The moment your spatula hits the hot griddle and that beef starts to sizzle, you know you’re in for something special. These Smash Burgers with Baconnaise are a beautiful balance of crispy seared patties and creamy, smoky bacon-laced sauce that clings to every bite. The buttery brioche buns and sharp cheddar bring it all together in a perfect burger harmony. If you’re hosting a weekend cookout or just need a seriously satisfying dinner, this recipe delivers big on flavor and crunch. The Baconnaise is the secret weapon it’s rich, savory, and so addictive you might start slathering it on everything. Whether it’s game day or a Tuesday night, these burgers are about to become your new obsession.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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4 brioche burger buns
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4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
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1 small red onion, thinly sliced
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Dill pickle chips
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1 tablespoon butter (for toasting buns)
For the Baconnaise Sauce:
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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3 slices cooked crispy bacon, finely chopped
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 tablespoon bacon fat (optional, for extra flavor)
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Prepare the Baconnaise Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, chopped bacon, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and bacon fat (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Chill until ready to use.
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Preheat your griddle or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
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Form beef into 4 loosely packed balls. Do not overwork the meat.
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Place each ball on the hot griddle and immediately smash flat with a heavy spatula or burger press. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes until a crust forms.
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Flip the burgers, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty, and cook for another 1–2 minutes until cheese is melted and the burger is cooked through.
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Toast the brioche buns with butter until golden brown.
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Assemble the burgers: Spread Baconnaise on both bun halves. Add the smash burger, pickle chips, and red onion slices. Top with the bun and serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 625 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Ultimate Smash Burger with Baconnaise: A Flavor-Packed Classic Reinvented
Few things in life satisfy quite like a perfectly cooked burger. Juicy, savory, crispy on the edges, and packed with layers of flavor the smash burger has quickly become a cult favorite among burger aficionados. And when you combine that with the smoky, creamy indulgence of baconnaise, you’ve got a next-level dish that hits every craving in one bite.
This article dives deep into the irresistible world of Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce exploring what makes this recipe special, the history and science behind the smash burger trend, what baconnaise brings to the table, and how to elevate your burger nights with easy gourmet twists.
What Makes Smash Burgers So Irresistible?
Unlike traditional thick pub-style burgers, smash burgers are all about surface area. The secret lies in the technique: smashing a ball of ground beef onto a ripping hot griddle or skillet creates maximum contact with the heat source, forming a crispy, golden-brown crust. This process is called the Maillard reaction, and it’s responsible for the deep, meaty flavor and irresistible texture that defines a great smash burger.
Because the patties are thinner, you also get better cheese melt, quicker cook times, and the opportunity to stack them double or triple without overwhelming the bun. The overall experience is a beautifully messy, juicy, flavor-bomb of a burger that’s simultaneously crispy and tender.
Introducing Baconnaise: The Sauce That Changes Everything
Now, let’s talk about the real game-changer here baconnaise. At its core, baconnaise is a rich, smoky mayonnaise sauce infused with crispy chopped bacon and spices. It’s a condiment that’s both indulgent and surprisingly versatile.
Here’s why it works so well with smash burgers:
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Smokiness from the bacon adds a BBQ-like flavor without needing a smoker.
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Creaminess balances the saltiness and provides a smooth texture that pairs beautifully with crispy beef patties.
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Tangy elements like Dijon mustard or pickle juice cut through the fat and keep each bite refreshing.
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Bacon pieces inside the sauce add both crunch and umami, delivering flavor and texture in one swipe.
In short, baconnaise does the heavy lifting of several condiments in one — think of it as mayo, bacon, mustard, and BBQ sauce all fused into a single, luscious spread.
Why This Burger is Perfect for Griddle Cooking
One of the best things about smash burgers is that they’re tailor-made for griddle or cast iron cooking. This means you don’t need a backyard grill to enjoy a restaurant-quality burger. A flat cooking surface ensures even heat and allows the patties to develop their signature crust while retaining all their juices.
Another advantage is control. When cooking at high heat, every second matters. Being able to monitor the burger directly on a stovetop or griddle lets you flip at exactly the right moment usually when you see those crispy, darkened edges form around the patty.
Pair this with the toasted brioche buns (soft and slightly sweet to balance the savory meat), and you’re left with a burger that sings with complexity and texture.
Customization Tips to Make It Yours
The beauty of this recipe is how customizable it is. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, dietary preferences, or simply trying to use what’s in your fridge, there are dozens of ways to make this dish your own.
Cheese Choices
While sharp cheddar is the classic go-to for melt and flavor, other great choices include:
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American cheese for creaminess and nostalgia
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Smoked gouda for depth
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Pepper jack for a spicy kick
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Blue cheese for a gourmet twist
Alternative Proteins
Though ground beef is traditional, you can use:
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Ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option
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Plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version
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A mix of beef and pork for a richer patty
Bun Varieties
Brioche buns are soft, sweet, and buttery ideal for smash burgers. Other bun ideas include:
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Potato rolls for pillowy texture
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Pretzel buns for a salty, dense chew
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Gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps for dietary restrictions
Toppings Galore
Classic toppings like red onions, dill pickles, and shredded lettuce always work, but you can level up with:
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Caramelized onions
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Roasted jalapeños
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Fried egg
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Avocado slices
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Onion straws
Just be sure not to go overboard smash burgers are meant to be all about the patty and the sauce.
Pairing Ideas: What Goes with Smash Burgers?
While the burger may be the star of the show, the right side dish or drink can elevate your meal to a true dining experience. Here are some suggestions:
Sides
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Crispy fries or sweet potato wedges with a side of baconnaise for dipping
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Grilled corn on the cob brushed with butter and spices
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Classic coleslaw for a cool, crunchy contrast
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Pickled vegetables to add acidity and cut the fat
Drinks
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Craft beer like a hoppy IPA or a crisp lager
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Hard seltzers for a lighter, refreshing sip
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Iced tea or lemonade for family-friendly options
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Milkshakes if you’re going full diner-style indulgence
Smash Burger Culture: Why Everyone’s Obsessed
In the past few years, smash burgers have become a viral food trend, and it’s easy to see why. They’re simple, fast, craveable, and Instagram-worthy with those perfectly craggy edges and cheese dripping over the sides. But unlike other food fads, this one is here to stay.
Food trucks, burger joints, and home cooks alike have embraced the smash burger as a superior way to prepare beef. Combine that with a clever twist like baconnaise, and you’re not just eating you’re experiencing bold flavors in a nostalgic but modern form.
Conclusion:
Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce represent everything that’s good about comfort food bold flavors, textures that contrast and complement, and a nostalgic, satisfying bite that’s hard to forget.
Whether you’re making them for a backyard cookout, a weeknight indulgence, or a weekend hangout with friends, these burgers deliver every time. They don’t require fancy tools or ingredients just a hot surface, good beef, a few pantry staples, and the willingness to press hard and flip quick.
Most of all, this dish embodies a universal truth about great food: it doesn’t have to be complicated to be extraordinary. It just needs to be thoughtfully prepared, generously seasoned, and shared with people who love to eat.