Smash burgers are the embodiment of simple ingredients elevated by technique, and when you top them with a creamy Baconnaise Sauce, you’re in for a real treat. Juicy Smash Burgers with a Decadent Baconnaise Sauce – A Flavor Explosion! That’s not just a subtitle; it’s an invitation to dive headfirst into something truly mouthwatering. With an 80/20 ground beef blend, quick caramelized onions, and a toasted bun fortified against sogginess, these patties boast crispy, craggy edges that lock in every drop of beefy goodness. And let’s not forget the Baconnaise Sauce—a luscious blend of mayonnaise, smoky paprika, tangy Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and crispy bacon bits. It’s the perfect combination of creamy and savory that takes a classic burger and rockets it into stratospheric flavor territory. Best of all, this recipe is rated Beginner for difficulty, needs only 15 minutes of prep time, 15 minutes of cooking time, and zero rest time. So whether you’re feeding a crowd at lunch, dishing out dinner on a weeknight, or simply craving the coziest comfort food, these smash burgers have got you covered at around 700 calories of pure satisfaction.
I still remember the first time I pressed a ball of ground beef onto a scorching cast-iron griddle and saw those crispy, golden edges form almost instantly—like magic happening under my spatula. As the sweet scent of caramelized onions wafted through my kitchen, I felt like I’d discovered a secret club of burger lovers. When I spread chilled Baconnaise Sauce onto the toasted bun, its velvety texture and smoky bacon bits melted into the warm setting beneath. Each bite became a symphony of textures and flavors: the crunch of the edges, the silky slice of cheddar, the tangy smack of mustard and lemon, and the gentle heat of smoked paprika. These moreish burgers remind me of backyard barbecues, summer evenings, and the joy of a perfectly crafted sandwich. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through every step—from gathering your ingredients to serving suggestions that will have folks begging for seconds!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN SMASH BURGERS WITH BACONNAISE SAUCE
Every unforgettable smash burger starts with quality ingredients that each play a pivotal role in building layers of flavor and texture. Below are the components that come together to create this spectacular dish:
- Ground Beef (80/20 blend)
A juicy foundation for your smash burgers, the 80/20 ratio ensures you get ample fat for flavor and caramelization without too much grease. The fat renders as you press and sear, creating crisp, flavorful edges.
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper
These simple seasonings unlock the natural richness of the beef. Seasoning just before cooking ensures the meat remains tender while forming a beautifully seasoned crust.
- Hamburger Buns
Toasted to golden perfection, the buns provide structure and a bit of crunch, preventing sogginess when you add the Baconnaise Sauce and juicy patties.
- Cheddar Cheese Slices
Melted over the hot patties, the cheese introduces a sharp, creamy layer that melds with the savory beef, enhancing each bite with rich, milky notes.
- Onion
Thinly sliced and caramelized in butter until soft and golden, the onions offer sweetness and depth, balancing the savory meat and creamy sauce.
- Unsalted Butter
Used to caramelize the onions, butter adds a silky mouthfeel and helps the onions turn a beautiful golden brown without burning.
For the Baconnaise Sauce:
- Mayonnaise
The creamy base that brings everything together, providing fatty richness and a smooth canvas for other flavors.
- Cooked Bacon
Finely chopped, the bacon adds smoky crunch and meaty depth that elevates the sauce from ordinary to extraordinary.
- Dijon Mustard
A hint of tangy heat that cuts through the richness, giving the sauce a sharp, lively edge.
- Lemon Juice
Bright acidity that awakens the other flavors and balances the rich mayonnaise and bacon.
- Smoked Paprika
Brings a gentle smoky warmth and vibrant color, enhancing the bacony notes already in the sauce.
- Salt and Pepper
Seasoned to taste, these ensure the sauce hits the perfect balance of creaminess and seasoning.
HOW TO MAKE SMASH BURGERS WITH BACONNAISE SAUCE
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating these irresistible smash burgers topped with our decadent Baconnaise Sauce. You’ll master the art of crisp edges, melty cheese, and caramelized onions, all brought together by that unforgettable sauce.
1. Prepare the Baconnaise Sauce: In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, chopped bacon, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and all ingredients are fully incorporated. Cover and chill in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld and intensify.
2. Preheat your cooking surface: Place a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron griddle over medium-high heat and allow it to become scorching hot, about 3–5 minutes. This high heat is crucial for achieving the signature crispy crust.
3. Season the beef: While the skillet heats, gently season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Divide the meat into four equal portions, but avoid overworking the beef to keep your patties tender.
4. Caramelize the onions: Add the unsalted butter to the hot skillet and let it melt completely. Spread the thinly sliced onions in a single layer and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn soft, golden, and sweetly fragrant. Transfer the onions to a plate and keep warm.
5. Smash the patties: Turn the heat up to high. Place each portion of beef onto the skillet and immediately press down firmly with a spatula to form a thin, even patty. Hold for a few seconds to set the crust.
6. Cook and cheese: Let the patties cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes, until the edges brown and crisp. Flip each patty, then place a slice of cheddar cheese on top. Continue cooking for another 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts and the burgers reach your desired doneness.
7. Assemble the burgers: Spread a generous layer of chilled Baconnaise Sauce on the bottom halves of the toasted buns. Place a cheese-topped patty on each, then pile on the warm caramelized onions.
8. Serve immediately: Cap the burgers with the top buns and serve while everything is hot, melty, and at peak flavor.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR SMASH BURGERS WITH BACONNAISE SAUCE
When it comes to serving these juicy smash burgers, presentation and pairing can elevate the experience from great to unforgettable. Whether you’re hosting a casual backyard gathering or simply indulging in a cozy meal at home, these suggestions will help you showcase your burgers in all their crispy, creamy glory. From complementary sides to creative toppings, each idea is designed to highlight the savory beef, melted cheddar, and decadent Baconnaise Sauce while keeping the focus on comfort and ease.
- Pair with truffle fries for an elegant twist: Toss crispy fries in a light drizzle of truffle oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan to add an aromatic, gourmet touch that contrasts beautifully with the smoky Baconnaise.
- Serve alongside a zesty coleslaw: A crisp mix of shredded cabbage, carrots, and red onion dressed in a tangy vinegar-based dressing offers a refreshing crunch and acidity to cut through the burger’s richness.
- Offer pickle skewers on the side: Thread dill pickles, cherry tomatoes, and cubes of cheddar onto small skewers for a fun, handheld garnish that guests can nibble between bites, adding bursts of briny flavor.
- Elevate with a grilled jalapeño relish: Char fresh jalapeños, then chop and combine with cilantro, lime juice, and red onion to create a spicy-sweet relish that adds a lively kick to each mouthful.
HOW TO STORE SMASH BURGERS WITH BACONNAISE SAUCE
Storing smash burgers and their components properly ensures you can enjoy leftovers without sacrificing texture or flavor. With a few simple tips, you can keep your patties juicy, your onions sweet, and your Baconnaise Sauce creamy for days. Whether you plan to reheat individual servings or prep components in advance, these methods will help maintain the integrity of each element so that every leftover bite feels just as satisfying as the first.
- Store components separately in airtight containers: Keep burgers, caramelized onions, and Baconnaise Sauce in individual containers to prevent sogginess and preserve optimal texture. Label with dates and use within 2–3 days.
- Refrigerate at the proper temperature: Set your fridge to 40°F (4°C) or below to slow bacterial growth and maintain freshness. Place containers on the top shelf where temperatures are most consistent.
- Freeze patties for longer storage: If you want to enjoy these burgers later, flash-freeze the cooked patties on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat with care: Warm burgers in a preheated skillet or oven at 350°F (175°C) for the best texture—about 5–7 minutes—rather than microwaving, which can make them rubbery. Gently rewarm onions and sauce separately.
CONCLUSION
What an incredible journey we’ve had exploring every aspect of Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce. We began by diving into the beauty of a perfectly seared 80/20 beef patty, learned how to coax out the sweetness of caramelized onions, and whipped up that dreamy, smoky Baconnaise Sauce that ties everything together. Along the way, we covered the essential ingredients—highlighting the roles of each component—and walked step by step through the cooking process, from the initial sizzling of onions in butter to the final assembly on toasted buns. We explored creative serving ideas, such as pairing with truffle fries or zesty coleslaw, and delved into practical storage techniques to make sure your leftovers stay just as delightful as your fresh-cooked burgers. We even mapped out the times you need—just 15 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cook time—for a beginner-friendly recipe that yields restaurant-quality results.
Feel free to print and save this article for quick reference the next time you’re craving that perfect smash burger experience. You can also find a FAQ below to address any questions you might have about ingredient swaps, cooking temperatures, or storage concerns. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out—share your comments, questions, or any tweaks you made to suit your personal taste. Your feedback not only helps me but also guides fellow home cooks on their delicious burger adventures. Happy cooking, and here’s to countless memorable meals centered around these juicy, crispy, flavor-packed smash burgers!
Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce
Description
Savor the crispy edges of these smash burgers, paired with a creamy, smoky baconnaise sauce that elevates the classic burger experience to delightful heights.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Prepare the Baconnaise Sauce: In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, chopped bacon, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated. Set aside in the refrigerator to chill and meld flavors.
-
Preheat a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron griddle over medium-high heat for a few minutes until hot.
-
While the skillet is heating, season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Divide the beef into 4 equal portions.
-
Add butter to the skillet, let it melt, and spread the sliced onions evenly. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions are caramelized and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and keep warm.
-
Increase the heat to high. Place each portion of beef onto the skillet, pressing down firmly with a spatula to form thin, even patties.
-
Cook the patties for 2-3 minutes until the edges start to brown and crisp. Flip the patties, add a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until they reach the desired doneness and the cheese melts.
-
To assemble, spread a generous amount of Baconnaise Sauce on the bottom halves of the toasted buns. Add a cheeseburger patty, then top with caramelized onions.
-
Cover with the top halves of the buns. Serve immediately while hot.
Note
- For an even crispier crust, smash the beef onto a hot surface using wax paper or parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- The Baconnaise Sauce pairs well with fries or as a sandwich spread.
- Experiment with different cheeses and toppings, such as pickles or jalapenos, to customize your burger.
- Toasting the buns adds texture and prevents them from becoming soggy with the sauce.
