These Easy Smash Burgers are a real treat! With their crispy edges and juicy center, they’re super satisfying. The creamy baconnaise sauce adds a tasty twist that you won’t forget!
Who can resist a burger that brings both crunch and melt-in-your-mouth goodness? I like to pile on the toppings and then take a big, happy bite. It’s like a flavor party! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend is perfect for juicy burgers, but you can use leaner beef or even ground turkey if you prefer. Just note that leaner meats may result in less moisture.
Burger Buns: I love sesame seed buns for their extra crunch and flavor. If you want something a little different, feel free to use brioche, whole wheat, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option!
Onions: Caramelized onions add sweetness. If you’re short on time, you can use raw onions for a sharper taste, or skip them entirely if you’re not a fan.
Cheese: American cheese melts beautifully, but you can switch it up with cheddar, pepper jack, or whatever your favorite cheese is. Just make sure it’s a melting cheese!
Baconnaise: You can substitute the bacon in the baconnaise with crispy turkey bacon or omit it for a vegetarian option. Just add a little smoked paprika for that smoky flavor.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crispy Edges on Smash Burgers?
The key to those signature crispy edges is the smashing technique! When you place the beef ball on a hot skillet, use a sturdy spatula to press down firmly. This maximizes the surface area that gets crispy.
- Heat your skillet to medium-high, not low, to ensure everything sears properly.
- Don’t flip too soon! Let the patties cook for 2-3 minutes to develop a nice crust.
- Smash them to about 1/4-inch thickness for a great texture. Just remember, the thinner they are, the crispier they get!
Easy Smash Burgers with Creamy Baconnaise Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Smash Burgers:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 sesame seed burger buns
- 1 cup sliced onions
- 4 slices of cheese (e.g., American, cheddar, or your choice)
- 2 tbsp butter (for toasting buns and cooking onions)
For the Creamy Baconnaise Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2-3 strips cooked bacon, finely chopped
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the sauce and cooking the onions, plus about 15-20 minutes to cook the burgers and toast the buns. It’s quick and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, finely chopped cooked bacon, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix everything together until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to use the sauce.
2. Cook the Onions:
In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and caramelized, about 10-15 minutes. Once done, set them aside.
3. Toast the Buns:
Spread a little butter on the insides of the burger buns. Toast them in a skillet or on a griddle over medium heat until they are golden brown. Once toasted, set them aside.
4. Form and Cook the Smash Burgers:
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and loosely form them into balls.
- Heat a griddle or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, place the beef balls on the griddle.
- Using a sturdy spatula or a burger press, smash each ball down firmly until it’s about 1/4 inch thick.
- Generously season the patties with salt and black pepper.
- Cook without any movement for about 2-3 minutes or until the edges are crispy and brown.
- Flip the patties, add a slice of cheese on top of each one, and cook an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the burger is cooked through.
5. Assemble the Burgers:
Spread a generous amount of the creamy baconnaise sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place the cheese-covered smash burger on top, followed by a generous amount of caramelized onions. If desired, you can add more baconnaise sauce before topping with the other half of the bun.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your delicious smash burgers immediately with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy every juicy, crispy bite of these amazing burgers topped with creamy baconnaise sauce!
This recipe captures the delightful texture of smash burgers, perfectly complemented by the rich, creamy baconnaise—making every bite incredibly savory and delicious.
FAQ for Easy Smash Burgers with Creamy Baconnaise Sauce
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey for the beef. Just keep in mind that turkey is leaner than beef, so the burgers may be drier. Adding a bit of olive oil or butter to the turkey mix can help keep them juicy.
How Do I Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave each burger for about 30 seconds or warm them up in a skillet over low heat to retain their crispy texture.
Can I Make the Baconnaise Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The baconnaise sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using to remix the ingredients, and it will taste just as delicious!
What Buns Work Best for This Recipe?
While sesame seed burger buns are a great choice for added flavor and texture, you can also use brioche, whole wheat, or even gluten-free buns. Choose what you love best for an amazing burger experience!