Crispy Smash Burgers with Bacon Sauce

By: Barbara Updated on Sat, 05 Apr 2025 20:09:38 GMT Dinner Delights
Barbara, recipe developer and home cook at Graceful Flavors
Barbara

Hi, I'm Barbara, the recipe developer and home cook behind Graceful Flavors. I share approachable recipes with clear steps, familiar ingredients, and delicious results for real everyday kitchens.

Updated on Sat, 05 Apr 2025 20:09:38 GMT

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A close up of a hamburger with cheese and sauce. Pin it
A close up of a hamburger with cheese and sauce.

Imagine a burger that's not just a meal, but a culinary experience. The Smash Burger with Baconnaise Sauce is about to change everything you thought you knew about burgers. Crispy edges, juicy center, and a sauce so incredible it'll make your taste buds do a happy dance. This isn't just a burger – it's pure deliciousness between two buns.

The first time I made these burgers, it was during a family cookout. One bite, and suddenly everyone was talking about nothing else. The sizzle of the meat, the crispy edges, that baconnaise sauce – it was like culinary fireworks.

Ingredient Spotlight: The Flavor Champions

  • Ground Beef: 80/20 blend is your flavor secret weapon. Fat equals flavor, friends.
  • Bacon: Crispy, crumbled, the magic that makes the baconnaise sing
  • Cheese: Cheddar melts like a dream, creating those picture-perfect cheese pulls
  • Brioche Buns: Soft, buttery, the perfect burger throne
  • Baconnaise Sauce: The star of the show. Creamy, smoky, utterly irresistible

Every ingredient tells a story. The beef brings the muscle, the bacon brings the soul, and the sauce? Pure magic that ties everything together.

A close up of a hamburger with a generous amount of sauce.
A close up of a hamburger with a generous amount of sauce.

Mastering the Smash Burger: Detailed Cooking Method

Bacon Preparation:
Crisp that bacon like your life depends on it. Low and slow, until it's golden and crunchy. Those crispy bits are flavor bombs waiting to happen.
Sauce Alchemy:
Mix mayonnaise with crumbled bacon, a hint of garlic, a touch of onion powder. It's simple, but it's magic. The kind of sauce that makes people close their eyes and go "Mmmmm."
Patty Perfection:
Gentle hands when forming those beef balls. We're not making meatballs – we're creating burger magic. The key? Don't overwork the meat.
The Smash:
Screaming hot pan. Beef ball goes down. Then – SMASH. Use all your might. We want those crispy, lacy edges that are pure burger poetry.
Cheese and Assembly:
Melt that cheese. Toast those buns. Layer with love. The baconnaise goes everywhere – no holding back.

My grandmother always said the best meals tell a story. This burger? It's an epic tale of flavor, of taking something simple and making it extraordinary.

A close up of a burger with sauce.
A close up of a burger with sauce.

Meal Prep and Storage Wisdom

Leftovers? (Ha!) But if you insist, these keep in the fridge for a few days. Pro tip: Reheat in a hot skillet to bring back that crispy magic.

Cooking isn't just about feeding yourself – it's about creating moments, telling stories, and showing love through food. These Smash Burgers are more than a recipe. They're a celebration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the secret to a perfect smash burger?
Use a hot skillet, smash the patty thin, and don't move it until it's crispy.
Can I make the baconnaise ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce can be prepared and refrigerated up to 3 days in advance.
What beef blend works best?
80/20 ground beef is ideal for juicy, flavorful burgers with crispy edges.
How do I get the perfect burger doneness?
Cook for 2-3 minutes per side for medium. Adjust time for your preferred doneness.
Can I make these burgers gluten-free?
Use gluten-free buns and check that all ingredients are gluten-free.
4.80 from 235 votes

Ultimate Homemade Smash Burgers

Prep Time:
15 Minutes
Cook Time:
20 Minutes
Total Time:
35 Minutes
Servings:
4
A close up of a hamburger with cheese and sauce.

Crispy, juicy smash burgers topped with a decadent baconnaise sauce. The perfect homemade burger experience!

Ingredients

  • Burger Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • 4 slices of cheddar cheese
  • 4 brioche burger buns
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional Toppings

  • Lettuce leaves
  • Tomato slices
  • Pickles
  • Baconnaise Sauce

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 4 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1.

1. Cook the Bacon: In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Once done, place it on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

2.

2. Prepare Baconnaise Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper. Mix until well combined and set aside.

3.

3. Form Patties: Divide the ground beef into four equal portions (about 4 ounces each). Gently roll each portion into a ball – do not overwork the meat.

4.

4. Prepare Skillet: Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add a splash of cooking oil if desired.

5.

5. Smash Patties: Place each beef ball onto the hot surface. Using a spatula or burger press, smash down the ball firmly until it flattens out. Season with salt and pepper.

6.

6. Cook Patties: Cook the patties for about 2-3 minutes until browned on one side.

7.

7. Add Cheese: Flip the patties and place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the burger is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

8.

8. Toast Buns: Meanwhile, toast the brioche buns in a separate skillet until golden brown.

9.

9. Assemble Burgers: Spread a generous tablespoon of baconnaise sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Add a patty, followed by lettuce, tomato, and pickles if desired. Top with the other half of the bun.

10.

10. Serve: Serve your delicious Smash Burgers warm, with extra baconnaise sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

  1. Prep Time: 15 minutes
  2. Cook Time: 20 minutes
  3. Best served immediately

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet or griddle
  • Burger press or spatula
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Paper towels
  • Cooking utensils

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains eggs (mayonnaise)
  • Contains gluten (brioche buns)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 610
  • Total Fat: 40 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 25 g
  • Protein: 32 g