Smash burgers are super tasty, with a crispy edge and juicy center that will make your mouth water! Adding baconnaise sauce gives it a creamy, smoky kick that’s just fun and delicious!
Making these burgers is a breeze—just smash them on the grill and whip up that special sauce. I like to pair them with crispy fries for an awesome meal. Your friends will ask for seconds, trust me!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend gives the best flavor and juiciness thanks to the fat content. If you’re looking for a leaner option, 85/15 works well, though it may be less juicy. For an even leaner option, turkey or chicken can be used, but the flavor changes significantly.
Burger Buns: Sesame seed buns provide great flavor and texture. If you can’t find them, feel free to use brioche, potato, or even whole wheat buns. Just pick a bun that can hold up to the juicy burger without getting soggy.
Bacon: Precooked bacon is a huge time saver. If you want to keep it vegetarian, you could use crispy tempeh or a plant-based bacon substitute. Both add nice crunch and flavor without the meat.
Baconnaise Sauce: This sauce is a mix of mayo and bacon grease, adding creaminess and a smoky touch. If you want a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead of mayo. For a touch of tang, try adding a bit of mustard.
How Can I Ensure My Burgers Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking smash burgers requires a good technique to achieve that perfect crust. Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat your skillet well—it’s key for that sear. It should be hot enough that the burgers sizzle when they hit the pan.
- Form loose meat balls without compressing the beef too much. When you smash them down, they’ll create that lovely crust.
- Smash quickly with a spatula to seal in flavors and juices. Don’t be afraid to press down firmly.
- Always season immediately with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance the flavor while they cook.
By following these steps, you’ll have burgers that are both juicy and packed with flavor every time! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
How to Make Smash Burgers With Baconnaise Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Smash Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 burger buns (preferably sesame seed)
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- 4 strips of cooked bacon, chopped
- 4 lettuce leaves (e.g., romaine or iceberg)
For the Baconnaise Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp bacon grease (or reserved drippings from cooked bacon)
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare the Baconnaise sauce and about 15 minutes to cook the burgers and assemble everything, making a total of around 25 minutes. It’s quick, easy, and delicious—perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baconnaise Sauce:
Start by mixing the Baconnaise sauce. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, bacon grease, hot sauce (if you like a kick), garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir everything together until smooth, then taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. Pop it in the fridge to chill while you make the burgers!
2. Form and Cook the Smash Burgers:
Next, let’s get cooking! Preheat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, divide the ground beef into four equal portions (about 4 ounces each) and gently roll them into loose balls—don’t pack them too tightly!
3. Sear the Burgers:
When your skillet is nice and hot, place the beef balls onto it. Here’s the fun part: use a spatula to smash each ball down quickly to make a patty. Don’t forget to season each patty with salt and pepper. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes, or until you see a nice crust forming on the bottom.
4. Flip and Add Cheese:
Time to flip the patties! Carefully turn them over and place a slice of cheddar cheese on each one. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is all melty and the burgers are cooked to your liking.
5. Toast the Buns:
While your burgers are finishing up, toast the burger buns in another skillet or on the grill until they’re golden brown. This adds a nice crunch!
6. Assemble the Burgers:
Let’s put it all together! On the bottom half of each toasted bun, place a fresh lettuce leaf, then add a cheesy burger patty on top. Spoon generous amounts of the chilled baconnaise sauce over the patty and sprinkle the chopped bacon on top. Finally, cap it off with the top half of the bun.
7. Serve:
Your delicious burgers are ready! Serve them hot with some extra baconnaise on the side for dipping or drizzling. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Meat?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary, and turkey or chicken might not achieve the same crust as beef. To enhance flavor, consider adding a bit of olive oil to keep the patties moist.
What If I Don’t Have Bacon Grease?
No worries! You can substitute bacon grease with unsalted butter or olive oil to keep the creamy texture of the baconnaise sauce. If you want that smoky flavor, try adding a drop of liquid smoke or include a pinch of smoked paprika in the sauce for a similar taste.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Baconnaise Sauce?
Leftover baconnaise sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just give it a good stir before using, as the ingredients may separate a bit. If it thickens, add a teaspoon of water to loosen it up.
Can I Make Smash Burgers in Advance?
You can prepare the patties ahead of time! Shape them and keep them tightly wrapped in the fridge for up to two days or freeze them for longer storage. If freezing, place parchment paper between patties to prevent sticking. They can be cooked directly from frozen, but might need an extra minute or two on the cooking time.
