There's nothing quite like the sizzle of a smash burger hitting a hot griddle, followed by the rich, smoky aroma that fills the air. These burgers are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and made even better with a dollop of creamy, smoky baconnaise sauce.
The first time I made these, I was on a mission to recreate that perfect diner burger at home. Little did I know they’d become a staple for backyard cookouts and weeknight cravings alike. Ready to dive into burger bliss? Let’s get started!
Why You'll Love This Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce Recipe
Get ready to meet your new favorite burger. This smash burger recipe isn’t just delicious – it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
First, these burgers are incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a little technique, you’ll have restaurant-quality burgers in minutes. No fancy tools or tricks required.
Next, the texture is unmatched. By smashing the beef patties onto a hot surface, you get those perfectly crispy edges while keeping the center tender and juicy. It’s a balance that’s hard to beat.
The star of the show? The baconnaise sauce. Smoky, creamy, and slightly tangy, it takes these burgers to the next level. Slather it on your buns, dip your fries in it, or eat it with a spoon – no judgment here.
Finally, this recipe is endlessly customizable. Add your favorite cheese, pile on toppings, or keep it simple. No matter how you stack it, these burgers will be unforgettable.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of these smash burgers lies in their simplicity. High-quality ingredients and a few clever touches make all the difference.
Ground Beef (80/20): The key to juicy, flavorful burgers is using beef with the right fat content. An 80/20 blend (80% lean meat, 20% fat) gives you the perfect balance for a rich, satisfying patty. Avoid over-handling the meat to keep it tender.
Bacon: You’ll cook the bacon to crispy perfection and then use the rendered fat in the baconnaise sauce. Save the extra slices to layer on your burgers for double the bacon goodness.
Mayonnaise: A good-quality mayo is the base for the baconnaise sauce. It provides creaminess and a neutral flavor that lets the bacon shine.
Cheese: While these burgers are delicious on their own, melted cheese makes them irresistible. American cheese is classic for its gooey texture, but feel free to use cheddar or pepper jack.
Burger Buns: A soft, sturdy bun is essential to hold everything together. Brioche or potato rolls work beautifully, offering just the right amount of sweetness.
Optional Toppings: Lettuce, tomato, pickles, or caramelized onions – go wild with your favorite burger toppings!
You’ll also need a large griddle or cast-iron skillet for smashing the burgers. This ensures even cooking and maximizes the crispy crust.
How To Make This Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce

Creating these mouthwatering burgers is as easy as 1-2-3. Let’s walk through the steps.
Start by preparing your baconnaise sauce. Cook the bacon until it’s crispy, reserving the rendered fat. Crumble the bacon into small pieces and stir it into the mayonnaise along with a splash of the bacon fat. Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor. Chill the sauce while you prep the burgers.
Divide your ground beef into 3-ounce balls, but don’t press them yet. Season each ball lightly with salt and pepper.
Heat a large griddle or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it’s smoking hot. Place the beef balls on the surface and, using a sturdy spatula, smash them flat. The patties should be thin, about ¼ inch thick. Let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to develop that crispy crust.
Flip the patties and add a slice of cheese if desired. Cook for another minute or two until the cheese melts and the patty is cooked through.
Toast your buns on the griddle for a few seconds until golden and warm. Assemble the burgers with a generous slather of baconnaise sauce, your desired toppings, and the crispy patties.
These burgers come together in about 20 minutes, making them perfect for a quick dinner or casual gathering.
Storage Options
While these burgers are best enjoyed fresh off the griddle, leftovers can be stored for later.
- Refrigerate: Wrap the cooked patties in foil and place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, place cooked patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll last up to 3 months.
To reheat, warm the patties in a skillet over medium heat or pop them in a 350°F oven until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the texture rubbery.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is highly adaptable, so feel free to get creative!
- Turkey or Veggie Patties: Swap out the beef for ground turkey or your favorite plant-based burger for a lighter option.
- Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños to the baconnaise or sprinkle crushed red pepper on the patties.
- Loaded Burgers: Top with avocado, fried eggs, or barbecue sauce for an indulgent twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative.
- Make It a Double: Double the patties for an epic, diner-style burger stack.
However you make them, these smash burgers are sure to impress. So grab your spatula, fire up the griddle, and enjoy the best burgers you’ll ever make!
PrintSmash Burgers With Baconnaise Sauce Recipe
Satisfy your cravings with these flavorful smash burgers paired with a rich baconnaise sauce. This quick and easy recipe features juicy beef patties smashed to perfection, layered with melted cheese, fresh toppings, and a creamy, smoky baconnaise sauce that takes burgers to the next level. Perfect for weeknight dinners or backyard cookouts!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-fried
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- 4 burger buns, toasted
- Lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles (optional toppings)
For the Baconnaise Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp crispy bacon bits
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Make the Baconnaise Sauce: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, bacon bits, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and lemon juice. Set aside.
- Prepare the Patties: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and roll into balls. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Cook the Patties: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Place one ball of beef onto the hot skillet and smash it flat with a spatula. Cook for 2–3 minutes until crispy, then flip and add a slice of cheddar cheese. Cook for another 1–2 minutes. Repeat for all patties.
- Assemble the Burgers: Spread baconnaise sauce on both halves of the toasted buns. Add lettuce, tomato, and pickles if desired. Place the beef patty on the bottom bun and top with the bun lid.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately with fries or your favorite side dish.
Notes
- Use a sturdy spatula to smash the beef patties evenly.
- For extra crispiness, ensure your skillet is very hot before adding the beef.
- The baconnaise sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 780mg
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