Chef's Essential Tips

Cooking Technique: Use a cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution, resulting in perfectly seared patties with a crispy exterior.
Meat Quality: Opt for ground beef with a higher fat content (80/20) to ensure juicy, flavorful burgers.
Bacon Preparation: Using freshly cooked bacon for the baconnaise sauce adds a delightful crunch and enhances the smoky flavor.
Smashing Technique: Use a sturdy spatula with a wide surface to adequately smash the patties for maximum browning.
Seasoning: Don’t skip the seasoning! A good sprinkle of salt and pepper enhances the beef’s natural flavors.
Bun Choice: Choose sturdy buns that can hold up to the juicy patties and toppings without falling apart.

Essential Ingredients Selection

Ground Beef: The foundation of the burger, it provides rich flavor and juiciness. Choosing an 80/20 fat ratio ensures a moist and flavorful patty, while leaner meat may result in a dry burger.
Kosher Salt: Essential for enhancing flavors, kosher salt's larger crystals dissolve slowly, ensuring even seasoning throughout the meat.
Bacon: Adds a crispy, savory element to the baconnaise sauce, making it uniquely flavorful. If you're looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon can be used.
Burger Buns: A sturdy bun is crucial to hold the juices and toppings without falling apart. Brioche or potato buns are excellent choices for their richness.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the baconnaise sauce, it binds the flavors together and provides a rich texture. Light mayo or Greek yogurt can be used as lower-calorie alternatives.
Ketchup: Adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the baconnaise, balancing the richness of the mayonnaise. Substitute with sriracha for a spicy kick.
Worcestershire Sauce: A little goes a long way in adding depth to the sauce, imparting a savory umami flavor. Soy sauce can be an effective substitute.
Dijon Mustard: Provides a subtle bite and tanginess to the baconnaise. Yellow mustard can be used if you prefer a milder flavor.
Smoked Paprika: Enhances the baconnaise with a hint of smokiness, complementing the bacon. Regular paprika can be used if smoked is unavailable.
Optional Toppings: Fresh veggies like lettuce, tomato, and pickles not only add crunch but also a refreshing contrast to the richness of the burger and sauce.

Creating Your Masterpiece

Garnishing and Serving:

Garnish your burger with fresh toppings right before serving to maximize freshness and flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of hot, juicy patty and cool toppings.

Resting the Patties:

Let the patties rest for a minute after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring a juicy burger once you take your first bite.

Cooking to Desired Doneness:

Cook the patties to your preferred doneness; medium-rare is typically best for optimal juiciness. Use a meat thermometer if necessary, with 130°F for medium-rare and 160°F for well-done.

Layering the Burger:

Assemble the burger starting with the baconnaise on the bottom bun to keep it from getting soggy. Layer with the patty and toppings, ensuring every bite is filled with flavor.

Bun Toasting:

Toasting the buns in the same skillet adds extra flavor and crunch. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, and toast until golden, which enhances the overall texture of the burger.

Sauce Mixing:

When mixing the baconnaise, ensure all ingredients are well combined for a consistent flavor. Adjust the quantities based on your taste preference, perhaps adding more ketchup for sweetness or mustard for tang.

Bacon Crisping:

Cook bacon in a skillet until it's crispy, allowing the fat to render. This not only enhances the bacon flavor in your baconnaise but also creates a delicious, crispy texture that contrasts with the creaminess of the sauce.

Smashing Technique:

Using a flat spatula, press down firmly on the beef ball to create a thin patty. This maximizes the surface area that caramelizes, creating a delicious crust. Allow it to cook undisturbed for a bit to develop that crust before flipping.

Forming the Patties:

Gently form the ground beef into balls without overworking the meat, which can make the patties tough. Aim for uniformity in size for even cooking, and remember not to press them too tightly to preserve their juiciness.

The Complete Guide to Mastering Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce

Garnishing and Serving:

Garnish your burger with fresh toppings right before serving to maximize freshness and flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of hot, juicy patty and cool toppings.

Resting the Patties:

Let the patties rest for a minute after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring a juicy burger once you take your first bite.

Cooking to Desired Doneness:

Cook the patties to your preferred doneness; medium-rare is typically best for optimal juiciness. Use a meat thermometer if necessary, with 130°F for medium-rare and 160°F for well-done.

Layering the Burger:

Assemble the burger starting with the baconnaise on the bottom bun to keep it from getting soggy. Layer with the patty and toppings, ensuring every bite is filled with flavor.

Bun Toasting:

Toasting the buns in the same skillet adds extra flavor and crunch. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, and toast until golden, which enhances the overall texture of the burger.

Sauce Mixing:

Bacon Crisping:

Smashing Technique:

Forming the Patties:

Elevate Your Smash Burger Game with Expert Tips

Pair these burgers with homemade fries or coleslaw for a complete meal experience.

Leftover baconnaise can be stored in the fridge for up to a week and makes a great dip for veggies.

You can also prepare these smash burgers on an outdoor grill for a smoky flavor.

Get creative with toppings like avocado, jalapeños, or different types of cheese to customize each burger.

Juicy Smash Burgers with Creamy Baconnaise Sauce for Ultimate Flavor

Name: Juicy Smash Burgers with Creamy Baconnaise Sauce for Ultimate Flavor
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Smash Burgers:; 1 lb ground beef (80/20) - Provides optimal juiciness and flavor.; 1 tsp kosher salt - Enhances the beef's natural taste.; 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper - Adds a hint of spice.; 4 slices of bacon - Crispy, salty goodness to mix into the sauce.; 4 burger buns - Choose your favorite style for the perfect vessel.; For the Baconnaise Sauce:; 1/2 cup mayonnaise - Creates a creamy base for the sauce.; 2 tbsp ketchup - Adds sweetness and tang.; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce - Gives depth and umami flavor.; 1 tsp Dijon mustard - Provides a subtle tanginess.; 1 tsp smoked paprika - Adds a smoky flavor and a pop of color.; Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, cheese - Customize to your taste.

Indulge in the irresistible taste of juicy smash burgers paired with a rich baconnaise sauce that elevates your burger game to new heights. Made with fresh ground beef, crispy bacon, and a zesty mayo-ketchup blend, each bite bursts with savory flavors and a hint of tanginess. The crispy edges of the smashed patties contrast beautifully with the creamy, smooth baconnaise, creating a delightful texture that keeps you coming back for more. Perfect for backyard barbecues, casual weeknight dinners, or game day gatherings, these burgers are sure to impress your family and friends. With every bite, you’ll experience not just a meal but a comforting moment filled with warmth and satisfaction. Get ready to savor the harmony of flavors and textures that make these smash burgers an instant favorite.

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

10 Minutes

Total Time

25 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

For the Smash Burgers:

1 lb ground beef (80/20) - Provides optimal juiciness and flavor.

1 tsp kosher salt - Enhances the beef's natural taste.

1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper - Adds a hint of spice.

4 slices of bacon - Crispy, salty goodness to mix into the sauce.

4 burger buns - Choose your favorite style for the perfect vessel.

For the Baconnaise Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise - Creates a creamy base for the sauce.

2 tbsp ketchup - Adds sweetness and tang.

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce - Gives depth and umami flavor.

1 tsp Dijon mustard - Provides a subtle tanginess.

1 tsp smoked paprika - Adds a smoky flavor and a pop of color.

Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, cheese - Customize to your taste.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool.

Step 2: In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika until well blended. Crumble the cooled bacon into the sauce and stir. Set aside.

Step 3: Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until hot. While it's heating, form the ground beef into four equal balls, about 4 ounces each.

Step 4: Once the skillet is hot, place a beef ball on it and smash it down with a flat spatula to create a thin patty. Season with salt and pepper immediately.

Step 5: Allow the patty to cook without moving it for about 2-3 minutes until a crust forms. Flip the patty and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes for medium-rare.

Step 6: While the second side is cooking, toast the burger buns on the skillet until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 7: Assemble the burgers by spreading a generous amount of baconnaise sauce on the bottom bun, followed by the patties.

Step 8: Add any optional toppings like lettuce, tomato, or pickles, and finish with the top bun.

Step 9: Repeat the cooking and assembly process for the remaining patties.

Step 10: Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as fries or a salad.