy patties kissed by a golden-brown crust and crowned with a smoky, tangy bacon-infused mayo that’ll have your taste buds dancing. This recipe turns an ordinary burger night into a flavor fiesta, marrying the simplicity of ground beef with the indulgence of creamy, bacon-studded sauce. Every bite is a celebration of textures: the snap of the toasted bun, the gooey pull of American cheese, and the luscious, velvety Baconnaise binding it all together. Whether you’re hosting a casual backyard gathering, tackling a lazy weekend lunch, or simply craving comfort food, these smash burgers hit all the right notes.
I still remember the first time I tried a smash-style burger—there was something so satisfying about hearing that unmistakable sizzle as the beef puck hit the hot skillet, then pressing it down with all my might to create those signature edges. From the moment I slathered on that creamy Baconnaise, I knew I had discovered a game-changer. And the best part? This dish is incredibly beginner-friendly. With just 15 minutes of prep and a quick 10 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a gourmet-style burger on the table in under half an hour. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner, and at around 700 calories per serving, it’s filling enough to leave you fully satisfied without going overboard. So grab your apron, fire up your cast-iron skillet, and let’s dive into the juicy, crispy, bacon-loving world of Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce. Your taste buds—and your friends—will thank you!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN SMASH BURGERS WITH BACONNAISE SAUCE
Before we get cooking, let’s gather the star players that make these burgers shine. From the beef itself to the tangy Baconnaise, each ingredient has an important job—whether it’s building flavor, adding texture, or bringing that irresistible creamy element.
- Ground beef
A higher-fat blend (80/20) delivers maximum juiciness and helps form a rich, caramelized crust when smashed in the pan.
- Salt and pepper
Simple seasonings that draw out the natural meat flavors, ensuring each bite is perfectly balanced and savory.
- American cheese
Melts quickly and smoothly, creating that classic ooey-gooey layer that pairs beautifully with the crispy edges of the patty.
- Burger buns
Sesame seed or potato buns add a slight sweetness and a sturdy base—toast them to golden perfection for extra crunch.
- Vegetable oil
A neutral oil with a high smoke point allows you to heat your skillet until it’s scorching without burning, essential for that signature smash technique.
- Mayonnaise
Creates the creamy foundation of the Baconnaise sauce, providing richness and helping to bind the other sauce ingredients together.
- Cooked and crumbled bacon
Infuses the mayo with smoky, salty goodness and adds delightful pockets of crunch; reserve a few crumbles for garnish.
- Dijon mustard
Introduces a tangy, slightly sharp note that cuts through the richness of the mayo and beef.
- Apple cider vinegar
Brightens the sauce with a hint of acidity, balancing the bacon’s smokiness and the mayo’s creaminess.
- Garlic powder
Boosts savory depth with minimal effort, giving the Baconnaise an extra layer of flavor.
- Salt and pepper
Season the sauce to taste, ensuring every dollop is perfectly seasoned.
HOW TO MAKE SMASH BURGERS WITH BACONNAISE SAUCE
Ready to transform these ingredients into burger magic? Follow these steps to create perfectly smashed patties and whip up that unforgettable Baconnaise.
1. Prepare the Baconnaise Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, crumbled bacon, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use a spoon or small whisk to mix well until the sauce is smooth and homogenous. Taste and adjust the seasoning—add a pinch more salt or a splash of vinegar if you want extra tang. Cover and chill in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld while you work on the burgers.
2. Shape the Burger Patties
Divide the ground beef into four equal portions. Gently roll each portion into loose balls—overworking the meat will make it tough, so handle it as little as possible. Keep them slightly domed; you’ll smash them flat in the skillet.
3. Heat the Skillet
Place a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottom pan over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and let it heat until it’s shimmering but not smoking. This ensures you’ll get that coveted crust on your patties.
4. Smash the Burgers
Carefully arrange the beef balls in the hot skillet, giving each one room to sizzle. Use a sturdy spatula or burger press to smash each ball down to about ½ inch thickness. Press firmly to maximize contact with the pan, creating crispy, craggy edges. Let them cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until a deep brown crust forms. Season each patty with salt and pepper.
5. Flip the Burgers
Slide your spatula under each patty and flip gently. Immediately top each one with a slice of American cheese so it begins melting as the burger finishes cooking. Let them cook for another 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is oozy and the patties are cooked to your desired doneness.
6. Toast the Buns
While the burgers are in their final moments, slice your buns in half and place them face down in the same skillet. Toast until they’re golden brown and crisp around the edges.
7. Assemble the Burgers
Spread a generous layer of chilled Baconnaise on the bottom bun. Nestle the cheesy smash burger on top, then add any extra toppings you love—more crumbled bacon, crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, or tangy pickles. Cap with the top bun for a perfect handheld masterpiece.
8. Serve
Plate your burgers alongside your favorite sides—crunchy fries, onion rings, or a refreshing salad. Dive in immediately while everything’s warm, melty, and utterly irresistible.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR SMASH BURGERS WITH BACONNAISE SAUCE
Once your Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce are out of the pan, it’s time to decide how to serve them in style. Here are some crowd-pleasing ideas that will elevate your burger night:
- Loaded French Fries
Pile crispy fries on a platter, drizzle with melted cheese, sprinkle reserved bacon crumbles, and finish with a dollop of extra Baconnaise for a decadent twist on loaded fries.
- Crispy Onion Rings
Serve a side of golden-brown onion rings seasoned with a touch of paprika and garlic powder. Dip them into the extra Baconnaise for a sweet-and-savory combo that’s hard to resist.
- Refreshingly Crunchy Slaw
Toss shredded cabbage, carrots, and a splash of apple cider vinegar in a light vinaigrette. The zesty crunch balances the rich burger and sauce, offering a palate-cleansing bite between savory mouthfuls.
- Ice-Cold Beverage Pairing
Nothing complements a juicy smash burger better than a frosty craft beer, citrusy soda, or homemade lemonade. Keep it chilled and refreshing to contrast the warm, melty goodness of your burger.
HOW TO STORE SMASH BURGERS WITH BACONNAISE SAUCE
After indulging in these epic burgers, you might have leftovers—or perhaps you want to prep ahead for a busy week. Proper storage will keep everything tasting fresh and flavorful.
- Refrigerate Components Separately
Store patties and Baconnaise in airtight containers in the fridge. This prevents the buns from getting soggy and lets you reheat only what you need. Patties will stay juicy for up to 2 days; the sauce will hold up for up to a week.
- Freeze Extra Patties
If you know you won’t eat all the burgers within a couple of days, wrap individual patties in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Toast Buns on Demand
Keep buns at room temperature in a sealed bag for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, give them a quick toast in a hot skillet or toaster oven to restore that fresh-out-of-the-oven crunch.
- Reheat with Care
Warm patties in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5–7 minutes or microwave briefly on a low-power setting. Re-toast buns and reassemble with chilled Baconnaise. This method preserves texture and flavor without overcooking the meat.
CONCLUSION
We’ve journeyed from gathering simple, flavorful ingredients to mastering the art of smashing juicy beef patties and crafting a tangy, smoky Baconnaise that transforms an everyday burger into an unforgettable experience. This recipe is perfect for beginner cooks because it relies on straightforward techniques—like using a hot skillet for that iconic crust and mixing a no-fuss sauce—yet delivers restaurant-quality results at home. With a total time investment of just 25 minutes and a difficulty level marked as beginner, you can whip up a mouthwatering meal any night of the week. Each burger clocks in at around 700 calories, making it a hearty choice for lunch or dinner, and knowing you can store components separately means you can enjoy that signature crunch and flavor over multiple meals.
Feel free to print this article or save it in your digital cookbook for quick reference. Remember, you can find a helpful FAQ section below that addresses common questions—from how to perfect your smash technique to tweaking the Baconnaise for extra heat. If you decide to give these Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce a try, I’d love to hear how they turn out! Drop a comment, share your favorite burger-hack, or ask any questions if you need troubleshooting or more tips. Your feedback not only helps me improve but can inspire fellow home cooks to elevate their burger game. Happy smashing!
Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce
Description
Juicy, thin patties seared for a golden crust, layered with American cheese and smoky baconnaise sauce. The toasted buns add crunch while the tangy, creamy bacon mayo brings irresistible flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Prepare the Baconnaise Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, crumbled bacon, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until creamy and fully combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Set aside in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld.
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Shape the Burger Patties: Divide the ground beef into four equal portions (about 4 ounces each). Gently form them into loose balls without overworking the meat. Do not flatten them yet.
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Heat the Skillet: In a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottom pan, add the vegetable oil and heat it over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
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Smash the Burgers: Carefully place the beef balls into the hot skillet, ensuring there is enough space between each one. Using a sturdy spatula or burger press, firmly smash each ball down to about 1/2 inch thick. Allow the burgers to sear undisturbed for about 2 to 3 minutes until a beautiful crust forms on the bottom. Season with salt and pepper.
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Flip the Burgers: Using the spatula, carefully flip each burger and immediately place a slice of American cheese on top of each patty. Allow the burgers to cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the burger is cooked to your desired doneness.
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Toast the Buns: While the burgers finish cooking, slice the burger buns in half and toast them face down in the same skillet until golden brown and crispy.
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Assemble the Burgers: Spread a generous amount of the Baconnaise sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place the cheesy smash burger on top, followed by any additional toppings you desire (e.g., extra crumbled bacon, lettuce, tomato, pickles). Finally, cap it off with the top bun.
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Serve: Serve the smash burgers with your favorite sides such as fries, onion rings, or a salad.
Note
- For an extra kick, consider adding some crispy fried onions or jalapenos to your burger.
- You can also use other types of cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, to switch up the flavor profile.
- The Baconnaise sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- For an added touch, try grilling the burgers outdoors for a smoky flavor with a delicious char.
