These smash burgers are juicy, crispy, and packed with flavor! Topped with baconnaise sauce, they bring a delightful twist to your burger night. Talk about comfort food!
Honestly, who wouldn’t love bacon in their mayo? I love slathering this sauce on everything. Just a tip: grill the patties till they’re golden brown for that perfect crunch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using an 80/20 blend for the best flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, 85/15 works too. However, turkey or plant-based grounds can be substituted for a lighter alternative.
American Cheese: This cheese melts perfectly, but you can use cheddar or pepper jack if preferred. Just check the meltability for the right texture!
Buns: Sesame seed buns add great flavor, but feel free to try brioche or whole wheat buns for a different taste. Gluten-free buns are also a good alternative if needed.
Baconnaise Sauce: If you’re not a fan of mayo, Greek yogurt can give you a creamy texture with less fat. For the bacon flavor, some liquid smoke or bacon bits work well. Just adjust amounts to your taste!
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Caramelized Onions?
Caramelizing onions brings out their sweet flavor, but it’s all about patience! Start by heating the skillet over medium heat and adding olive oil, letting it warm up before adding the onions. Stir every few minutes to prevent burning.
- Cook for about 10-15 minutes, adjusting the heat if needed to avoid browning too fast.
- Season with salt to help draw out moisture, enhancing flavor.
- Look for a golden brown color, which indicates they are perfectly caramelized and ready to enjoy!
Smash Burgers With Baconnaise Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 4 slices of American cheese
- 4 sesame seed burger buns
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Baconnaise Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 4 strips of cooked bacon, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Optional: pickles for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
Getting these delicious smash burgers ready will take you about 30 minutes. This includes around 10 minutes for prep and about 20 minutes for cooking. You’ll have a tasty meal on the table in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baconnaise Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, chopped bacon, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. Once mixed, cover and place it in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the rest of the meal.
2. Cook the Onions:
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the thinly sliced onions. Sauté them for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn caramelized and golden brown. Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt and pepper for flavor! When they’re ready, remove them from the heat and set aside.
3. Form the Burger Patties:
Take the ground beef and divide it into four equal portions, each weighing about 4 ounces. Gently shape each portion into a ball but be careful not to press them too tightly.
4. Smash the Patties:
Get your cast-iron skillet or flat-top grill really hot over high heat. Once it’s hot, place the beef balls on the cooking surface. Season them with salt and pepper. Now for the fun part—grab a heavy spatula or a burger press and smash the balls down into thin patties. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes until a nice crust forms on the bottom before flipping them over.
5. Add Cheese and Onions:
After flipping the patties, place a slice of American cheese on each one. Then top the cheese with your pre-cooked caramelized onions. Let everything cook together for another minute, until the cheese is melted and gooey.
6. Toast the Buns:
While your burgers are finishing up, grab those sesame seed buns and toast them on the grill or in a separate pan until they turn golden brown. This will make them extra delicious!
7. Assemble the Burgers:
Start building your burgers! Spread a generous amount of the baconnaise sauce on both the top and bottom buns. Place your burger patty with melted cheese and onions on the bottom bun, then crown it with the top half of the bun.
8. Serve:
For a tasty crunch, you can add pickles on top of each burger if you like. Serve your smash burgers immediately with your favorite side dishes like fries or chips. Enjoy the deliciousness!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat for the Burgers?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, but keep in mind the flavor and texture might differ slightly. If you choose ground turkey, look for a blend with some fat content to keep the burgers juicy.
What if I Don’t Have Bacon for the Baconnaise Sauce?
No problem! You can substitute the bacon with cooked and crumbled sausage or even some smoky chipotle seasoning for that flavor kick. If you’d prefer to keep it vegetarian, just leave it out and add a dash of liquid smoke to the sauce for added flavor.
How to Store Leftover Baconnaise Sauce?
Store any leftover baconnaise sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. It also makes a delicious dip for veggies or drizzle over salads!
Can I Make the Onions Ahead of Time?
You sure can! Caramelized onions can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat them in a skillet over low heat before adding them to your burgers.
