There's nothing quite like the sizzle of a smash burger hitting a hot griddle, the edges crisping to golden perfection while the inside stays tender and juicy. Pair that with a creamy, smoky baconnaise sauce, and you've got a burger experience that’s nothing short of extraordinary.

I first stumbled upon this combination during a backyard barbecue experiment, and it quickly became a crowd favorite. The simplicity of the smash burger combined with the indulgent flavor of the baconnaise sauce creates a meal that’s perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to weekend cookouts. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special.
Why You'll Love This Smash Burgers With Baconnaise Sauce
Get ready to discover your new go-to burger recipe. These smash burgers are easy to make, full of flavor, and come with a sauce that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
First off, smash burgers are all about that irresistible crust. Pressing the patty directly onto a hot surface maximizes caramelization, giving you a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful. It's a texture and flavor combo that's hard to beat.
The baconnaise sauce is the real showstopper here. Smoky, creamy, and slightly tangy, it’s the perfect complement to the burger’s richness. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up, making it an effortless way to elevate your burgers.
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Whether you’re using a stovetop griddle, cast iron skillet, or outdoor grill, you can achieve amazing results with just a few tips and tricks.
And let’s not forget how quick this comes together. From start to finish, you can have these burgers ready in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights or when you're craving something special without too much fuss.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary. Let’s break them down.
The ground beef is the star of the show. Opt for an 80/20 blend to ensure the perfect balance of fat and flavor. The higher fat content is key to achieving that juicy interior and crispy exterior.
The brioche buns are the perfect choice for this burger. Their slight sweetness and soft texture pair beautifully with the savory patties and creamy sauce. Toast them lightly to add a bit of crunch and prevent them from getting soggy.
For the cheese, American cheese is a classic choice for smash burgers. It melts quickly and evenly, coating the patty in a gooey layer of goodness. If you prefer a sharper flavor, go for cheddar, but make sure it melts well.
The bacon is the backbone of the baconnaise sauce. Cook it until it’s crispy, then finely chop it to blend into the sauce. Its smoky flavor is what makes the sauce so addictive.
The sauce itself is a blend of mayonnaise, bacon, Dijon mustard, and a touch of smoked paprika. This combination creates a tangy, smoky, and creamy spread that’s irresistible on burgers.
You’ll also need a cast iron skillet or griddle to achieve the best results. Its ability to retain and distribute heat evenly ensures a perfect sear on the patties.
How To Make This Smash Burgers With Baconnaise Sauce

Creating these smash burgers is as simple as it is satisfying. Here’s how to do it step by step.
Start by prepping your ingredients. Divide the ground beef into small, equal portions (around 2-3 ounces each) and shape them into loose balls. This will make it easier to smash them later. Cook your bacon until crispy, then set it aside to cool before chopping it finely.
Next, prepare the baconnaise sauce. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, chopped bacon, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Set the sauce aside.
Heat your skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until it’s smoking hot. Place a beef ball onto the surface and immediately press it down with a spatula or burger press. Apply firm, even pressure to create a thin patty with craggy edges. Let it cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes to develop a crust.
Flip the patty and immediately top it with a slice of cheese. Allow the other side to cook for another minute or two while the cheese melts. Remove the patty from the heat and repeat with the remaining beef.
Lightly toast your brioche buns on the same skillet or griddle to soak up some of the beef’s flavor. Spread a generous layer of baconnaise sauce on the bottom bun, place the burger patty on top, and add any desired toppings like lettuce, tomato, or pickles. Finish with the top bun.
In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a stack of crispy, juicy smash burgers ready to serve. Enjoy them immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Storage Options
If you happen to have leftovers (though it's unlikely!), these smash burgers and their components can be stored easily.
Store the cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a hot skillet for a minute or two on each side to maintain their crispiness.
The baconnaise sauce can be refrigerated in a sealed container for up to a week. Give it a good stir before using it again to ensure the flavors are well distributed.
While brioche buns are best enjoyed fresh, you can keep them in a resealable bag at room temperature for a day or two or freeze them for longer storage. Toast them lightly after thawing to refresh their texture.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
For a leaner option, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. Keep in mind that the patties might not develop the same level of crust due to the lower fat content.
Experiment with different cheeses. Pepper jack adds a spicy kick, while gouda or Swiss bring a touch of smokiness.
If you’re avoiding bacon, try using smoked salt or liquid smoke in the sauce for a similar flavor profile.
For an extra burst of flavor, caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms make excellent toppings.
Whether you stick to the classic recipe or put your own twist on it, these smash burgers with baconnaise sauce are sure to be a hit. Try them today, and watch them become a staple in your kitchen!
PrintSmash Burgers With Baconnaise Sauce Recipe
Juicy smash burgers with baconnaise sauce are a must-try! This recipe combines crispy-edged beef patties with a smoky, creamy sauce, making it a perfect indulgence for burger lovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Smash Burgers:
- Ground beef (80/20)
- Salt & pepper
- Butter or oil for cooking
- Burger buns
For the Baconnaise Sauce:
- Cooked bacon (finely chopped)
- Mayonnaise
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Lemon juice
Optional Toppings:
- Lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Pickles
- Sliced cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Baconnaise Sauce:
- Mix mayonnaise, chopped bacon, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and lemon juice in a bowl. Chill in the fridge.
- Cook the Smash Burgers:
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
- Roll the ground beef into balls. Place them on the hot surface and smash flat with a spatula.
- Season with salt and pepper, cook until crispy on one side, then flip. Add cheese if desired and cook until melted.
- Assemble Burgers:
- Toast the burger buns lightly.
- Spread baconnaise sauce on each bun. Add the burger patty, lettuce, tomato, and pickles if desired.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve hot with fries or your favorite side dish.
Notes
- Use cold ground beef for easier smashing.
- Adjust the smokiness of the baconnaise sauce by adding more smoked paprika.
- Pre-cook the bacon for the sauce until crisp, then crumble.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
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