Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce

Smash Burgers with Baconnaise: A Crispy, Juicy Twist for Bacon Lovers

If you’re looking to impress with the ultimate burger recipe that combines a juicy smash burger and a bacon-infused sauce, look no further.

These smash burgers with baconnaise are the perfect combination of crispy edges, melty cheese, and a rich, smoky sauce that’s made for bacon lovers. Ideal for weeknight dinners, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen using simple ingredients and a hot griddle or cast-iron skillet.

Why Smash Burgers?

Smash burgers are all about simplicity and flavor. Instead of thick patties, you use ground chuck formed into loose balls and smash them onto a hot surface, which creates those irresistible caramelized edges and a perfect sear.

The high fat content of 80/20 ground beef ensures juiciness, while smashing allows maximum surface area for browning and flavor.

What is Baconnaise Sauce?

The key to elevating your burger is the rich baconnaise sauce. This bacon-infused sauce is creamy, smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy—everything you want in a burger condiment.

It’s made with a ½ cup mayo, crispy bacon, tablespoons ketchup, hot honey, yellow mustard, red pepper flakes, and chives. This isn’t your average spread—it’s a smoky baconnaise sauce that takes your burger over the top.

Ingredients You’ll Need Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce

For the Smash Burgers:

• 2 pounds of 80/20 ground beef
• ½ pound thick-cut bacon
• 1 large yellow onion (sliced into ¼-inch rounds)
• 4 brioche burger buns
• Pepper jack cheese slices
• 1 tbsp burger seasoning

For the Baconnaise Sauce:

• ½ cup mayo
• ½ cup crispy bacon
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tbsp hot honey
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp chives
• ½ tsp black pepper

Step-by-Step: How to Make Smash Burgers with Baconnaise

1. Cook the Bacon

Start by slicing your thick-cut bacon into small, bite-sized pieces. Place it on your hot griddle or in a cast-iron skilletover medium-high heat.

Cook until crispy and golden brown, then remove and let it cool on a paper towel-lined plate. Set aside a half-cup for the sauce.

2. Make the Baconnaise

In a bowl, combine all of the ingredients for the baconnaise sauce.

Stir until everything is well combined. This bacon-infused sauce will be the backbone of the flavor profile. Refrigerate while you prep the rest of the ingredients.

3. Form the Beef Balls

Divide your ground chuck into 8 equal portions and roll each into a beef ball (about ¼ pound each). Don’t overwork the meat—this helps retain juiciness and tenderness.

4. Grill the Onions

Slice the onion into ¼-inch thick circles. Try to keep the rings together so they caramelize evenly.

Place them on the hot griddle and cook for 3 minutes before flipping. Remove when soft and lightly golden brown.

5. Smash the Burgers

Place each beef ball on the griddle and smash it down using a burger press or heavy spatula. You want the patties to be thin, with crispy edges that form as the fat renders.

Sprinkle each patty with your favorite burger seasoning and let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to build that caramelized edge.

6. Flip and Add Cheese

Flip the patties and immediately top with a slice of pepper jack cheese. Cook just long enough for the cheese to melt (about 30–60 seconds), then remove the patties from the heat.

7. Toast the Buns

Spread a light layer of mayo on the inside of each burger bun and toast them on the griddle until they’re golden brown. This adds a buttery crunch and prevents the buns from getting soggy.

Assembly: Layer the Flavor

Here’s how to stack your smash burgers like a pro:

1. Bottom bun: Spread a generous spoonful of the smoky baconnaise sauce.
2. First burger patty
3. Light layer of baconnaise on top of the patty.
4. Second burger patty
5. Caramelized onions
6. More rich baconnaise sauce on the top bun
7. Place the top bun on and serve immediately.

Tips for First-Time Smashers

• Hot surface is key: Use a hot griddle or cast-iron skillet to ensure that crispy sear.
• Smash only once: Pressing again after the first smash will release juices.
• Don’t skip the fat: The 80/20 fat content in your beef is crucial for flavor and texture.
• Cook in batches: If your cooking surface is small, cook two patties at a time to maintain heat and space for even browning.

Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Burger for Bacon Lovers

This smash burger with baconnaise recipe isn’t just another burger—it’s a flavor explosion that hits every craving. From the juicy ground beef with crispy edges, to the smoky baconnaise sauce and sweet caramelized onions, it’s the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Whether it’s your first time making smash burgers or you’re a seasoned grill master, this recipe is a surefire way to elevate your weeknight dinners and impress guests with your burger skills.

So fire up the griddle, crisp that bacon, and get ready to dominate the burger game.

Don’t forget: Store any leftover sauce ingredients in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week—it’s great on fries, sandwiches, or even breakfast eggs.

Looking for more Burger Ideas?

Viral Burger Stuffed Onion Rings – Crispy onion rings stuffed with juicy beef patties, wrapped in bacon melty cheese, and bold seasonings, creating a crunchy, savory, and mouthwatering twist on a classic burger that’s perfect for game day.

Peanut Butter Bacon Jam Smash Burgers – Thin, crispy-edged smash burgers topped with creamy peanut butter and sweet-savory bacon jam, delivering an unforgettable flavor combo for adventurous burger lovers seeking a rich, indulgent bite.

Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders – Mini brioche buns stacked with juicy beef, melty cheese, and smoky-sweet bacon jam, making these irresistible sliders the ultimate crowd-pleaser for parties, tailgates, or weeknight snacking.

Juicy Lucy Smoked Burger – Smoked to perfection, this burger hides gooey melted cheese inside the patty, delivering smoky flavor, juicy bites, and a molten cheese surprise that will wow any burger enthusiast.

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