When it comes to creating the perfect burger, there’s something undeniably irresistible about a smash burger—crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor. But why stop there? Imagine topping that glorious burger with a creamy, smoky baconnaise. This indulgent twist takes your ordinary burger to the next level. Perfect for BBQs, casual dinners, or even impressing your friends at a game day gathering, this recipe is your ticket to burger greatness.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
To make these smash burgers with baconnaise, you’ll need the following ingredients. These quantities will ensure you have perfectly seasoned patties and the right amount of creamy sauce for each bite.
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Ground beef (80% lean): 1 lb (16 oz)
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Bacon strips: 4 pieces
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Mayonnaise: 1/4 cup
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Dijon mustard: 1 tsp
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Burger buns: 4, preferably brioche or sesame seed
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Salt: 1/2 tsp (adjust to taste)
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Black pepper: 1/4 tsp (adjust to taste)
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Cheese slices (optional): 4 slices (cheddar, American, or your favorite cheese)
The ratio of lean ground beef (80%) ensures your burgers are juicy and flavorful. The addition of crispy bacon crumbles in the baconnaise sauce adds texture and smokiness, complementing the savory patty. The mustard and mayo base for the baconnaise gives it a rich, creamy flavor that blends perfectly with the other ingredients.
Directions: How to Make Smash Burgers with Baconnaise
Step 1: Preparing the Bacon
Start by cooking the bacon until it’s crispy. You can use either a skillet on the stovetop or an oven. If you’re cooking it in a skillet, heat it over medium heat. Lay the bacon strips in the pan, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until the bacon is golden brown and crispy.
Once cooked, place the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease. Once it’s cooled down a bit, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
Step 2: Making the Baconnaise
While your bacon is cooking, prepare the baconnaise. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and the crumbled bacon. Mix everything together until well-combined. The mustard adds a touch of tang to balance the richness of the mayo and the smokiness of the bacon.
If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can add a bit more mustard or crumbled bacon. Adjust according to your taste preferences. Set this aside for later.
Step 3: Preparing the Patties
Next, divide the ground beef into four equal portions. Each portion should weigh about 4 ounces. Gently roll each portion into a ball. Don’t overwork the meat; you want to keep it light and airy for that signature smash burger texture.
Step 4: Cooking the Smash Burgers
Now it’s time for the magic! Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the beef balls on the skillet. Using a sturdy spatula (or a special burger smasher if you have one), press down on each ball to flatten it. The idea is to smash the patty thinly, which gives it that crispy, caramelized edge that makes smash burgers so unique.
Let the patties cook for 2-3 minutes without moving them. Season with salt and pepper while they cook. Once the edges are crispy and browned, flip the patties and cook for another 1-2 minutes, depending on how well-done you like your burgers. If you’re adding cheese, place a slice on each patty during the last minute of cooking, allowing it to melt.
Step 5: Assembling the Burgers
While the patties are cooking, toast your burger buns. You can do this in the same skillet, using a bit of the rendered bacon fat for extra flavor, or toast them in a separate pan until golden brown.
To assemble the burgers, spread a generous amount of the baconnaise on the bottom of each toasted bun. Place the freshly cooked patty on top. If you’re using cheese, the melted cheese should be on top of the patty. Add any extra toppings of your choice, like lettuce, tomatoes, or pickles, before closing the burger with the top bun.
Prep Time and Cooking Time
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories
Each burger, with the listed ingredients, contains approximately 500 calories. This can vary depending on the exact size of your patties and the type of cheese you use. For a lighter version, you can skip the cheese or use a lower-fat mayo.
Tips for Perfect Smash Burgers with Baconnaise
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Use a Heavy Spatula for Crushing: To get that signature crispy edge, you need to press down hard. A sturdy, heavy spatula is key to achieving the right texture. You can even use a second spatula to help press down if needed.
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Bacon Crumbles for Extra Texture: Bacon bits or crumbles are key to the baconnaise. If you want more bacon flavor in every bite, chop the bacon into finer pieces, or even add an extra strip.
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Toast Your Buns: Toasting your buns adds a nice crunch and prevents them from getting soggy from the sauce. You can toast them with a little butter for added flavor.
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Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: The baconnaise recipe is flexible. If you want it creamier, add more mayo. If you love mustard, feel free to increase the Dijon mustard for more tang.
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Don’t Overcook the Patties: Smash burgers are meant to be crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Be sure not to overcook the patties—keep them on the skillet for just the right amount of time to achieve that perfect balance.
Why Smash Burgers?
Smash burgers are all about getting the most out of your ground beef. When you press the beef ball into the hot skillet, the surface area increases, allowing the meat to sear quickly. The result is a crispy crust that locks in all the juices, giving you a burger that’s crispy on the edges and tender inside.
Adding baconnaise takes these burgers to a whole new level. The creamy mayo combined with smoky, crispy bacon is the perfect topping for your juicy patties. Every bite is a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will make your taste buds rejoice.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, preparing a weeknight dinner, or serving up a gourmet twist for a casual lunch, these smash burgers with baconnaise are sure to impress. They’re easy to prepare but packed with flavor, making them the ultimate burger experience.