These Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce offer the perfect combination of juicy, crispy edges and smoky flavors, making them the ultimate indulgence for burger lovers. The baconnaise sauce adds a creamy, rich texture with a hint of smokiness from the bacon, taking these burgers to the next level.
This recipe is perfect for a BBQ with friends or a cozy family dinner. The simplicity of the ingredients makes it easy to prepare, while the flavors will impress everyone at the table. Serve these burgers with a side of fries, slaw, or your favorite grilled veggies for a complete meal. Whether you’re cooking on a griddle or the grill, these Smash Burgers will satisfy your cravings every time.
Full Recipe:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- 4 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Butter (for toasting buns)
- Pickles, for topping (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your griddle or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Form the ground beef into 4 loose balls. Season each ball generously with salt and pepper.
- Place the beef balls onto the skillet and smash them down immediately using a spatula or burger press. Cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side.
- Flip the burgers, top with a slice of cheddar cheese, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the burger reaches your desired level of doneness.
- While the burgers are cooking, prepare the baconnaise sauce by combining the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and crumbled bacon in a bowl. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Butter and toast the buns on the griddle until golden brown.
- Assemble the burgers: Spread a generous amount of baconnaise sauce on both the top and bottom of the toasted buns. Place the cooked burgers on the bottom buns and top with pickles (if using).
- Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 550 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce: The Ultimate Guide
When it comes to creating the perfect burger, the “smash burger” technique stands out as one of the most innovative and flavorful methods. This cooking style involves pressing a beef patty into a hot griddle to create a crispy, caramelized crust, while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Combining this technique with a rich, smoky Baconnaise sauce creates a burger experience that is truly extraordinary. The following guide takes a deep dive into the essentials of crafting these smash burgers and why they are a must-try for any burger lover.
What Makes Smash Burgers So Special?
The concept behind smash burgers lies in the preparation and cooking method. Traditionally, burgers are formed into thick patties and cooked on the grill. In contrast, smash burgers are made by pressing ground beef balls onto a hot griddle or skillet. This action results in the formation of a thin, crispy crust on the outside, while the inside of the burger remains juicy.
Smash burgers are celebrated for their texture contrast—the crispy exterior and tender interior create a mouthwatering bite. This technique is often paired with high-quality beef that has the right balance of fat, and this is where the choice of meat plays a pivotal role.
Choosing the Right Meat: The Importance of 80/20 Ground Chuck
A crucial aspect of crafting the perfect smash burger is the selection of ground beef. While there are several beef options to choose from, 80/20 ground chuck is considered the gold standard for smash burgers. The “80/20” ratio means that the ground chuck consists of 80% lean meat and 20% fat. The fat content in the meat plays a vital role in achieving a juicy, flavorful burger while helping create the crispy crust that makes smash burgers so delicious.
The fat in the beef renders as the burger cooks, basting the patty and ensuring it remains tender throughout. It’s this perfect balance of lean and fat that results in a burger that is both juicy and flavorful, with the outside achieving that coveted caramelized crispness.
The Secret Weapon: Baconnaise Sauce
To elevate the smash burger experience, the addition of Baconnaise sauce adds an irresistible layer of flavor. Baconnaise, a blend of bacon, mayonnaise, mustard, and other savory ingredients, is the perfect complement to the beef patty. The smoky, rich flavor of the crispy bacon marries wonderfully with the creamy texture of the mayonnaise, creating a sauce that enhances every bite of the burger.
The beauty of Baconnaise lies in its versatility. It is a sauce that not only amplifies the flavor of the beef but also adds a luxurious richness that takes your burger to the next level. Whether you’re grilling on a summer day or cooking up a casual dinner, Baconnaise will make your burgers unforgettable.
Mandoline Safety and Onion Preparation
A key element in creating the perfect smash burger is adding fresh, crisp toppings. Thinly sliced onions are a classic topping for smash burgers, adding a crunchy texture and a burst of flavor. To achieve the best results, a mandoline slicer is often used. This tool ensures that the onions are cut thinly and evenly, providing the perfect texture when layered onto the burger.
However, it’s important to prioritize safety when using a mandoline. The sharp blades can pose a risk of injury, so it’s essential to use the provided safety guard or, alternatively, wear cut-resistant gloves. Always slice with caution to ensure that your toppings are perfect and your hands are safe.
The Art of Cooking Smash Burgers
The beauty of cooking smash burgers lies in its simplicity. The technique starts by forming the ground chuck into small balls, typically around 1/3 pound in size. These balls are then placed on a hot griddle or skillet and smashed down using a burger press. The result is a patty that cooks quickly, allowing the exterior to crisp up while the interior remains juicy.
When cooking smash burgers, it’s important to use the right cooking fat. Avocado oil is a great choice due to its high smoking point, which allows the burgers to cook evenly without burning. As the burgers cook, thinly sliced onions are placed on top, and the pressing action ensures that they become part of the crispy crust. Season the burgers with salt, pepper, and garlic to enhance the flavor.
Cheese and Toppings: The Finishing Touch
Cheese is a quintessential component of a smash burger, and for this recipe, pepper jack cheese is a fantastic choice. Its creamy texture and slightly spicy flavor create a perfect balance with the savory beef and smoky Baconnaise sauce. When the burger is flipped, a slice of pepper jack is placed on top, allowing it to melt and meld into the patty, further enhancing the flavor.
Once the burgers are cooked to perfection, the buns are toasted on the griddle, providing a warm and crispy base for the burger. The assembly process involves spreading a generous amount of Baconnaise sauce on the bottom bun, stacking the juicy double smash patties, and finishing with more Baconnaise sauce. The top bun completes the burger, sealing in all the delicious flavors.
Why These Smash Burgers Are Perfect for Any Occasion
One of the reasons smash burgers with Baconnaise sauce are so appealing is their versatility. They are perfect for a family dinner, a casual weekend cookout, or even as a gourmet offering at your next BBQ. The combination of a juicy patty, crispy bacon, tangy Baconnaise sauce, and melted cheese is a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed by burger lovers of all ages.
Additionally, these burgers are easy to make. With a few simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking method, you can create a restaurant-quality burger in the comfort of your own kitchen. The addition of Baconnaise sauce further elevates the burger, making it something truly special that will impress your guests.
Conclusion: Elevating Your Burger Game
In conclusion, smash burgers with Baconnaise sauce represent the pinnacle of burger creation. This recipe combines the irresistible texture of smash burgers with the rich and smoky flavor of Baconnaise sauce to create a burger experience that is unmatched. The careful selection of high-quality beef, the use of a mandoline for perfect onion slices, and the inclusion of pepper jack cheese all contribute to making this burger a standout dish.
Whether you’re preparing for a casual dinner or a summer barbecue, these smash burgers will never disappoint. The combination of crispy edges, juicy beef, and smoky Baconnaise sauce makes these burgers a must-try for any burger enthusiast. Give this recipe a try, and elevate your burger game to new heights!