These smash burgers are juicy, with a crispy edge that will make your taste buds dance! The special baconnaise sauce adds a creamy and smoky flavor that’s hard to resist.
Honestly, who can say no to a burger with baconnaise? It’s the perfect excuse to have a little extra fun during grilling season. I love serving these with crispy fries on the side!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend gives a nice balance of flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, choose 90/10 ground beef; just be mindful that it may be less juicy.
Buns: Sesame seed buns are classic, but you can use brioche buns for a richer taste or whole wheat buns for a healthier option. The key is to pick soft buns that can hold the juicy burger without falling apart!
Bacon: For the baconnaise sauce, any cooked bacon works well. If you’re vegetarian or prefer not to use pork, try crispy tempeh or smoked paprika for a similar flavor without the meat.
Onions: Yellow onions are ideal for caramelizing; they become sweet and delicious. If you want a sharper flavor, consider red onions or even shallots for a softer taste.
How Can You Smash the Burger Patties Perfectly?
The smashing technique is essential for great burgers. By flattening the beef balls, you maximize the surface area for browning, which enhances flavor. Here are steps to get it right:
- Preheat the skillet on high heat to ensure a good sear.
- Add a little cooking oil to the pan so the burgers don’t stick.
- Place a beef ball in the skillet and use a spatula to press down firmly until the patty is about 1/2 inch thick. The goal is to hear a satisfying sizzle!
- Don’t squish the patty too much—just enough to create that crust.
Cooking time of 2-3 minutes ensures a nice crispy exterior, while flipping the patty carefully helps maintain that juicy inside. Enjoy the process—it’s all part of making awesome smash burgers!
How to Make Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Smash Burgers:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 4 sesame seed burger buns
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil for frying
For the Baconnaise Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious smash burger recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and another 25 minutes to cook, so you’re looking at a total of about 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a tasty weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baconnaise Sauce:
Start by making the baconnaise sauce. In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, chopped bacon, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything well until combined. Set this aside; it will add awesome flavor to your burgers!
2. Cook the Onions:
Next, grab a skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add a splash of cooking oil, then toss in your sliced onions. Sauté the onions for about 10-15 minutes, stirring them occasionally. You’re aiming for that perfect caramelized golden brown look. Once they’re ready, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
3. Form the Patties:
Now it’s time to handle the beef! Divide your ground beef into four equal portions (about 4 ounces each). Gently form these into loose balls. Remember, don’t overwork the meat; you want juicy burgers!
4. Smash the Patties:
Turn up the heat on your skillet to high. Add a bit more oil, then place a beef ball in the skillet. Immediately take a spatula and smash it down to form a patty that’s about 1/2 inch thick. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper on top. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until a delicious crust forms on the bottom.
5. Flip and Add Cheese:
Carefully flip the patty over. Now, place a slice of cheese right on top. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melty and the patty is cooked to your liking. Yum!
6. Assemble the Burger:
For a little extra flavor, toast your sesame seed buns lightly in the skillet. On the bottom half of each bun, spread on a generous amount of your baconnaise sauce. Then, place the cheesy patty on top, add a scoop of those delicious caramelized onions, and cover with the top half of the bun.
7. Serve:
Your smash burgers are ready to shine! Serve them hot with extra baconnaise sauce on the side if you like. Enjoy every juicy, flavorful bite!
Can I Use Different Meat for These Burgers?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will differ, so you might want to add some additional seasoning to enhance the taste.
Can I Make Baconnaise Sauce in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the baconnaise sauce ahead of time! Just mix all the ingredients and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This will also allow the flavors to meld together beautifully!
How to Store Leftover Smash Burgers?
Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the patties in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a bit more baconnaise sauce if desired. For best results, reheat the buns separately to maintain their texture!
Can I Add Vegetables to My Smash Burger?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your burger with your favorite toppings. Lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, or even avocado slices can add delicious flavor and texture. Just make sure any extra ingredients don’t overpower the burger itself.
