Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce Recipe

If you’re ready to take your burger game to the stratosphere, you’ve got to try these Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce. Imagine deeply caramelized onions, savory pepper jack cheese, and the most outrageously creamy, smoky baconnaise oozing into every bite. It’s simplicity meeting wild flavor—the ultimate crowd-pleaser for weeknight feasts, summer cookouts, or any night you simply crave a serious burger upgrade.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s beauty in simple, high-quality ingredients—and every element here pulls its weight. From deliciously marbled beef to crispy bacon and a zippy homemade sauce, each piece brings something special to these memorably crave-worthy Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce.

• Ground chuck (80/20): The fat content is perfect for juicy, flavorful smash burgers—don’t skimp here!
• White onions: Thinly sliced for stacking on the patties; their caramelized sweetness is pure burger bliss.
• Bacon: Crisp and chopped, it delivers both crunch and smoky flavor in the sauce and as a topping.
• Salt, pepper, garlic: Classic seasonings that spotlight the beef’s natural flavor.
• Mustard: Used during cooking, it adds a pop of tang and helps form that perfect burger crust.
• Pepper jack cheese: Melts beautifully, bringing spicy creaminess that pairs so well with bacon.
• Burger buns: Toasting them adds structure and a golden, buttery bite.
• Avocado oil: A high-smoke-point oil for an evenly crisp burger exterior.
• For Baconnaise Sauce: Mayo, ketchup, mustard, chopped bacon, Worcestershire, apple cider vinegar, all-purpose rub, and red pepper flakes for a bold, creamy, smoky kick.

Variations

One of the best things about Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce is how endlessly customizable they are. Don’t be afraid to play with flavors, textures, and toppings—after all, there are no limits when it comes to burger greatness!

• Spicy Kick: Swap the pepper jack for habanero or add pickled jalapeños for extra fire.
• Lighter Options: Use turkey or chicken instead of beef, and try a Greek yogurt-based sauce for a tangy twist.
• Classic American: Add American cheese and dill pickle chips for nostalgic diner vibes.
• Veggie Style: Go all-in with a hearty mushroom or black bean patty and a plant-based baconnaise.

How to Make Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce

Step 1: Prep the Burger Balls and Onions

Shape your ground chuck into generous 1/3-pound balls and pop them in the fridge for 30 minutes—it helps them keep their shape and ensures a killer sear. Meanwhile, slice your white onions paper-thin with a mandoline (always use a guard or cut-resistant glove!) to guarantee they caramelize beautifully. Give the onions a gentle squeeze to remove excess moisture and refrigerate them until ready to use.

Step 2: Crisp the Bacon and Make the Baconnaise Sauce

Fry up all your bacon until it’s deeply golden and super crisp—then chop and divide it, setting some aside for both the Baconnaise Sauce and for burger assembly. To make the star sauce, simply mix mayo, ketchup, mustard, the chopped bacon, Worcestershire, apple cider vinegar, your favorite all-purpose rub, and red pepper flakes. Stir until creamy, and give it a taste—a little extra bacon never hurts! Keep the sauce chilled while you prepare the burgers.

Step 3: Smash, Sear, and Season

Preheat your griddle (cast iron or flat-top is ideal) to medium-high and brush it with avocado oil. Space the chilled burger balls about 2-3 inches apart, top each with a mound of sliced onions, then press them down firmly with a burger press or sturdy spatula. Smash them hard for those signature crispy edges! Season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, letting the burgers cook for about 3-4 minutes until the aroma is irresistible.

Step 4: The Flip, Mustard, and The Cheese

Just before flipping, slather a streak of mustard atop each patty—it sizzles into the crust for an epic flavor boost. Flip the patties carefully, pile on slices of pepper jack cheese, and let them finish cooking until the cheese melts and the onions are perfectly soft and golden, about 3 more minutes.

Step 5: Toast, Assemble, and Sauce!

While the burgers finish, split your buns and toast them face-down on the griddle until beautifully golden. To assemble: slather Baconnaise Sauce generously on the bottom bun, layer one or two smash burger patties (go double stack for burger glory!), spoon on extra Baconnaise Sauce, and crown it with the top bun. Serve right away for pure joy in every bite.

How to Serve Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce

Garnishes

Want to take these burgers over the top? Sprinkle extra chopped bacon, thin dill pickle slices, or a big leaf of crispy lettuce right on top for added texture. A crack of black pepper or a dash of hot sauce is a surefire ticket to flavor town as well!

Side Dishes

You can’t go wrong with golden shoestring fries or a heap of crunchy onion rings alongside your Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce. Looking for something fresh? A quick tangy coleslaw or a pile of garlicky pickles will balance all that rich, smoky deliciousness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at parties, turn these into slider-style Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce and build a DIY burger bar with loads of toppings. Or stack extra patties for a jaw-dropping tower, secure it with a steak knife, and get ready for plenty of “whoa!” moments as you serve.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cool the patties to room temperature and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The Baconnaise Sauce can be stored in a sealed jar as well—just give it a quick stir before using again.

Freezing

Once completely cool, wrap individual burger patties in parchment and stash in a freezer-safe bag—they’ll keep for up to 2 months. While the assembled burgers aren’t freezer-friendly, the sauce can be made ahead and chilled for up to 4 days (just don’t freeze the sauce—mayonnaise-based sauces don’t thaw well).

Reheating

To reheat patties, pop them in a hot skillet for a couple of minutes per side, or warm through in a 350°F oven. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first for best results. Slather on fresh Baconnaise and enjoy—you’ll be surprised how well the flavors hold up!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

These Smash Burgers with Baconnaise Sauce are nothing short of legendary—juicy, crispy, and dripping with all the best burger flavors. Whether grilling for friends or just treating yourself, don’t miss out on this next-level recipe. Give it a try, and I promise, your burgers will never be the same!

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