There's nothing quite like the crispy, caramelized edges of a smash burger hot off the griddle. Pair that with a rich, smoky baconnaise sauce, and you've got a burger thatโs pure indulgence. Juicy, flavorful, and dripping with a tangy, bacon-infused mayo, this is the ultimate burger experience.

I first discovered the magic of smash burgers while trying to recreate my favorite diner-style burger at home. The secret? Smashing the patty onto a hot griddle for that perfect crust. When I paired it with a creamy, smoky baconnaise, it became an instant family favorite.
Why Youโll Love These Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce
If you love a good burger, this smash burger recipe will change your burger game forever. Itโs easy, quick, and packed with flavor!
First, itโs all about the crispy edges. Smashing the beef onto a hot surface maximizes browning, giving you that crave-worthy sear in just minutes. No more bland, thick pattiesโjust juicy perfection.
Then, thereโs the baconnaise sauce. This creamy, smoky mayo-based sauce is infused with crispy bacon bits, a hint of garlic, and a touch of tangy mustard. Itโs so good, youโll want to put it on everything!
Itโs also quick and foolproof. In less than 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality burger on your plate, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or summer cookouts.
Finally, itโs totally customizable. Add cheese, grilled onions, or even a fried egg for extra indulgence. However you top it, the combination of crispy beef and smoky sauce is unbeatable.
Ready to make the best burger of your life? Letโs get started!
Ingredients Notes
Great burgers start with quality ingredients. Hereโs what youโll need to make the perfect smash burger with baconnaise sauce.
- Ground Beef (80/20 blend) โ The fat content is key! An 80% lean, 20% fat ratio ensures your burgers stay juicy and develop a crispy crust. Leaner beef will dry out, so donโt skimp on the fat.
- Brioche or Potato Buns โ Soft, slightly sweet buns pair beautifully with the rich baconnaise and crispy beef. Toasting them enhances the flavor and prevents sogginess.
- American Cheese โ The classic choice for smash burgers. It melts perfectly, creating a gooey layer over the crispy patty. Feel free to swap in cheddar or pepper jack for extra kick.
- Bacon โ This is the heart of the baconnaise sauce. Cook it until crispy, then chop it finely to infuse the sauce with smoky, salty goodness.
- Mayonnaise โ The creamy base of the baconnaise. Use a high-quality brand for the best flavor.
- Dijon Mustard & Garlic Powder โ These add tang and depth to the sauce, balancing the richness of the bacon and mayo.
Special Equipment
A cast-iron skillet or flat griddle is a must for getting that deep brown crust on your burgers. Youโll also need a sturdy metal spatula for pressing down the patties.
How to Make These Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce
Making these smash burgers is quick and easy, but technique matters. Follow these steps for the best results!
1. Prepare the Baconnaise Sauce
Start by cooking 4-5 strips of bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels, then finely chop. In a small bowl, mix ยฝ cup mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ยฝ teaspoon garlic powder, and the chopped bacon. Stir until combined and set aside to let the flavors meld.
2. Preheat Your Cooking Surface
Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until itโs smoking hot. A super-hot surface is the key to crispy edges!
3. Form & Smash the Patties
Divide 1 pound of ground beef into four loose balls (about ยผ pound each). Donโt pack them too tightly! Place a ball onto the hot skillet and immediately press it down with a metal spatula. Hold for 10-15 seconds to create a deep sear. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Flip & Add Cheese
After about 2 minutes, the edges should look crispy. Flip the patty and place a slice of American cheese on top. Let it cook for another 30-60 seconds until the cheese melts.
5. Toast the Buns
While the burgers cook, lightly butter your buns and toast them in a separate skillet or on the griddle for about 1 minute until golden. This adds flavor and keeps them from getting soggy.
6. Assemble & Serve
Spread a generous amount of baconnaise sauce on the bottom bun. Place the burger on top, then add any toppings like pickles, lettuce, or caramelized onions. Top with the bun and enjoy immediately!
Storage Options
Smash burgers are best enjoyed fresh, but hereโs how to store leftovers:
- Patties โ Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot skillet to maintain crispiness.
- Baconnaise Sauce โ This sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to a week. Store it in a sealed container and stir before using.
- Buns โ Keep them in a zip-top bag at room temperature for 2-3 days, or freeze them for longer storage.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Try these fun variations!
- Spicy Smash Burgers โ Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the patties and mix some sriracha into the baconnaise for a spicy kick.
- Caramelized Onion Smash Burgers โ Slowly cook sliced onions in butter until golden brown and sweet. Add them on top of the burger for extra depth.
- BBQ Bacon Smash Burgers โ Mix barbecue sauce into the baconnaise for a smoky-sweet twist.
- Turkey or Chicken Smash Burgers โ Swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Lettuce-Wrapped Smash Burgers โ Skip the bun and wrap your burger in crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb alternative.
No matter how you customize it, these smash burgers with baconnaise sauce will be a hit. The combination of crispy beef, melty cheese, and smoky bacon mayo is simply irresistible!
So fire up that griddle, grab your spatula, and get ready to make the best burgers ever. Let me know how they turn out in the comments below!
PrintSmash Burgers With Baconnaise Sauce Recipe
Smash burgers with baconnaise sauce are crispy, juicy, and loaded with flavor. This easy recipe features seasoned beef patties smashed on a hot griddle, topped with melty cheese, and finished with a rich, smoky baconnaise sauce for the ultimate burger experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Smash Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 burger buns
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced (optional)
For the Baconnaise Sauce:
- ยฝ cup mayonnaise
- ยผ cup crispy cooked bacon, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Baconnaise Sauce: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, crispy bacon, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and lemon juice. Set aside.
- Heat the Griddle/Pan: Preheat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat. Lightly butter the burger buns and toast them until golden brown. Set aside.
- Form and Smash the Patties: Divide ground beef into four equal portions. Roll into loose balls and place them onto the hot griddle. Smash each patty down using a spatula until thin. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Patties: Let them cook undisturbed for 2 minutes until crispy, then flip. Place a slice of cheese on each patty and cook for another minute.
- Assemble the Burgers: Spread baconnaise sauce on the bottom buns, add a patty, and top with onions (if using). Cover with the top bun and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use 80/20 ground beef for the juiciest burgers.
- Smashing creates crispy edges and enhances flavor.
- Toasting buns adds extra texture and prevents sogginess.
- Customize with lettuce, tomatoes, or pickles if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
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