Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce bring together crispy, juicy beef patties with a smoky, creamy sauce for the ultimate burger experience. The thin, caramelized edges of the smashed patties provide a satisfying texture, while melted cheese and the rich Baconnaise sauce add layers of bold flavor. Whether you are making these for a backyard barbecue or a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

The secret to these burgers lies in the smashing technique, which maximizes the Maillard reaction to create a crispy, flavorful crust. Pairing these with a smoky Baconnaise sauce made from crispy bacon and creamy mayonnaise takes them to the next level.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
Crispy and Juicy – The smash technique ensures a beautifully caramelized crust with a tender interior.
Bold and Flavorful – The smoky Baconnaise sauce enhances the beefy taste with creamy, savory goodness.
Customizable – Add your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, or pickles for a personalized touch.
Great for Gatherings – These burgers are easy to make in batches, making them ideal for parties and barbecues.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Burgers:

1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
4 burger buns
4 slices of American cheese
½ onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Baconnaise Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons cooked bacon, crumbled
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Prepare the Pan:
- Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
Form the Burger Patties:
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal-sized balls without overworking the meat.
Smash the Burgers:
- Once the pan is hot, add a tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Place the beef balls onto the pan and immediately smash them down with a spatula to form thin patties.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Cook the Patties:
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side until crispy and browned.
- Flip the patties and immediately top each with a slice of American cheese.
- Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and the patties are cooked to your desired doneness.
Make the Baconnaise Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, crumbled bacon, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Stir until well combined.
Toast the Buns:
- Lightly toast the burger buns in the skillet or on a grill until golden brown.
Assemble the Burgers:
- Spread a generous amount of Baconnaise sauce on the bottom bun.
- Place the cooked burger patty on top.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired.
- Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Variations

Double Smash Burger: Stack two thin patties for an extra meaty bite.
Spicy Smash Burger: Add a dash of hot sauce or jalapeños for extra heat.
BBQ Bacon Smash Burger: Mix BBQ sauce into the Baconnaise for a smoky-sweet twist.
Low-Carb Option: Serve the patties wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun.
Different Cheese Choices: Try cheddar, pepper jack, or Swiss instead of American cheese.

Storage and Reheating

Storage:

Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Baconnaise sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.

Reheating:

Warm the patties in a skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side.
If using a microwave, heat in 30-second intervals to avoid drying out the burger.

Freezing:

Freeze cooked patties in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheat from frozen by cooking in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.

FAQs

What makes a smash burger different from a regular burger?

Smash burgers are pressed thin onto a hot griddle, creating a crispy, caramelized crust while keeping the inside juicy.

Why use 80/20 ground beef?

The 80% lean meat and 20% fat ratio ensures the perfect balance of juiciness and flavor.

Can I make smash burgers without a cast-iron skillet?

Yes, but a cast-iron skillet helps create the best sear. If using a nonstick pan, cook at a slightly lower heat.

How do I get the best smash burger crust?

Make sure your pan is very hot before adding the beef, and press the patty down firmly when smashing.

Can I make Baconnaise sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week.

What other toppings go well with smash burgers?

Lettuce, tomato, pickles, caramelized onions, and mustard all complement the flavors well.

Can I use a different sauce instead of Baconnaise?

Yes! Try classic burger sauce, spicy mayo, or a simple aioli as an alternative.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use leaner beef, skip the bun, or substitute a whole wheat bun for a healthier option.

Should I use fresh or pre-cooked bacon for the Baconnaise?

Freshly cooked bacon adds the best texture and smoky flavor, but pre-cooked bacon bits can work in a pinch.

Can I cook these on a grill instead of a skillet?

Yes, but use a flat-top griddle or cast-iron pan on the grill for the best results.

Conclusion

Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce take the classic burger to a whole new level with their crispy edges, juicy center, and rich, smoky sauce. This recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or summer cookouts. The Baconnaise sauce adds a creamy, indulgent touch that sets these burgers apart from the rest.

Give this recipe a try and experience the perfect balance of crunch, juiciness, and bold flavors in every bite!

Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce

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Author: Grace
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4-servings 1x
Category: Main Course, Burger
Method: Stovetop, Grilling
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

Take your burger game to the next level with Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce! These juicy, crispy-edged burgers are smashed to perfection and topped with melty cheese and a smoky, creamy baconnaise sauce. Whether you’re grilling for a weeknight dinner or a BBQ gathering, this quick and easy smash burger recipe will be a hit with everyone!

Instructions

Prepare the Baconnaise Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, crumbled bacon, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
- Stir well and set aside for flavors to meld.
Heat the Skillet:
- Preheat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
- Add 1 tbsp vegetable oil to coat the pan.
Shape & Smash the Burgers:
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal balls.
- Place each ball onto the hot skillet and immediately smash with a spatula to form thin patties.
- Season with salt & pepper.
Cook the Patties:
- Sear for 2-3 minutes until crispy edges form.
- Flip, add a slice of cheese, and cook for 1-2 more minutes until melted.
Toast the Buns:
- Lightly toast burger buns in the skillet or on a grill.
Assemble the Burgers:
- Spread a generous amount of baconnaise sauce on the bottom bun.
- Place a cheesy smash burger patty on top.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley (if using), then top with the other half of the bun.
Serve & Enjoy!

Notes

For extra crispiness, smash the patties as thin as possible.
Customize the toppings with lettuce, tomato, pickles, or caramelized onions.
Double up the patties for a more indulgent burger!
Storage: Leftover patties can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for best results.

Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients