These smash burgers are juicy and loaded with flavor! Topped with a special baconnaise sauce, they are sure to be a hit during your next cookout.
Honestly, who can resist the idea of bacon mixed into mayo? It adds a tasty twist that stands out. I like to serve these burgers with crispy fries and a big smile! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 beef blend gives juicy burgers with great flavor and texture. If you’re looking for alternatives, leaner options like ground turkey or chicken work too, but consider adding a little oil for moisture.
Sliced Cheese: American cheese melts perfectly, but you could also use cheddar or Swiss for a different taste. Cheese slices can be omitted for a dairy-free version, or you could substitute with a plant-based cheese.
Onions: Sweet onions get nice and caramelized in this recipe. Yellow onions are also a great option. If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought caramelized onions instead!
Baconnaise Sauce: This sauce combines mayonnaise and bacon for a smoky kick. If you want a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for mayo. You can also skip the bacon for a vegetarian option or use smoked tempeh for a similar taste.
How Do You Perfectly Caramelize Onions?
Caramelizing onions is key to enhancing their sweetness and adds depth to your burgers. It’s all about low and slow cooking. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with medium heat. Add butter and sliced onions into your skillet.
- Stir occasionally and let them cook for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- If they cook too fast, lower the heat to avoid burning.
- Adding a pinch of salt can help draw out their moisture, speeding up the process of caramelization.
How to Make Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Smash Burgers:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 sesame seed burger buns
- 4 slices of cheese (American or your choice)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking onions)
For the Baconnaise Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 4 strips of cooked bacon, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the baconnaise sauce and cooking the onions, and then another 20 minutes making the smash burgers. Quick and easy, perfect for a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baconnaise Sauce:
Grab a mixing bowl and toss in the mayonnaise, chopped bacon, smoked paprika, garlic powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s nice and creamy. Once done, cover it with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge to chill while you prepare the rest.
2. Cook the Onions:
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Once it melts, add the thinly sliced onions. Stir these around every now and then. You’re looking for that beautiful caramelized golden-brown color, which should take about 15-20 minutes. When they’re ready, take them off the heat and set aside.
3. Form the Beef Patties:
Next, divide the ground beef into four equal portions, about 4 ounces each. Roll each portion loosely into a ball. Don’t worry about making them perfect; the smash part will take care of that!
4. Smash the Burgers:
Now it’s time to heat things up! Use a griddle or heavy skillet and get it nice and hot over high heat. Place the beef balls on the surface, giving them a little space. Using a spatula or a burger press, smash each ball flat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until you see crispy edges. Then, flip them over and top each patty with a slice of cheese. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts beautifully.
5. Toast the Buns:
While you’re cooking the burgers, slice the sesame seed buns and toast them in another skillet or on the griddle. Toast them until they are golden brown for that perfect crunch!
6. Assemble the Burgers:
Let’s put it all together! On the bottom half of each toasted bun, spread a generous spoonful of your baconnaise sauce. Next, add the sizzling smashed burger patty with melted cheese, then pile on the caramelized onions. Finally, place the top half of the bun on and give it a gentle press.
7. Serve:
Your smash burgers are ready to shine! Serve them hot with a little extra baconnaise sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your deliciously messy smash burgers with family or friends!
## FAQ
Can I Use Different Types of Ground Meat?
Absolutely! While an 80/20 beef blend gives the best flavor and juiciness, you can substitute it with ground turkey, pork, or even ground chicken. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the fat content of the meat you choose.
How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the baconnaise sauce and caramelized onions up to 2 days in advance. Simply store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the onions and cook the beef patties fresh for the best taste!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover burgers, without the buns and sauces, in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through or use the microwave for a quick option. Feel free to toast fresh buns for a better experience!
Can I Customize the Baconnaise Sauce?
Of course! You can add other ingredients to the baconnaise sauce, like chopped fresh herbs (like chives or parsley) or a dash of hot sauce for a kick. For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. Just keep the proportions similar for the best consistency!
