These smash burgers are juicy and packed with flavor, thanks to the crispy edges and the special baconnaise sauce that brings everything together. It’s a real treat!
Let’s be honest, who can resist that crispy, cheesy goodness? I love that it’s so fun to make and will definitely impress your friends at the barbecue. 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend of ground beef gives the best flavor and juiciness. You can substitute with turkey or chicken for a leaner option, but expect a different taste and texture.
Sesame Seed Burger Buns: These buns add a nice crunch and flavor. If unavailable, any soft burger bun works, such as brioche or whole wheat—both will change the overall taste slightly.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar melts beautifully, but you can also use American cheese for extra creaminess or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Bacon Grease: This adds rich flavor to the baconnaise sauce. If you don’t have bacon grease, try using olive oil or a plant-based butter for a different spin, but it won’t taste as smoky.
How Do I Get the Perfect Smash on My Burgers?
Smashing the burgers is key to achieving that crispy edge and juicy center. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with high heat on your skillet or griddle to sear the meat quickly.
- Use a heavy spatula and press down firmly on the beef ball right after placing it in the skillet. The spatula should create a flat patty!
- Don’t rush—cook for about 2-3 minutes without moving it to get those crispy edges before flipping.
How to Make Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Smash Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
- 4 sesame seed burger buns
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- Lettuce leaves (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Baconnaise Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp bacon grease (or rendered bacon)
- 2 tbsp crumbled cooked bacon
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and about 10 minutes to cook. You’ll need a bit of time to let the sauce chill, but overall, you’ll be enjoying your delicious smash burgers in under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baconnaise Sauce:
In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, bacon grease, crumbled bacon, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well until it is nice and smooth. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if you like. Cover and refrigerate the sauce until you’re ready to use it.
2. Form the Burgers:
Take your ground beef and divide it into four equal portions, about 4 ounces each. Gently shape them into loose balls. Be careful not to squish the meat too much; you want them tender!
3. Cook the Smash Burgers:
Heat a griddle or skillet over high heat until it’s really hot! Place the beef balls on the hot surface, and then smash them down with a heavy spatula to form thin patties. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes until the edges are crispy and you can see the juices coming out on top.
4. Add Cheese:
Gently flip the patties over and place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is nicely melted and gooey!
5. Toast the Buns:
While the burgers are finishing up, slice the sesame seed buns in half. Toast them in a separate skillet or on the edges of the grill until they are golden brown and just the way you like them.
6. Assemble the Burgers:
Now it’s time to build your burgers! Start with the bottom half of each toasted bun and add a lettuce leaf. Place your cheesy smash burger patty on top, then drizzle on a generous amount of your homemade baconnaise sauce. If you’re a bacon lover, sprinkle some extra crumbled bacon on top before adding the top half of the bun.
7. Serve:
Serve your smash burgers hot and fresh! Enjoy every bite of your delicious creation with baconnaise sauce!
Can I Use Leaner Ground Beef for This Recipe?
While you can use leaner ground beef, such as 90/10, keep in mind that it might not be as juicy or flavorful as an 80/20 blend. If using leaner beef, consider adding a bit of beef broth or a tablespoon of olive oil to maintain moisture.
What if I Don’t Have Bacon Grease?
No problem! You can substitute the bacon grease with unsalted butter or olive oil for the Baconnaise sauce. It will change the flavor slightly, but it will still be delicious!
Can I Make the Baconnaise Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The Baconnaise sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will actually taste even better as the flavors meld together!
How to Store Leftover Burgers?
If you have any leftovers, you can store the patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. If the baconnaise sauce is left, refrigerate it separately and use within 3-4 days.
