Description
Juicy smash burgers dripping with baconnaise sauce deliver a mouthwatering explosion of flavor that brings classic American grilling to life. Crispy edges, melted cheese, and tangy bacon-infused mayo create an irresistible combo you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 3 tablespoons crumbled cooked bacon
- 4 burger buns
Seasonings and Spices:
- Salt (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Sauce and Optional Toppings:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- Sliced cheddar cheese (optional)
- Lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Pickles
Instructions
- Craft the zesty Baconnaise by blending mayonnaise with crispy crumbled bacon, Dijon mustard, smoky paprika, garlic powder, and a splash of lemon juice. Refrigerate the sauce to let flavors meld while preparing other components.
- Divide ground beef into four slightly loose balls, handling meat minimally to preserve tenderness and prevent dense texture.
- Preheat cast-iron skillet or griddle to extremely high temperature (around 450°F) until surface shows visible heat waves and smoking slightly.
- Place beef balls onto searing hot surface, immediately pressing down firmly with sturdy spatula to create ultra-thin, crispy-edged patties approximately ¼-inch thick.
- Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper directly onto exposed meat surface during initial cooking phase.
- Allow patties to develop deep golden-brown crust without moving, approximately 2-3 minutes, creating signature caramelized exterior.
- Swiftly flip burgers, quickly add cheese slice if desired, and cook additional 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and second side achieves similar rich coloration.
- Toast burger buns until edges turn golden and crisp, enhancing overall textural experience.
- Generously spread prepared Baconnaise across both bun halves, creating flavor-packed foundation.
- Layer fresh lettuce, ripe tomato slices, and tangy pickles atop melted patties.
- Close burger, slice diagonally, and serve immediately alongside preferred accompaniments.
Notes
- Choose high-fat ground beef like 80/20 chuck for juicier, more flavorful smash burgers that develop a perfect crispy exterior.
- Press patties hard and quickly with a flat metal spatula to create those delicious, crispy edges and maximize caramelization without losing meat juices.
- Cover burgers with a metal bowl or lid during the last minute of cooking to help cheese melt evenly and trap steam for extra moisture.
- Replace burger buns with large lettuce leaves for a keto-friendly version that maintains the burger’s rich, savory profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 730 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 58 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 35 g
- Trans Fat: 1.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg