Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce: The Ultimate Burger Experience

The Burger That Changed Everything

Some meals are more than just food—they’re an experience. I still remember the first time I had a smash burger. It wasn’t in a fancy restaurant or a well-known burger joint. It was in a backyard, standing next to a hot griddle, watching a friend press a ball of ground beef onto the sizzling surface with a spatula. The sound of the meat searing instantly, the rich aroma of beef fat caramelizing, and the crispy golden crust forming on the patty—it was nothing short of magic.

Then came the sauce. Not just any sauce, but Baconnaise—a smoky, tangy, bacon-infused masterpiece that clung to the bun and melted into the hot burger patty like it was always meant to be there. That moment changed how I viewed burgers forever.

From that day on, I knew smash burgers were the way to go. They aren’t just a meal; they’re an event. They bring people together, whether you’re gathered around a griddle on a summer evening or just making a weeknight dinner feel like something special. This recipe combines everything that makes a burger great—juicy beef, crispy edges, melted cheese, and a sauce so rich it should be illegal. If you love burgers, you need this one in your life.

Why Smash Burgers Are Better

1. The Crispy, Caramelized Crust

Unlike thick burgers, smash burgers maximize surface area. Pressing them onto a hot griddle creates a golden-brown crust that locks in juices while adding an incredible depth of flavor.

2. No Need for Fancy Ingredients

A great smash burger doesn’t need expensive cuts of beef or complicated seasonings. Simple ground chuck (80/20), salt, pepper, and garlic are all you need.

3. Quick Cooking Time

Because they’re thin, smash burgers cook in minutes, making them the perfect choice for a quick meal without sacrificing flavor.

4. The Ultimate Sauce: Baconnaise

Bacon and mayonnaise were always meant to be together. This creamy, smoky, tangy sauce is what sets this burger apart from all others.

What You’ll Need (Ingredients)

For the Smash Burgers:

• 2 lbs 80/20 ground chuck (formed into 1/3 lb balls)
• 2 white onions, thinly sliced
• ½ lb bacon, crispy and chopped
• Salt, pepper, garlic (for seasoning)
• 1 tbsp mustard (for cooking)
• 4 slices pepper jack cheese
• 4 burger buns, toasted
• 2 tbsp avocado oil (for cooking)

For the Baconnaise Sauce:

• ½ cup mayo
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 2 tbsp mustard
• ½ lb crispy chopped bacon
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp all-purpose rub (salt, pepper, garlic blend)
• 1 tbsp red pepper flakes

How to Make It (Directions)

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

1. Form ground chuck into 1/3 lb balls and chill for 30 minutes.
2. Thinly slice onions using a mandoline and remove excess moisture with a paper towel.
3. Cook and chop bacon, setting half aside for the sauce.

Step 2: Make the Baconnaise Sauce

1. Combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
2. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavors.

Step 3: Cook the Smash Burgers

1. Heat a griddle or cast iron pan over medium-high heat.
2. Brush the surface with avocado oil, then place burger balls 2-3 inches apart.
3. Add sliced onions on top and smash down with a burger press.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic, then cook for 3-4 minutes.
5. Spread mustard on top, flip burgers, and add cheese. Cook for another 3 minutes.

Step 4: Assemble & Serve

1. Toast burger buns on the griddle.
2. Spread Baconnaise sauce on the bottom bun, add the double smash burgers, then top with more Baconnaise.
3. Serve hot and enjoy the ultimate crispy, juicy smash burger.

Nutritious Bites (Nutritional Info per Serving)

• Calories: ~850 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~42g
• Protein: ~52g
• Fat: ~58g
• Sodium: ~1,200mg

How to Serve the Ultimate Smash Burger

1. Classic with a Side of Fries

Pair your double-stacked smash burger with crispy shoestring fries or loaded cheese fries for a restaurant-quality meal at home.

2. Low-Carb Option

Swap the bun for lettuce wraps or serve the burgers over a bed of greens with a drizzle of Baconnaise for a burger-inspired salad.

3. Make It a Full Cookout Meal

Serve these smash burgers with:

• Grilled corn on the cob with butter and seasoning
• Baked beans for a smoky, savory side
• Coleslaw for a crunchy, refreshing contrast

4. Pair It with the Perfect Drink

For an elevated experience, serve these burgers with:

• A cold lager or IPA to complement the smoky flavors
• A classic milkshake for a nostalgic diner feel
• Fresh lemonade or iced tea for a refreshing contrast

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What Makes a Smash Burger Different from a Regular Burger?

A smash burger is cooked by pressing the beef patty flat on a hot surface, which creates a crispy, caramelized crust while keeping the inside juicy. Unlike thicker burgers, they cook quickly and develop more intense flavor due to the Maillard reaction—the chemical process that browns meat and creates delicious crispy edges.

2. Why Use 80/20 Ground Beef?

The 80/20 ratio (80% lean meat, 20% fat) ensures the burger is juicy and flavorful. The fat renders as it cooks, basting the patty in its own rich flavor. Using leaner beef will result in a drier burger.

3. Can I Make These Without a Griddle?

Yes! While a flat griddle or cast-iron skillet is ideal for achieving the best crust, you can also use a stainless steel or nonstick pan—just make sure it’s piping hot before adding the beef.

4. How Do I Smash the Burgers Without a Burger Press?

If you don’t have a burger press, try:

• A heavy-duty spatula (preferably metal)
• A small cast-iron pan to press down on the beef
• A mason jar wrapped in foil for an improvised press

5. Why Add Mustard to the Burger While Cooking?

Spreading mustard on the patty before flipping enhances the crust and adds a tangy depth of flavor. It’s a trick borrowed from Oklahoma-style onion burgers and works perfectly in smash burgers.

6. Can I Make the Baconnaise Sauce Ahead of Time?

Yes! In fact, Baconnaise tastes even better after chilling for at least 30 minutes. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

7. Can I Use a Different Cheese?

Absolutely! While pepper jack adds a spicy kick, you can also try:

• Cheddar for a classic taste
• American cheese for that nostalgic fast-food melt
• Swiss cheese for a creamy, nutty flavor

8. How Can I Make This Burger Even Crispier?

To get an extra-crispy crust, try these tips:

• Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed
• Press down firmly within the first 30 seconds of cooking
• Use high heat and avoid flipping too early

9. What Are Some Fun Topping Variations?

While the Baconnaise sauce is the star of the show, you can mix things up with:

• Crispy fried onions for added crunch
• Pickled jalapeños for heat
• A fried egg for a brunch-style burger

10. Can I Make a Vegetarian Version?

Yes! Swap out the beef patties for smashable plant-based burger patties like Beyond Meat or Impossible Burgers. Keep the Baconnaise sauce the same, or substitute the bacon for smoked mushrooms for a similar umami flavor.

Conclusion: The Smash Burger You’ll Make Again and Again

Some meals become instant classics—this Smash Burger with Baconnaise Sauce is one of them. With its crispy-edged beef patties, melty cheese, and smoky, tangy sauce, every bite is packed with flavor.

What makes this burger special isn’t just the perfect crust or the Baconnaise sauce—it’s the experience of making it. From the moment the beef hits the griddle to the first bite, there’s something deeply satisfying about crafting a burger that rivals anything from a top-tier burger joint.

So whether you’re making these for a weekend cookout, a weeknight dinner, or just because you’re craving something incredible, you won’t be disappointed. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to regular burgers again.