Name: The Best Smash Burgers with Homemade Baconnaise
Ingredients: 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.; 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.; 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.; 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.; 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.; 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.; 

Description

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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.

Instructions

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!