Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce are the perfect combination of savory beef patties and smoky, creamy goodness. The crispy edges of the smashed burgers create a satisfying texture, while the melted cheese and baconnaise sauce elevate the flavor to new heights. Whether you’re grilling for a backyard BBQ or cooking up a quick weeknight dinner, this burger recipe is sure to impress.
The addition of the baconnaise sauce, made with smoky bacon and creamy mayo, offers a rich and indulgent twist on your traditional burger toppings. You can also customize the burgers by adding your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, or pickles. These Smash Burgers are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying — perfect for any burger lover.
Full Recipe:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 4 burger buns
- 4 slices of American cheese
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Directions:
- Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
- While the pan heats, form the ground beef into 4 equal-sized balls.
- Once the pan is hot, add a tablespoon of vegetable oil and place the beef balls onto the pan.
- Immediately smash each ball with a spatula to form thin patties. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side, then flip the patties, adding a slice of cheese to each patty.
- Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese has melted and the burgers are cooked to your desired doneness.
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, crumbled bacon, smoked paprika, and garlic powder to make the baconnaise sauce.
- Toast the burger buns lightly on the grill or in a skillet.
- Assemble the burgers: spread a generous amount of baconnaise sauce on the bottom half of each bun, then place a burger patty on top.
- Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired, then top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 650 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction: A Gourmet Burger Experience at Home
When it comes to creating the perfect burger, the key lies in balancing flavors and textures. Smash burgers, with their crispy edges and juicy center, have become a favorite for burger enthusiasts across the world. The method, which involves smashing a ball of ground beef onto a hot griddle, enhances the Maillard reaction, resulting in a savory, caramelized crust. While the traditional smash burger is a masterpiece on its own, adding a special twist can elevate it even further. Enter the Smash Burger with Baconnaise Sauce—a simple yet luxurious take on the classic, with smoky, creamy Baconnaise sauce to bring depth and richness to each bite. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, preparing for a weekend barbecue, or just craving a gourmet burger, this recipe promises to deliver unforgettable flavors.
What Makes Smash Burgers Special?
Smash burgers are unique because of the way they are prepared. Unlike traditional burgers, where patties are gently shaped and cooked to retain a thick, juicy center, smash burgers are flattened into thin patties while cooking. The result is a burger with a perfectly crispy outer crust and a tender, juicy interior. The technique works wonders by enhancing the flavors and creating a satisfying texture contrast. The thin patty allows more surface area to come in contact with the griddle, resulting in a beautifully caramelized crust.
While the burger’s cooking method is critical to its appeal, the choice of meat is just as important. For smash burgers, 80/20 ground chuck is the gold standard. The 80% lean meat to 20% fat ratio ensures that the burger retains its moisture while achieving that perfect crispy exterior. As the burger cooks, the fat renders and bastes the patty, infusing each bite with flavor. The combination of ground chuck and the smash technique is what makes this burger a standout.
The Role of Baconnaise Sauce
The Baconnaise sauce is what truly takes this burger to the next level. A rich, smoky combination of crispy bacon, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and a few other key ingredients, Baconnaise sauce adds both creaminess and a bold, savory flavor. The addition of crispy bacon in the sauce enhances the burger’s natural meaty flavors, while the Worcestershire sauce and apple cider vinegar bring a tangy complexity that cuts through the richness of the meat and sauce.
Baconnaise sauce is versatile, and it can be used for more than just burgers. Its smoky flavor pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables, roasted meats, and even as a dipping sauce for fries or onion rings. However, when used on a smash burger, it transforms an already delicious burger into something truly special, making every bite even more indulgent and satisfying.
The Perfect Burger Meat: Why 80/20 Ground Chuck Is Key
When it comes to the best beef for a smash burger, nothing beats 80/20 ground chuck. This combination of 80% lean beef and 20% fat offers the perfect balance between juiciness and flavor. The higher fat content ensures that the burger remains moist as it cooks, and it also helps form that crispy crust that defines a smash burger. The fat renders as the burger cooks, providing a natural basting effect that infuses the meat with deep, savory flavors.
In addition to the fat content, ground chuck is known for its rich beefy flavor, which stands up well to the bold Baconnaise sauce. The richness of the chuck complements the smoky, creamy sauce, ensuring that each bite is bursting with flavor. For optimal results, it’s important to avoid using too lean of meat. If the beef lacks enough fat, the burger may end up dry and bland, lacking the signature flavor and texture of a true smash burger.
Mandoline Safety: A Quick Guide
A mandoline slicer is a handy tool when it comes to preparing ingredients for smash burgers. It allows you to slice onions thinly and evenly, which are then placed on top of the burger during the smashing process. Thinly sliced onions not only cook faster but also become crispy and flavorful, adding a delightful crunch to the finished burger.
However, using a mandoline requires care and attention. The blades are extremely sharp, and without proper safety measures, you could risk injuring yourself. Always use the safety guard that comes with the mandoline, and if you don’t have one, consider using cut-resistant gloves. The thin slices of onion are crucial for the smash burger’s texture, so take your time and be cautious while slicing.
The Perfect Bun to Match the Smash Burger
A great burger deserves an equally great bun. For smash burgers, toasted burger buns are the perfect choice. The toasting adds a light crispness, which helps the buns stand up to the juicy meat and rich Baconnaise sauce. It also prevents the buns from becoming soggy, ensuring that each bite maintains its structure and integrity.
While traditional white burger buns work well, you can experiment with other varieties, such as brioche or pretzel buns, to add an extra layer of flavor. A slightly sweet brioche bun, for example, complements the smoky Baconnaise sauce, creating a balanced flavor profile. The key is to ensure that the bun is toasted just right—not too much that it becomes overly crunchy, but just enough to enhance the overall texture of the burger.
Tips for Assembling the Smash Burger
Assembling a smash burger is an art in itself. Once the burgers are cooked, it’s time to bring everything together. Start by spreading a generous amount of Baconnaise sauce on the bottom bun. This sauce will serve as the foundation of your burger, adding creaminess and flavor. Next, stack the double smash burgers on top of the sauce, ensuring that the crispy edges are on display. The contrast between the crunchy burger crust and the smooth Baconnaise sauce is a true delight.
Top the burgers with more Baconnaise sauce for an extra layer of flavor, and then place the top bun gently on top. The result is a burger that’s rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced in both texture and taste.
Why You Should Try Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce
There are several reasons why smash burgers with Baconnaise sauce should be on your culinary radar. First and foremost, they are incredibly delicious. The combination of the crispy, caramelized burger crust with the creamy, smoky Baconnaise sauce creates a flavor explosion with every bite. The flavors are bold, yet balanced, making this burger a true standout at any meal.
Second, smash burgers are easy to make at home, and they can be customized to suit any taste. Whether you prefer extra cheese, different sauces, or additional toppings like pickles or lettuce, the smash burger is a versatile base for creating your perfect burger. The addition of the Baconnaise sauce elevates the experience, making these burgers feel like a gourmet treat.
Finally, smash burgers with Baconnaise sauce are perfect for gatherings. Whether it’s a family dinner or a weekend barbecue, these burgers are sure to be a hit. They’re easy to prepare in large batches, and the unique flavor profile will impress your guests.
Conclusion: A Burger Worth Savoring
Smash burgers with Baconnaise sauce are a perfect example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into something extraordinary. The combination of crispy beef, smoky bacon, and creamy Baconnaise sauce creates a burger that is indulgent, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether you’re grilling for a special occasion or simply craving a delicious homemade meal, this burger is sure to impress.
With the right ingredients, proper technique, and a little creativity, you can recreate this gourmet burger experience right at home. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the griddle, and enjoy the deliciousness that is a smash burger with Baconnaise sauce. Your taste buds will thank you!