These smash burgers are juicy and packed with flavor! Topped with a creamy baconnaise sauce, they bring a mouthwatering twist that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Honestly, who doesn’t love the combination of crispy edges and a tasty sauce? I always make extra baconnaise because it’s just that good! It’s perfect for dipping fries too! 🍟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend is perfect for a juicy smash burger. The fat gives flavor and moisture. If you’re after a lower-fat option, lean ground beef (such as 90/10) works, but burgers might be drier.
American Cheese: This cheese is melty and creamy, making it a classic choice. You can swap in cheddar or Swiss if you prefer a different flavor. Just keep in mind that each cheese has its melting point!
Sesame Seed Burger Buns: These add a nice crunch. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free buns. For a healthier choice, whole grain or lettuce wraps can be used for a lighter version.
Baconnaise Sauce: The base is mayonnaise, but you could substitute it with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist. Just remember, it will alter the flavor slightly. Vegan mayo also works well for a plant-based option!
How Do I Get the Perfect Smash on My Burgers?
The smashing technique is key for getting a tasty crust. Start with a hot skillet; this helps create that lovely browning. Here’s how:
- Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot. A cast-iron skillet is ideal.
- Form your patties just before cooking. Roll the beef into balls; aim for about 4 ounces.
- Place the balls in the skillet and smash firmly using a spatula or burger press. The goal is to flatten them to about 1/2 inch thick.
- Season generously with salt and pepper after smashing; this enhances the crust as they cook.
Flip them after 2-3 minutes to get that wonderful crust, then add cheese right away so it melts perfectly!
Smash Burgers With Baconnaise Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Smash Burgers:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
- 4 slices of American cheese
- 4 sesame seed burger buns
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Baconnaise Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 4 strips cooked bacon, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook. That means you’ll be enjoying your delicious smash burgers in just about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baconnaise Sauce:
Start by making the baconnaise sauce. In a medium bowl, mix the mayonnaise, finely chopped bacon, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. Once it’s ready, pop it in the refrigerator to let the flavors blend together while you cook the burgers.
2. Cook the Burgers:
Next, it’s burger time! Preheat your flat griddle or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. While it’s heating, shape the ground beef into four balls, roughly 4 ounces each. When the skillet is hot enough, place the beef balls on it. Using a heavy spatula or burger press, smush each ball down firmly until it’s about 1/2 inch thick. Don’t forget to season them generously with salt and pepper! Cook the first side for about 2-3 minutes until you see a nice crust forming, then flip the patties over. Immediately add a slice of American cheese on top of each burger and let them cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is wonderfully melted.
3. Toast the Buns:
While the burgers are sizzling away, take your sesame seed buns and slice them in half. Toast them on another pan or griddle until they turn golden brown. This adds a lovely crunch and keeps them from getting soggy.
4. Assemble the Burgers:
Now for the fun part—putting it all together! On the bottom half of each toasted bun, pile on a generous amount of shredded lettuce. Next, place the cheese-topped smash burger right on top of that lettuce. Drizzle a good amount of your delicious baconnaise sauce over the burger, and then finish it off with the top half of the bun.
5. Serve:
Your smash burgers are ready to eat! Serve them hot, and if you have any extra baconnaise sauce, feel free to drizzle that on top. Enjoy your mouthwatering creation!
Can I Use Different Meat for Burgers?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based options like Beyond Burger. Just be aware that the cooking times and flavors will vary. If using leaner meats, consider adding a little olive oil to maintain juiciness.
How Can I Store Leftover Baconnaise Sauce?
Leftover baconnaise sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Just give it a good stir before using again, as the ingredients may separate slightly. It’s perfect for sandwiches or as a dip, too!
What If I Don’t Have American Cheese?
No worries! You can replace American cheese with other types like cheddar, Swiss, or provolone. Just make sure the cheese melts well; if it’s thick, slice it thinly to help it melt quickly over the patties.
Can I Make the Baconnaise Sauce Vegan?
Yes! To create a vegan-friendly version, swap the mayonnaise for a vegan mayonnaise alternative and use coconut bacon or tempeh bacon in place of regular bacon. The flavor profile will change a bit, but it will still be delicious!
