The Best Smash Burgers with Homemade Baconnaise

 

Quick Overview

If you are looking to make the best smash burgers with homemade baconnaise, you have come to the right place. This recipe combines juicy beef patties with a creamy, flavorful baconnaise that will take your burger experience to new heights. Whether you are hosting a barbecue or simply want to enjoy a delicious meal at home, these smash burgers are sure to impress everyone at the table.

Ingredient Breakdown

Ground Beef

The star ingredient of any burger is the meat. For this recipe, use 1 pound of ground beef (80/20 blend). This fat-to-lean ratio ensures juicy and flavorful patties that won’t dry out during cooking.

Bacon

You will need 4 strips of bacon for the baconnaise. Cooked until crispy and finely chopped, bacon adds a savory depth to the mayonnaise base. It complements the flavor of the beef perfectly.

Mayonnaise

For the baconnaise sauce, use ½ cup of mayonnaise. This creamy base provides a smooth texture and balances well with the salty taste of bacon. It serves as an excellent condiment for the burgers.

Burger Buns

Choose 4 soft hamburger buns. Brioche or potato buns work well for their slight sweetness and softness. They hold up nicely against the juicy meat and toppings without falling apart.

Cheese

Optional but recommended! Use 4 slices of cheddar cheese. Melting cheese on top of the patties adds creaminess and enhances flavor. Cheddar pairs excellently with both beef and baconnaise.

Seasoning

A simple seasoning mix is essential. Use salt and pepper to taste—approximately 1 teaspoon of each should suffice. These basic seasonings highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients without overpowering them.

Step By step Recipe: The Best Smash Burgers with Homemade Baconnaise

Prepare the Baconnaise

Start by cooking the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once done, let it cool on paper towels before chopping it finely. Combine this chopped bacon with ½ cup of mayonnaise in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly until well blended and set aside while preparing your burgers.

Shape the Patties

Divide 1 pound of ground beef into four equal portions (about 4 ounces each). Gently shape each portion into a ball without overworking it; this keeps them tender. Avoid pressing them too flat at this stage since you’ll smash them later.

Preheat Your Skillet or Grill

Heat a large cast-iron skillet or grill over high heat until it is sizzling hot. A properly preheated surface ensures that you get those nice crusty edges on your smash burgers when you cook them.

Cook the Patties

Place each ball of beef onto the hot skillet or grill and immediately press down firmly using a spatula or burger press until they flatten out into thin patties. Cook for about 2-3 minutes without moving them; this allows a good sear to form on one side.

Flip and Add Cheese

Using a spatula, carefully flip each patty over after they develop a golden brown crust. If using cheese, place a slice on each patty right after flipping and let it melt for an additional minute as they finish cooking through.

Toast Burger Buns

While cooking your patties, toast your hamburger buns cut-side down on another skillet or grill pan for about 1-2 minutes until golden brown. This adds flavor and prevents sogginess when assembling your burgers later.

Assemble Your Burgers

Start by spreading a generous amount of baconnaise on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place one cheeseburger patty on top followed by more baconnaise if desired. Top it off with the other half of your bun to complete your delicious smash burger!

Serving and Storing Tips

Serve Immediately

For maximum enjoyment, serve these smash burgers immediately after assembly while they are still warm and juicy. Pair them with fries or onion rings for an ultimate comfort food experience that everyone loves.

Store Leftovers Properly

If you have any leftover burgers or baconnaise, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat patties quickly in a skillet before serving again; never microwave as they can become rubbery.

Freezing Options

You can freeze uncooked beef patties by placing parchment paper between each one before sealing them in an airtight bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months; just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking directly from frozen when ready to eat!

Mistakes to avoid

One common mistake when making The Best Smash Burgers with Homemade Baconnaise is using the wrong meat. Choose a ground beef with a higher fat content, like 80/20. Leaner meat will result in dry burgers that lack flavor.

Another mistake is overworking the meat. When forming patties, handle the meat gently to prevent it from becoming tough. Create loose balls and then smash them down on the grill for that perfect crust.

Not preheating your cooking surface is another error. Ensure your grill or skillet is hot before placing the patties on it. This step helps achieve a great sear and juicy interior.

Lastly, do not skip resting the burgers after cooking. Letting them rest allows the juices to redistribute throughout the patty, ensuring each bite remains flavorful and juicy.

Tips and tricks

To make The Best Smash Burgers with Homemade Baconnaise, start by choosing high-quality ingredients. Opt for fresh ground beef from a trusted butcher, as this can elevate flavor and texture significantly. Grass-fed beef often has more richness compared to grain-fed options.

For homemade baconnaise, blend cooked bacon into your mayonnaise base for a creamy, smoky spread that perfectly complements burgers. Add spices like garlic powder or smoked paprika to enhance the flavor profile further.

When smashing the patties, use a sturdy spatula or burger press to apply even pressure. This step creates a crispy crust while keeping the center juicy. Avoid pressing down too hard; gentle pressure works best for ideal results.

Finally, experiment with toppings! Use fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and pickles for crunch and brightness against the savory burger and baconnaise. Cheese lovers can add different types of cheese like cheddar or pepper jack for added depth.

Suggestions for The Best Smash Burgers with Homemade Baconnaise

Consider serving The Best Smash Burgers with Homemade Baconnaise alongside crispy sweet potato fries for an appealing meal. Their natural sweetness contrasts nicely with the savory flavors of the burger, creating a balanced plate.

Pairing your burgers with craft beers can also enhance your dining experience. A hoppy IPA complements the smoky elements of baconnaise while cutting through the richness of the beef.

For those seeking healthier options, serve burgers on whole-grain buns or lettuce wraps instead of traditional white bread. This alternative maintains flavor while reducing carbs and calories.

Finally, try different baconnaise variations! Incorporate spices such as chipotle or jalapeño for those who crave heat or experiment with herbs like dill or parsley for freshness in every bite.

FAQs

What makes The Best Smash Burgers so special?

The Best Smash Burgers stand out due to their unique cooking method that creates an irresistible crust while keeping the inside juicy. By smashing grounded beef onto a hot cooking surface, you develop enhanced flavors through caramelization, which results in a delectable eating experience.

How can I achieve a perfect bun-to-burger ratio?

To achieve an ideal bun-to-burger ratio, choose buns that match your patty size without overpowering it. A typical four-ounce patty pairs well with standard hamburger buns; however, artisanal brioche or pretzel buns can add character without overwhelming flavors if you prefer something different.

Can I prepare baconnaise ahead of time?

Yes! Preparing baconnaise ahead of time is an excellent idea that allows flavors to meld together beautifully. Store it in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to one week for maximum freshness and taste when ready to use on burgers.

How do I store leftover smash burgers?

Store leftover smash burgers in an airtight container placed in your refrigerator within two hours of cooking them. They will generally stay fresh for up to three days; however, reheating them gently ensures they maintain their juiciness when enjoyed again later.

What other toppings work well with smash burgers?

Many toppings complement smash burgers wonderfully! Try classic options like lettuce and tomato but also consider caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms for added depth of flavor. Different cheeses such as blue cheese or sharp cheddar provide additional richness worth trying!

Is it necessary to season my burger patties before cooking?

Absolutely! Seasoning your burger patties before cooking enhances their flavor significantly. Salt and pepper are essential; however, feel free to experiment by adding garlic powder or onion powder for more complexity—just remember not to overdo it!

Summary

In summary, making The Best Smash Burgers with Homemade Baconnaise requires careful attention to detail—from selecting quality ingredients to avoiding common mistakes during preparation. Remember to rest your cooked patties and explore diverse toppings for unique flavors. With these tips in mind, you’ll create delicious burgers that everyone will love!

 

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