Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce
Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce are juicy, flavorful burgers featuring crispy, caramelized beef patties smashed to perfection and topped with a creamy, smoky, garlicky baconnaise sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or relaxed weekend cookouts, these burgers balance rich textures and bold flavors effortlessly.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
For the Burgers
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 4 soft but sturdy burger buns
- 4 slices cheddar or American cheese
- 8 bacon strips
- Butter or oil, for cooking (about 2 tbsp)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sliced pickles (optional, about 8 slices)
For the Baconnaise Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup finely chopped cooked bacon bits
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Optional Garnishes and Variations
- Lettuce or baby spinach leaves
- Thinly sliced red onion or tomato
- Sriracha or chopped jalapeños (for spicy baconnaise)
- Caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or avocado slices
- Prepare the Baconnaise Sauce: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup finely chopped cooked bacon bits, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Form Beef Balls: Divide 1 pound of ground beef into 3 to 4-ounce portions and gently roll into loose balls. Avoid packing too tightly to keep burgers tender.
- Heat Your Cooking Surface: Preheat a heavy skillet or cast-iron griddle over medium-high heat. Add butter or oil to grease the surface and heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Smash the Patties: Place each beef ball on the hot surface and immediately press down with a spatula or metal press until about 1/4 inch thick. Hold pressure for 10-15 seconds to develop a crispy crust.
- Cook and Flip: Cook patties undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes until deeply browned on one side. Flip carefully, add a cheese slice on top, and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until cheese melts and the other side is cooked.
- Cook Bacon and Toast Buns: In the same or separate pan, cook bacon strips until crispy. Then lightly toast burger buns until golden and slightly crunchy.
- Assemble Your Smash Burgers: Spread a generous amount of baconnaise on the top and bottom buns. Layer the bottom bun with sliced pickles, place the smashed patty with melted cheese on top, then add crispy bacon. Cover with the top bun and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use 80/20 ground beef for optimal juiciness and crust formation.
- Form beef balls loosely to avoid dense burgers.
- Smash burgers quickly on a very hot surface to create a flavorful crust.
- Generously spread baconnaise on buns to add creamy, smoky flavor and moisture.
- Allow burgers to rest briefly after cooking to let juices redistribute.
- Store leftover patties and baconnaise separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Baconnaise is best made fresh or refrigerated; avoid freezing the sauce.
- Reheat patties gently in a skillet to keep them juicy; avoid microwaving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: smash burger, baconnaise, bacon sauce, juicy burger, quick burger recipe, easy burgers, smoky sauce, caramelized beef