If you’re craving a burger that’s juicy, flavorful, and downright addictive, this Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce Recipe is going to become your new go-to. I absolutely love how the crispy bacon combined with the tangy, creamy baconnaise sauce takes these smash burgers to a whole new level. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout, this recipe never disappoints.
When I first tried smashing burgers topped with this rich baconnaise, it reminded me why simple ingredients with a twist can outshine fancy ones any day. You’ll find that the thin smashed patties get a perfect sear that locks in juices, while that baconnaise sauce adds a smoky, spicy kick that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Flavor Combination: The baconnaise sauce brings a smoky, tangy, slightly spicy twist that pairs perfectly with juicy smash burgers.
- Simple Technique: Smash cooking takes just minutes, delivering that irresistible crust and juicy center every time.
- Texture Heaven: Crispy edges from the seared patties combined with crunchy bacon and soft buns make every bite satisfying.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or casual hangout, this recipe is reliable and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce Recipe, I like to use fresh, quality ingredients so everything shines through. The balance of beef, bacon, sweet onions, and that special sauce makes all the difference.
- Ground chuck (80/20): The fat ratio is key for juicy, flavorful smash burgers that don’t dry out.
- White onions: Thinly sliced for a mild sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the griddle.
- Bacon: Crispy and chopped, it adds savory crunch and smokiness both in the patties and the sauce.
- Salt, pepper, and garlic: Simple seasoning essentials to enhance natural flavors.
- Mustard: A subtle tang added during cooking to heighten flavor complexity.
- Pepper jack cheese: Melts perfectly with a little kick to complement the baconnaise.
- Burger buns: Toasted just right to hold everything together without getting soggy.
- Avocado oil: Great for high heat cooking with a mild flavor that lets the beef shine.
- Baconnaise sauce ingredients: Mayo, ketchup, mustard, chopped bacon, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, all-purpose rub (salt, pepper, garlic), and red pepper flakes come together for that signature creamy sauce.
Variations
I love how this Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce Recipe is a fantastic base that you can easily personalize. I often switch up toppings or spice levels depending on the occasion or what I have in the fridge.
- Cheese Variations: I’ve tried swapping pepper jack for cheddar or Swiss for a milder or nuttier flavor, and it’s always delicious.
- Spicy Baconnaise: Sometimes I add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the baconnaise for more heat.
- Veggie Option: When I want something lighter, I swap the bacon for sautéed mushrooms and use a plant-based patty instead of beef.
- Different Buns: Brioche buns add a touch of sweetness, while potato buns hold up really well to the juicy patties and sauce.
How to Make Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients Like a Pro
First, shape your ground chuck into 1/3 pound balls and pop them into the fridge for about 30 minutes. This chill time helps them hold together when you smash them on the griddle. Meanwhile, slice your onions as thin as possible — I swear by my mandoline for this — then squeeze out some of the excess moisture and set them aside chilled. Lastly, cook up your bacon until crispy and chop it finely; these crispy bits are gold for the baconnaise sauce and adding on top.
Step 2: Make the Baconnaise Sauce
In a bowl, combine mayo, ketchup, mustard, your chopped crispy bacon, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, all-purpose rub seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Mix it well and refrigerate while you cook the burgers. This sauce is the magic ingredient, giving you that smoky tang with a hint of heat that’ll have your guests talking.
Step 3: Get Smashing and Searing
Heat your griddle to medium-high and brush it with avocado oil to prevent sticking. Place the chilled burger balls 2-3 inches apart, then pile some sliced onions on top of each. Using a sturdy burger press or spatula, smash them down until thin. Season generously with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. Let them cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes — this is where that crust develops, sealing in all the juices.
Step 4: Flip and Finish with Cheese
Brush a little mustard on the cooked side before flipping each patty carefully. Add a slice of pepper jack cheese immediately after flipping to give it time to melt perfectly. Cook another 3 minutes or until the cheese is gooey and the patties are cooked through but still juicy.
Step 5: Toast, Assemble, and Devour
Toast your burger buns on the griddle for about a minute until golden. Then, assemble your masterpiece by spreading a generous amount of baconnaise sauce on the bottom bun, layering on double smash burgers with all that melted cheese, add more baconnaise on top, and finally crown with the other half of the bun. Get ready for an explosion of flavors and textures!
Pro Tips for Making Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce Recipe
- Use Cold Beef Balls: Keeping your patties chilled before smashing prevents them from falling apart and helps get a better crust.
- Don’t Skip the Press: A firm, flat press ensures your patties cook evenly and get that iconic crispy edge.
- Toast Buns Last: Toast your buns on the griddle after the burgers to soak up just a bit of residual fat for extra flavor.
- Load the Sauce Generously: Baconnaise is not just a topping, it’s part of the burger experience—don’t be shy with it!
How to Serve Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep toppings simple so the baconnaise and crispy bacon take center stage. Thinly sliced pickles add a perfect tangy crunch, and sometimes I toss on extra fresh onions or a few lettuce leaves for freshness. If you like, jalapeño slices work wonders if you want to amp up the spice even more.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides with these smash burgers are classic crispy fries, a refreshing coleslaw, or even oven-roasted sweet potato wedges. For lighter days, a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully with all the rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, I like to serve these Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce Recipe as mini sliders on cocktail buns so everyone can sample different toppings and sauces. Sometimes I set up a “build your own” station with extra baconnaise, sliced veggies, and various cheeses—your guests will love the customization!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After assembling, I usually keep leftover patties and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps everything fresher and prevents the buns from getting soggy. The bacon in the baconnaise holds up surprisingly well refrigerated without losing flavor.
Freezing
I’ve frozen uncooked burger balls successfully by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferring to a freezer bag once frozen. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge. I recommend making the baconnaise sauce fresh or storing it separately as mayo-based sauces don’t freeze well.
Reheating
To reheat leftover patties, I gently warm them in a skillet over medium heat to revive the crust and prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crisp texture. Re-toast buns and add fresh baconnaise and cheese for best results.
FAQs
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What’s the best ground beef for smash burgers?
I recommend using ground chuck with about 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio. The fat content is essential for juicy, flavorful burgers that develop a crispy crust when smashed.
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Can I make the Baconnaise Sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The baconnaise sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. It actually tastes better when the flavors have time to meld.
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How do I get the perfect smash burger crust?
Use a hot griddle or skillet and press the burger balls down firmly and thinly with a heavy spatula or burger press. Leave them undisturbed for a few minutes to let the Maillard reaction create that caramelized crust.
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Can I substitute the bacon in baconnaise sauce for a vegetarian option?
Yes, you can. Try using smoky tempeh bacon bits or smoked paprika to replicate the smokiness. While it won’t be exactly the same, it still adds great depth.
Final Thoughts
This Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a special treat but is so simple to whip up any time you crave comfort food with a twist. I love sharing these with friends because everyone gets just how those small details—the smash technique, the baconnaise sauce—make the difference between ordinary and unforgettable. Give it a try and I promise you’ll be hooked on that juicy, crispy texture and bold, smoky flavors!
PrintSmash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 burgers
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce feature juicy, crispy-edged ground chuck patties topped with pepper jack cheese, thinly sliced onions, and a savory homemade baconnaise sauce. The burgers are cooked on a griddle for the perfect smash and sear, complemented by toasted buns for a delicious, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to satisfy burger lovers.
Ingredients
Burgers
- 2 pounds ground chuck (80/20), formed into 1/3 pound balls
- 2 white onions, thinly sliced with a mandoline
- 1/2 pound bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
- Salt, pepper, and garlic powder for seasoning
- Mustard for cooking
- Pepper jack cheese, sliced
- Burger buns, toasted
- Avocado oil for cooking
Baconnaise Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- 1/2 pound crispy chopped bacon
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose seasoning (salt, pepper, garlic)
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Form the patties: Shape the ground chuck into 1/3 pound balls and refrigerate for 30 minutes to help them hold together during cooking.
- Prepare onions: Using a mandoline with safety guard or gloves, slice the white onions as thinly as possible. Squeeze out excess moisture and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Cook bacon: Crisp the bacon strips in a pan or griddle, then chop finely and set aside.
- Make baconnaise sauce: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, chopped crispy bacon, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, all-purpose seasoning (salt, pepper, garlic), and red pepper flakes. Mix well and refrigerate to allow flavors to meld.
- Preheat griddle: Heat your griddle to medium-high and lightly coat with avocado oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook burgers: Place the burger balls 2-3 inches apart on the hot griddle. Add sliced onions on top of each ball, then press down firmly with a burger press to smash the patties thin. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- First side cook: Let the patties cook for 3-4 minutes until a crust forms.
- Flip and finish: Spread mustard on the cooked side, then flip the burgers. Immediately top with pepper jack cheese slices and cook another 3 minutes or until cheese is melted and patties are cooked through.
- Toast buns: While burgers cook, toast the burger buns on the griddle until golden brown.
- Assemble burgers: Spread a generous amount of baconnaise sauce on the bottom bun, add the double smashed burger patties with melted cheese, add more baconnaise sauce on top, and finish with the top bun.
Notes
- Use 80/20 ground chuck for optimal juiciness and flavor.
- Chilling the formed patties helps them keep their shape when smashed.
- Thinly slicing the onions with a mandoline ensures even cooking and softness.
- Adjust red pepper flakes in baconnaise sauce to your preferred spice level.
- Avocado oil is chosen for its high smoke point, making it ideal for griddle cooking.
- Double smash means two thin patties stacked, for extra burger height and flavor.
- To ensure food safety, cook ground beef patties to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).