There's nothing quite like the crispy, caramelized edges of a smash burger fresh off the griddle. The rich, beefy flavor, perfectly seared patty, and soft, toasted bun create a mouthwatering combination that’s hard to resist. But what truly takes these smash burgers to the next level? A luscious, smoky baconnaise sauce that brings a creamy, bacon-infused twist to every bite.
I first discovered this magic combination during a backyard cookout, experimenting with ways to enhance a classic burger. The result? A sauce so good, I started using it on everything—from sandwiches to fries! If you're ready to elevate your burger game, let's dive into the ultimate Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce recipe.
Why You'll Love These Smash Burgers
Get ready to experience the ultimate burger perfection. This recipe is packed with bold flavors and textures that will keep you coming back for more.
First off, it's incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and a hot skillet, you’ll have restaurant-quality burgers in under 20 minutes.
Then there's the crispy, craggy edges. The secret to a great smash burger is pressing the patty onto the griddle, creating an irresistible crust that locks in the juices.
And let’s not forget the baconnaise sauce. Smoky, creamy, and loaded with bacon flavor, this sauce adds a rich, indulgent twist that sets these burgers apart from anything you’ve had before.
Lastly, it's completely customizable. Whether you love extra cheese, grilled onions, or spicy pickles, you can easily tweak this recipe to fit your burger cravings.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of these smash burgers comes from quality ingredients and simple technique. Here’s what you need to know about each key component:
Let’s talk about the beef. For the best results, use 80/20 ground beef—that means 80% lean meat and 20% fat. This ratio ensures a juicy burger with the perfect amount of fat to create that signature crispy edge.
Next up, the bacon. Since it plays a starring role in the baconnaise sauce, choose a high-quality, thick-cut bacon. Fry it until it’s extra crispy, then crumble it finely so it blends smoothly into the sauce.
For the buns, go for potato rolls or brioche buns. Their soft texture and slight sweetness complement the savory burger beautifully. Don’t forget to toast them on the skillet for that perfect golden-brown crunch.
And of course, the cheese. A classic American cheese slice melts the best, creating a gooey, creamy layer that binds everything together. If you prefer a sharper flavor, white cheddar is another fantastic option.
For the baconnaise sauce, mayonnaise and bacon fat work together to create a rich, smoky spread. A dash of Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and a splash of pickle juice round out the flavors, making it the ultimate burger condiment.
How To Make Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce

Creating the perfect smash burger is all about the technique. Let’s break it down step by step:
Start by making the baconnaise sauce. Cook the bacon in a skillet until it's extra crispy, then transfer it to a plate, reserving one tablespoon of bacon fat. Once the bacon has cooled, finely chop it and mix it with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and a splash of pickle juice. Stir well and set aside.
Now, it's time for the burgers. Divide the ground beef into loosely packed 2-ounce balls—don’t overwork the meat, or you’ll end up with dense patties. Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat until it’s smoking hot.
Place a beef ball onto the hot skillet and immediately smash it down with a spatula or burger press. You want the patty to be super thin, with rough, craggy edges. Season with salt and pepper and let it cook for about 90 seconds without touching it.
Once a golden crust forms, use your spatula to scrape and flip the burger. Place a slice of cheese on top and cook for another 30-45 seconds until it melts beautifully.
Meanwhile, toast the buns in the same skillet, letting them soak up all the flavorful bits left behind. Once golden brown, spread a generous layer of baconnaise sauce on the bottom bun, then stack the patties, adding any toppings you love.
Storage Options
While smash burgers are best enjoyed fresh, you can still store leftovers for later. If you have extra patties, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place the patty in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side, just until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the patty rubbery.
The baconnaise sauce can be stored separately in a jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. It also works great as a dip for fries or as a sandwich spread!
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is! Here are a few fun variations to try:
- Spicy Smash Burgers – Add a teaspoon of hot sauce to the baconnaise and top your burger with jalapeños for a fiery kick.
- Garlic Butter Burgers – Brush the buns with garlic butter before toasting for an extra-rich flavor boost.
- BBQ Bacon Smash Burgers – Mix a little BBQ sauce into the baconnaise for a sweet and smoky twist.
- Caramelized Onion Smash Burgers – Sauté thinly sliced onions until golden and jammy, then pile them on top of your burger for added sweetness.
- Lettuce Wrap Option – Swap the bun for crisp butter lettuce leaves to make a low-carb version without sacrificing flavor.
No matter how you customize it, these Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce will become a staple in your burger rotation. Fire up your griddle and get ready to bite into pure burger bliss! 🍔🔥
PrintSmash Burgers With Baconnaise Sauce Recipe
This smash burger recipe delivers crispy, juicy beef patties with a flavorful baconnaise sauce. Perfect for burger lovers craving a rich, smoky taste!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 burger buns
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Baconnaise Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup crispy bacon bits
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp pickle relish
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Baconnaise Sauce: Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Shape the Beef Patties: Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions. Roll into loose balls.
- Heat the Pan: Place a cast-iron skillet over high heat. Add oil and butter.
- Smash the Burgers: Place a beef ball on the skillet and smash it down with a spatula until very thin. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Patties: Let cook for 2 minutes until crispy, then flip. Add cheese and cook for another minute.
- Toast the Buns: Butter the buns and toast in the skillet until golden brown.
- Assemble the Burgers: Spread baconnaise sauce on the buns, add the burger patty, and top with your favorite toppings.
- Serve & Enjoy!
Notes
- Use a sturdy spatula to press the burgers thin for crispy edges.
- Chill the sauce for at least 15 minutes for better flavor.
- Serve with pickles, lettuce, or extra bacon for added crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
Leave a Reply