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Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce – Crispy, Juicy, and Loaded with Flavor

Meet your new burger obsession: Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce. Crispy-edged, juicy ground beef patties cooked diner-style and slathered with creamy, smoky bacon-infused mayonnaise — all stacked high between soft buns with your favorite toppings. 🍔🥓🔥 Unlike thick patties, smash burgers are smashed thin on a hot griddle, creating crispy, caramelized edges while staying juicy inside. They cook in minutes, are easy to make at home, and when paired with the rich, salty goodness of homemade baconnaise, you’re in burger heaven. This burger is everything a fast-food burger wishes it could be — made with real ingredients, fresh off the skillet, and dripping with flavor. Serve with fries, slaw, or a cold beer, and you're all set. Love burgers? Don’t miss Classic Cheeseburger Sliders or Grilled BBQ Bacon Burgers.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 burgers
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Smash Burgers:
  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 blend recommended for juicy results
  • Salt & freshly cracked pepper
  • 4 burger buns
  • Butter for toasting buns
  • 4 slices cheddar or American cheese
For the Baconnaise Sauce:
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 4 slices cooked bacon finely chopped
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp lemon juice or pickle juice
  • 1 garlic clove minced (optional)
  • Black pepper to taste
Toppings (optional but recommended):
  • Lettuce
  • Tomato slices
  • Red onion rings
  • Pickles

Equipment

  • Cast iron skillet or flat-top griddle
  • Metal spatula or burger press
  • Mixing bowls
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Paper towels (for pressing bacon)
  • Small food processor or blender (optional, for smooth baconnaise)

Method
 

Step 1: Make the Baconnaise Sauce
  1. In a small bowl, stir together:
  2. Mayonnaise
  3. Chopped crispy bacon
  4. Dijon mustard
  5. Lemon or pickle juice
  6. Minced garlic (if using)
  7. Black pepper
  8. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
✅ Optional: Blend in a food processor for a smoother texture.
    Step 2: Prep the Beef
    1. Divide 1 lb ground beef into 4 loose balls (about 4 oz each). Do not press them into patties yet.
    2. Season each ball lightly with salt and pepper.
    🔥 Keep the beef cold until you’re ready to cook — this helps with searing!
      Step 3: Toast the Buns
      1. Heat a small skillet or your griddle to medium.
      2. Spread butter on the insides of the buns.
      3. Toast for 1–2 minutes until golden. Set aside.
      Step 4: Smash Those Burgers
      1. Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over high heat until very hot.
      2. Add 1–2 beef balls at a time (depending on skillet size).
      3. Immediately smash them down firmly with a metal spatula (use parchment paper between the spatula and beef to prevent sticking).
      4. Cook 2–3 minutes, until the bottom is crispy and browned.
      🍳 Don’t move the patties once they’re smashed — that crust is key!
      1. Flip once, add cheese, and cook another 1–2 minutes.
      Step 5: Assemble the Burgers
      1. Spread baconnaise sauce on both sides of the toasted buns.
      2. Add burger patty, then top with lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles (if desired).
      3. Close with the top bun and serve hot!
      🧄 Optional: Double up the patties for a classic smash burger stack.

        Notes

        🔁 Variations
        1. Spicy Baconnaise
        Add chipotle in adobo, sriracha, or smoked paprika to the baconnaise.
        2. Avocado Smash Burgers
        Add smashed avocado or guacamole on top for creaminess.
        3. Caramelized Onion Smash
        Top each patty with sweet caramelized onions for depth.
        4. Bunless Option
        Serve the burger in lettuce wraps or over a salad for low-carb.
        5. Turkey or Chicken Smash
        Use ground turkey or chicken, and make sure to oil the skillet well to prevent sticking.
        🧊 Storage & Reheating
        Baconnaise Sauce:
        Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge.
        Cooked Burgers:
        Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
        Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warm and crispy.
        Freezer:
        You can freeze uncooked patties (as balls) for up to 3 months. Smash and cook from thawed.
        ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
        1. Why smash the burgers?
        Smashing creates maximum surface area, giving you that crispy edge and seared crust!
        2. What kind of beef is best?
        Use 80/20 ground chuck — the fat keeps the burger juicy.
        3. Can I make the baconnaise ahead of time?
        Yes — it actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours!
        4. What skillet should I use?
        A cast iron skillet or flat griddle is best for holding high heat and crisping the edges.
        5. Can I cook these on the grill?
        Yes, on a flat griddle or plancha placed over your grill grates.
        6. Is baconnaise just bacon mayo?
        Pretty much — but this version has added mustard and seasoning for extra flavor.
        7. What buns work best?
        Brioche, potato buns, or buttered sesame buns are all great options.
        8. Can I make them double-patties?
        Absolutely! Stack two thinner patties for the ultimate smash-style burger.
        9. Are these better fresh or reheated?
        Best served fresh and hot, but they still reheat well in a skillet.
        10. Can I use vegan mayo and bacon?
        Sure — use plant-based alternatives to make it vegetarian-friendly.
        ✅ Conclusion
        These Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce are the definition of next-level burger night. From the crispy, caramelized edges of the beef to the smoky richness of homemade baconnaise, every bite is packed with bold, juicy flavor.
        Whether you’re grilling for friends, hosting burger night, or just need an indulgent meal to reward yourself — this recipe hits the mark every single time. It’s easy, fast, and guaranteed to impress.
        Love bold burgers?
        Jalapeño Popper Burgers
        Classic Bacon Cheeseburgers
        Caramelized Onion & Swiss Burgers