Hello, welcome to my beautiful world! My name is Prisca Bush. I am a food lover; I enjoy writing about my favorite recipes.
Introduction
There are burgers, and then there are smash burgers. The kind with lacy, crispy edges, a juicy center, melty cheese, and a toasted bun that soaks up all the deliciousness. And then—because life is short and good food matters—you drizzle or slather on a smoky, rich, unforgettable sauce like Baconnaise.
The first time I ever tried this Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce Recipe, it wasn’t at a restaurant or from a trendy food truck. It was at home, standing in my own kitchen, armed with a cast-iron skillet and a determination to see what all the hype was about. I remember hearing the dramatic sizzle when that ball of beef hit the hot pan. Then came the smash—a firm press with a spatula that released this incredible aroma that instantly told me I was making something special.
But the real magic happened when I paired the burger with a homemade Baconnaise sauce. I had cooked breakfast earlier in the day and had leftover crispy bacon, so I whisked it into mayo with a little garlic, mustard, and smoked paprika—just experimenting, really. One bite later, I realized I’d accidentally created my favorite burger sauce ever. Smoky, creamy, savory, with tiny crunchy bits of bacon—it was everything.
From that moment on, this Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce Recipe became a staple in my home. They’re fast, easy, crowd-pleasing, and absolutely decadent. Today, I’m sharing my full recipe so you can enjoy the same drool-worthy results.
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Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce Recipe (2026)
Ingredients for Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce Recipe
This Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce Recipe makes 4 large burgers or 6 smaller burgers.
For the Smash Burgers
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (80/20 fat ratio recommended)
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- 4–6 slices American cheese (or cheddar)
- 4–6 brioche or potato buns
- 1 tablespoon butter (for buns)
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (for skillet)
For the Baconnaise Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon, finely chopped (4–5 slices)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Suggested Toppings
- Shredded lettuce
- Sliced pickles
- Thinly sliced onions
- Tomato slices
- Caramelized onions
- Sliced jalapeños
How to Make Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce Recipe
Ready to make this Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce Recipe one of the best burgers you’ve ever made at home? Follow these simple steps.
Step 1: Make the Baconnaise Sauce
- Combine all Baconnaise ingredients in a small bowl.
- Mix thoroughly until smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Refrigerate until ready to use.
Pro tip: The longer it sits, the better it tastes.
Step 2: Prep the Beef
- Divide the ground beef into 4–6 loose balls but don’t pack tightly.
- Keep them chilled until you’re ready to cook.
- Cold meat + hot pan = the perfect smash.
Step 3: Toast the Buns
- Heat a skillet over medium.
- Add a small amount of butter.
- Toast the buns cut-side down until golden.
Set aside.
Step 4: Heat the Skillet
A cast-iron skillet or griddle works best.
- Heat over medium-high to high for at least 2–3 minutes.
- Add a small drizzle of oil and swirl to coat.
The pan should be sizzling hot.
Step 5: Smash the Burgers
- Place one beef ball onto the hot skillet.
- Immediately press it down with a heavy spatula.
- Press firmly for 10–15 seconds until it’s a thin, wide patty with irregular crispy edges.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Repeat with remaining patties.
Step 6: Cook and Flip
- Cook without touching for 1–2 minutes or until the edges look brown and lacey.
- Scrape carefully under the patty and flip.
- Add a slice of cheese immediately so it melts.
Cook for another 1 minute, then remove from heat.
Step 7: Assemble the Burgers
- Spread Baconnaise on bottom buns.
- Add toppings of your choice (lettuce, pickles, onions).
- Place the cheesy smash patty on top.
- Add more sauce if you desire.
- Top with bun and press gently.
Serve Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce Recipe hot and enjoy pure burger bliss.
How to Serve Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce Recipe
This Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce Recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some of the best ways to serve it:
1. Classic Diner-Style
Serve with:
- Shoestring fries
- Onion rings
- A classic dill pickle spear
2. Smash Burger Platter
Add sides like:
- Coleslaw
- Baked beans
- Potato salad
Perfect for BBQs and gatherings.
3. Double or Triple Smash Burgers
Stack patties on top of each other—the thinness makes doubling irresistible.
4. Smash Burger Bowls (Low-Carb Option)
Skip the bun and serve over:
- Shredded lettuce
- Sliced onions
- Pickles
- Drizzled Baconnaise
5. Game-Day Smash Burgers
Make mini smash burger sliders with Hawaiian rolls.
Tips for the Best Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce Recipe
Mastering the smash technique is easier than it looks. These tips guarantee success:
1. Use high-fat beef
80/20 is ideal—it produces juicier burgers and crispier edges.
2. Keep the meat cold
Cold beef + hot skillet = maximum browning.
3. Don’t pre-season the beef
Season the outside only.
Mixed-in salt tightens the protein and makes the meat tougher.
4. Smash early, not late
Smash within the first 10 seconds of hitting the skillet.
After that, you’ll squeeze out juices instead of enhancing crust.
5. Don’t move the patties
A good crust forms only if the patty is undisturbed.
6. Use a sturdy spatula
Flexible spatulas won’t press enough or scrape cleanly.
7. Toast the buns
A toasted bun protects against sogginess and adds flavor.
8. Add cheese right after flipping
It melts perfectly with the residual heat.
9. Make the Baconnaise ahead
It tastes even better after chilling for an hour.
Variations
Try one of these fun variations to switch things up:
1. Spicy Smash Burgers
Add:
- Jalapeños
- Pepper jack cheese
- Extra hot sauce in the Baconnaise
2. Caramelized Onion Smash Burgers
Top with:
- Sweet caramelized onions
- Swiss cheese
- A little mustard on the bun
3. Bacon Smash Burger
Add crispy bacon strips on top in addition to the Baconnaise.
4. Mushroom Swiss Smash Burgers
Sauté mushrooms until golden and top with:
- Swiss cheese
- Garlic aioli
5. BBQ Smash Burgers
Add:
- BBQ sauce drizzle
- Bacon
- Cheddar cheese
- Crispy onions
6. Blue Cheese Smash Burgers
Crumble blue cheese on the flipped patty and let it melt.
Serve with arugula and red onions.
7. Breakfast Smash Burgers
Top with:
- A fried egg
- Hash browns
- Extra Baconnaise
Perfect for brunch lovers.
FAQs
Here are answers to the most common Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce Recipe questions.
1. What makes a smash burger different from a regular burger?
Smash burgers are smashed thin on a hot griddle, creating crispy edges and a more flavorful crust.
2. Can I use lean ground beef?
You can, but it won’t caramelize the same. Higher fat equals better crust and juiciness.
3. Can I make smash burgers on a grill?
Yes—use a flat-top grill plate or cast-iron pan on top of the grill grates.
4. Do I need a special burger press?
A heavy metal spatula works just fine. A press is optional.
5. Can I make the patties ahead of time?
No—smash burgers work best when the meat is kept loose, not pre-shaped.
6. Can I freeze the Baconnaise?
No—mayonnaise doesn’t freeze well. Refrigerate instead for up to 1 week.
7. Can I use turkey or chicken?
Turkey smash burgers work fairly well, but they won’t crisp like beef.
8. Why toast the buns?
Toasting adds flavor and prevents sogginess from the juices and sauce.
9. What cheese melts best for smash burgers?
American cheese is ideal. It melts smoothly and evenly.
10. What skillet works best?
A cast-iron skillet provides the hottest, most even heat for smashing.
Final Thoughts
Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce Recipe is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Crispy, juicy, messy, indulgent, and deeply satisfying, they bring together everything we love about diner-style burgers with a homemade twist that makes them truly unforgettable.
Whether you’re craving a weeknight treat, hosting friends for a backyard cookout, or just indulging in comfort food, this Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce Recipe delivers every single time. The smash technique creates unparalleled flavor, but it’s the Baconnaise that steals the show—adding smoky richness, creaminess, and bacon goodness to every bite.
Give this Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce Recipe a try, and it just might become your new signature burger. It’s bold. It’s delicious. It’s crave-worthy. And once you take that first bite, you’ll wonder why you ever made burgers any other way.