
I still remember the first time I made smash burgers with baconnaise sauce. It was a game-changer. The combination of crispy-edged beef patties, melty cheese, and that smoky, creamy bacon mayo sauce was simply irresistible.
As I explored the world of smash burgers, I discovered their magic. In this article, I’ll share how to make the perfect Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce. I hope you’ll join me on this savory journey.
Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce is a dish that will make you crave more. It’s perfect for those who love traditional burgers or want to try something new with a bacon-infused twist. Let’s explore what makes Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce so special.
Key Takeaways
- Learn the secrets to making crispy-edged, juicy smash burgers with the perfect texture
- Discover the importance of using high-quality ingredients, including the right beef blend and fresh bacon
- Understand the role of the smashing technique in creating the perfect burger texture and flavor
- Get tips and tricks for making creamy, smoky baconnaise sauce that elevates your burgers
- Find out how to assemble and serve your smash burgers for maximum flavor and enjoyment
- Explore variations of the traditional smash burger recipe to make it your own
What Makes Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce Special

The combination of thin, crispy-edged beef patties and creamy, smoky baconnaise sauce makes Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce special. The technique of smashing the patties creates a unique texture and maximizes flavor. This makes the burger stand out.
The magic happens when the beef is pressed firmly against a hot cooking surface. This creates the Maillard reaction, developing a deep, savory crust while keeping the inside juicy. When paired with homemade baconnaise, it creates a burger experience unlike any other.
The Origin of Smash Burgers
Smash burgers have been around since the early 20th century, popularized by chains like Steak ‘n Shake and later Smashburger. The technique involves pressing a ball of ground beef onto a hot griddle with a spatula or burger press, creating a thin patty with crispy, caramelized edges and a juicy center.
Why Baconnaise Makes It Better
Adding Baconnaise Sauce to smash burgers takes them to another level. The combination of creamy mayonnaise and smoky bacon creates a rich, flavorful condiment that complements the beefy flavor of the patties. It adds depth and complexity that regular condiments simply can’t match.
The Science Behind the Smash
The smashing technique is backed by science. When you smash the burger against a hot surface, the increased contact area creates more Maillard reaction, which develops complex flavors and that coveted crust. The key is smashing immediately while the beef is still cold, then leaving it undisturbed to form the crust.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce
To make delicious Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce, you need a few key ingredients. The right combination makes the burgers juicy and flavorful. For the best Smash Burger with Baconnaise Sauce, you’ll need ground beef, bacon, mayonnaise, garlic, brioche buns, and cheese.
The burger requires:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 chuck)
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 4 brioche buns
- 8 slices American cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
You’ll also need lettuce, tomato, and pickles for serving. These ingredients make the burger juicy and flavorful. It’s a meal that will wow anyone.
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Ground beef (80/20) | 1 ½ lbs |
Thick-cut bacon | 8 slices |
Mayonnaise | 1 cup |
Garlic | 2 cloves |
Dijon mustard | 1 tablespoon |
Brioche buns | 4 |
American cheese | 8 slices |
Salt and pepper | To taste |
Vegetable oil | 1 tablespoon |
With these ingredients, you can make juicy and delicious Crispy Smash Burgers with Creamy Baconnaise. They’re perfect for any cookout or family dinner.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment You’ll Need
To make delicious Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce, you’ll need the right tools. A heavy cast-iron skillet or griddle is essential for this recipe. It retains heat well and creates the perfect sear on your burger patties.
You’ll also need a sturdy metal spatula and a burger press or heavy spatula for smashing. These tools ensure proper smashing technique and help create those crispy edges. Don’t forget a meat thermometer, kitchen scale, and bacon press for even bacon cooking.
Essential Cooking Tools
- Cast-iron skillet or griddle
- Sturdy metal spatula
- Burger press or heavy spatula for smashing
- Meat thermometer
- Kitchen scale
- Bacon press
Optional Equipment for Professional Results
For more professional burgers, consider some optional tools. A commercial-grade griddle offers more cooking space for multiple burgers. A dedicated burger press with a handle makes smashing easier and more consistent. These tools can make your burgers look and taste like they came from a gourmet burger restaurant.
Tool | Description |
---|---|
Commercial griddle | Provides even heat and more cooking space |
Dedicated burger press | Makes smashing technique consistent |
Infrared thermometer | Ensures cooking surface is at the perfect temperature |
Food processor | Creates perfectly blended baconnaise sauce |
Preparing Your Easy Smash Burger Recipe with Bacon Mayo

To make real Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce, follow this simple guide. First, prepare the baconnaise. Cook 4 slices of bacon until crispy, then cool and crumble. Mix mayonnaise, bacon bits, garlic, and Dijon mustard in a bowl. Refrigerate until needed.
For authentic Homemade Smash Burgers with Baconnaise, divide 1 ½ lbs of ground beef into 8 equal portions (about 3 oz each). Form them into loose balls, not patties. The smashing technique is key.
The beef should be cold and have a high fat content (80/20 is ideal). Season only the outside of the beef balls with salt and pepper right before cooking. This approach ensures juicy, flavorful patties.
Making the Baconnaise Sauce
For the perfect Smash Burger Sauce with Bacon Mayo, cook bacon until extra crispy. Cool and crumble or chop finely. Mix with mayonnaise, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and a dash of hot sauce. The sauce should be creamy with visible bacon bits throughout.
Preparing the Beef Patties
For the best smash burgers, use freshly ground chuck with 80/20 fat content. Divide into 3 oz balls using a scale for consistency. Don’t overwork the meat or form patties ahead of time. The magic happens when cold beef balls hit the hot cooking surface and are immediately smashed.
The Perfect Smashing Technique
Heat your cast-iron skillet or griddle to 450°F. Add a small amount of oil. Place beef balls on the hot surface and immediately smash with a heavy spatula or burger press to about ¼-inch thickness. Press for 10 seconds, then don’t touch for 1-2 minutes until edges are crispy. Flip once and add cheese immediately.
By following these steps, you can make delicious Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce. Use the best ingredients and master the smashing technique. This way, your burgers will be crispy on the outside and juicy inside. Your family and friends will love them.
The Art of the Smash: Technique and Timing
To make perfect Crispy Smash Burgers with Creamy Baconnaise, you need to master the smashing technique. This step requires precision and timing. The burger must be smashed within the first 30 seconds of hitting the hot cooking surface to achieve those coveted crispy edges.
Start with a ball of cold ground beef. Place it on a scorching hot griddle or cast-iron skillet (450°F or higher). Immediately press down firmly with a heavy spatula or burger press, applying significant pressure to flatten the patty to about ¼-inch thickness. Hold the pressure for 10 seconds to ensure proper contact with the hot surface.
Here are some tips for perfecting the smash technique:
- Use cold beef straight from the refrigerator
- Smash immediately when the meat hits the hot surface
- Apply firm, even pressure for 10 seconds
- Don’t touch the patty for 1-2 minutes after smashing
- Look for browning around the edges before flipping
- Flip only once for the best crust development
The result is a smash burger with a crispy, caramelized crust and juicy interior. Follow these tips to make burgers that will wow your guests.
Component | Timing | Notes |
---|---|---|
Cooking surface temperature | 450°F or higher | Cast iron works best for heat retention |
Initial smash | Within first 30 seconds | Use cold beef and firm pressure |
First side cook time | 1-2 minutes | Don’t touch until edges are brown and crispy |
Flip and cheese | After crust has formed | Add cheese immediately after flipping |
Second side cook time | 30-45 seconds | Just long enough to melt cheese and finish cooking |
Creating the Perfect Baconnaise Sauce

To complete our Best Smash Burger with Baconnaise Sauce, we need to create the signature bacon-infused mayonnaise. This sauce elevates a good burger to greatness with its smoky, creamy flavor profile.
Baconnaise is more than just mayo with bacon bits. It’s a carefully crafted sauce that infuses mayonnaise with bacon’s rich, smoky essence. The combination adds depth and complexity to each bite of your smash burger.
Cooking the Perfect Bacon
Start with high-quality thick-cut bacon. Cook it slowly over medium heat until extra crispy but not burnt. This ensures maximum flavor extraction and the perfect texture. Once cooked, drain on paper towels and let cool before crumbling or finely chopping.
Blending the Baconnaise
In a food processor, combine 1 cup of good-quality mayonnaise, the crumbled bacon (reserving some for garnish), 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, and a dash of hot sauce. Pulse until well combined but still chunky enough to see bacon bits.
By following these steps, we can create a Smash Burger Sauce with Bacon Mayo that transforms ordinary burgers into a gourmet experience. This sauce not only adds flavor but also provides a creamy contrast to the crispy burger patties.
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Thick-cut bacon | 6-8 slices |
Mayonnaise | 1 cup |
Bacon drippings | 1 tablespoon |
Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
Dijon mustard | 1 tablespoon |
Worcestershire sauce | 1 teaspoon |
Hot sauce | To taste |
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Making Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce can sometimes lead to common problems. Knowing how to fix these issues is key to perfect burgers. Dry patties are a common problem. They can be avoided by using 80/20 ground beef and not overcooking the thin patties.
Sticking to the pan can also occur. This can be solved by ensuring your pan is scorching hot before adding the meat and using a small amount of oil. Getting the baconnaise consistency right is also important. It should be creamy but not too runny.
Preventing Dry Patties
To avoid dry patties, use ground beef with at least 20% fat content. Don’t press on the patties after the initial smash, as this squeezes out precious juices. Cook quickly – about 1-2 minutes per side for these thin patties is sufficient. The internal temperature should reach 135°F for medium-rare or 140°F for medium.
Fixing Sticking Issues
For the perfect sear without sticking, make sure your cooking surface is extremely hot before adding the meat. A drop of water should dance and evaporate immediately. Use a small amount of high-heat oil like vegetable or canola oil. Most importantly, don’t try to flip the burger too early – wait until a crust has formed.
Perfecting Baconnaise Consistency
If your baconnaise is too thick, add a teaspoon of water or lemon juice at a time until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add more mayonnaise. For the best flavor, make the baconnaise at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
By following these tips, you can make perfect Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce. Always use quality ingredients, master the smashing technique, and prepare the baconnaise with care.
Issue | Solution |
---|---|
Dry patties | Use 80/20 beef, don’t |

Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce
Equipment
- Cast-iron skillet or griddle
Ingredients
For the Smash Burgers:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef 80/20 chuck
- 4 brioche buns
- 8 slices American cheese
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Baconnaise Sauce:
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon bacon drippings
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Dash of hot sauce to taste
For Serving:
- Lettuce tomato, pickles (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Baconnaise Sauce
- Cook 8 slices of bacon until extra crispy. Drain on paper towels and let cool.
- Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings.
- Finely chop or crumble the crispy bacon.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, crumbled bacon, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, bacon drippings, Worcestershire sauce, and a dash of hot sauce.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 2: Prepare the Burger Patties
- Divide ground beef into 8 equal portions (about 3 oz each).
- Roll them into loose balls—don’t pack them too tightly.
- Season the outside lightly with salt and black pepper.
Step 3: Cook the Smash Burgers
- Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle to 450°F. Add vegetable oil.
- Place beef balls onto the hot surface.
- Smash immediately with a spatula or burger press, pressing firmly for 10 seconds until patties are about ¼-inch thick.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the edges are crispy and brown.
- Flip once and immediately add cheese. Cook for another 30-45 seconds until cheese is melted.
Step 4: Assemble the Burgers
- Toast brioche buns in the same skillet until golden brown.
- Spread baconnaise sauce generously on both sides of the buns.
- Place two smash burger patties with melted cheese on each bun.
- Add lettuce, tomato, and pickles if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For juicier patties, use freshly ground beef and avoid pressing the patties after the initial smash.
- To prevent sticking, ensure the skillet is scorching hot before adding the meat.
- For extra smoky flavor, add a little smoked paprika to the baconnaise.
- Make the baconnaise ahead of time for a more intense flavor.
Nutrition
What is a smash burger, and how is it different from a regular burger?
A smash burger is made by pressing a beef patty flat onto a hot griddle, creating a crispy, caramelized crust that enhances its flavor.
How do you make baconnaise sauce for smash burgers?
Baconnaise sauce is a creamy blend of mayonnaise, crispy bacon bits, Dijon mustard, garlic, and seasonings for a smoky, rich flavor.
What type of beef is best for making smash burgers?
An 80/20 ground beef blend (80% lean, 20% fat) is ideal because it ensures a juicy, flavorful burger with a crispy exterior.
Can I make smash burgers without a griddle?
Yes! You can use a cast-iron skillet on high heat to achieve the same crispy, smashed effect.
What toppings go well with a smash burger and baconnaise sauce?
Classic toppings include lettuce, tomato, pickles, caramelized onions, and cheese, but you can customize it to your taste!
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