Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce

Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce

Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce are juicy, crispy-edged burgers cooked hot and fast, then topped with a rich, smoky sauce made from bacon and mayonnaise. Simple ingredients and big flavor make these burgers perfect for weeknight dinners or casual cookouts.

Ingredients for the smash burgers: 1½ pounds ground beef (80/20 preferred), salt and black pepper to taste, 4–6 hamburger buns, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or butter, and optional sliced cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickles.

Ingredients for the baconnaise sauce: 6 slices bacon cooked until crispy, ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon ketchup, 1 teaspoon yellow mustard, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and black pepper to taste.

To prepare the baconnaise sauce, finely chop the cooked bacon. In a small bowl, mix the bacon with mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper until well combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

To make the smash burgers, divide the ground beef into loose balls, about 3–4 ounces each. Do not overwork the meat. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.

Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat. Add the oil or butter. Place a beef ball onto the hot surface and immediately press it down firmly with a spatula to form a thin patty. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the edges are crispy and browned.

Flip the patty, add cheese if using, and cook for another 1–2 minutes until done. Remove from the skillet and repeat with remaining beef.

Toast the buns lightly if desired. Spread baconnaise sauce on the buns, add the smash burger, and top with your favorite toppings. Serve immediately while hot.