Crispy Smash Burgers with Creamy Bacon Mayo Drizzle Recipe

Juicy Crispy Smash Burgers with Creamy Bacon Mayo Drizzle Recipe

Who doesn’t love a mouthwatering crispy smash burgers with that irresistible bacon mayo magic dancing across hot griddles?

Meat lovers understand the pure joy of perfectly caramelized beef edges seared to golden perfection.

Restaurants charge premium prices for this delectable creation, but we can craft restaurant-quality burgers right in our kitchen.

Crushing beef patties creates those addictive crispy edges that make each bite an explosion of flavor.

Simple ingredients and smart techniques turn ordinary ground meat into something spectacular.

Minimal effort guarantees maximum satisfaction when you unleash these delectable burgers at your next meal.

Prepare to become the neighborhood grill master with this game-changing recipe that will make everyone beg for seconds.

Smash Burgers Storage Plan

  • Store leftover burgers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep components (patties, buns, sauce) separate to maintain crispiness and freshness.
  • Wrap plain burger patties individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm burgers in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Add a splash of oil to restore crispiness and prevent drying out. Avoid microwave to maintain texture.
  • Keep baconnaise in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Stir before using to recombine separated ingredients.

What Pairs With Smash Burgers

  • Elevate Burger Experience: Craft a craft beer flight pairing featuring hoppy IPAs to cut through the rich, fatty burger flavors.
  • Refreshing Palate Cleanser: Serve a crisp, cold cucumber-mint mojito that balances the smoky bacon and provides a light, zingy contrast to the heavy burger.
  • Perfect Side Harmony: Match with tangy, thick-cut sweet potato fries seasoned with smoked paprika to echo the burger's bold bacon and cheese profile.
  • Unexpected Drink Match: Pour a chilled hard apple cider that delivers subtle sweetness and acidity to complement the savory burger's intense umami notes.

Smash Burgers with Bacon Mayo Flavor Spins

  • Vegetarian Smash Burger Variation: Replace ground beef with Beyond Meat or Impossible burger patties for a plant-based alternative that maintains the crispy texture and satisfying flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Burger Option: Swap brioche buns with gluten-free burger buns or lettuce wraps, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy the same delicious experience.
  • Low-Carb Keto-Friendly Version: Skip the bun entirely and serve patties on a bed of mixed greens, using full-fat mayonnaise and adding extra bacon for increased fat content that fits ketogenic dietary needs.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Mix chipotle powder and cayenne into the burger seasoning, swap Dijon mustard for sriracha in the Baconnaise, and top with roasted green chiles for a fiery southwestern-inspired burger variation.

FAQs

  • What makes smash burgers different from regular burgers?

Smash burgers are pressed extremely thin on a hot surface, creating a crispy, caramelized exterior with more browned edges and intense beef flavor compared to traditional thick patties.

  • Can I use different types of ground beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can use ground chuck with 80/20 fat content for the best flavor and juiciness. Avoid lean meats as they won’t produce the same crispy texture and rich taste.

  • How do I prevent the burger from sticking when smashing?

Use parchment paper or a sturdy spatula when pressing the beef ball. Ensure your cooking surface is very hot and lightly oiled to help create a non-stick crispy crust.

  • What cheese works best for smash burgers?

American cheese melts perfectly and creates a smooth, creamy layer. Cheddar or pepper jack are also great alternatives that provide excellent flavor and meltability.

Smash Burgers With Creamy Bacon Sauce That Hits Right

  • Quickest Weeknight Winner: Whip up these mouthwatering burgers in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy families craving restaurant-quality meals without complex cooking techniques.
  • Texture Triumph: Create an irresistible crispy exterior with the smashing technique, delivering restaurant-style burger edges that crunch deliciously with every single bite.
  • Flavor Explosion: Transform ordinary ground beef into a gourmet experience through the creamy bacon mayo drizzle, which adds layers of smoky, tangy richness that elevate the entire burger.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easily customize with different cheese types or bacon variations, making this recipe adaptable for picky eaters and adventurous food lovers alike.

Smash Burgers and Bacon Mayo – Shopping List

Main Proteins:
  • Ground Beef: Rich, flavorful base for the burger patties, best with 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juiciness.
  • Bacon, Bacon Slice: Crispy, salty protein adding intense flavor and texture to the burger and sauce.
Cheese and Dairy:
  • Cheese Slice: Melty topping that adds creamy richness to the burger, classic American or cheddar work best.
  • Mayonnaise: Creamy base for the sauce, provides smooth texture and tangy background flavor.
  • Butter: Helps golden-brown toasting of brioche buns with rich, nutty undertones.
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out meat's natural flavors.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Adds depth and aromatic complexity to the burger.
  • Dijon Mustard: Sharp, tangy condiment that brightens the sauce.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Provides umami and depth to the baconnaise.
  • Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky, subtle heat to the sauce.
  • Pickle Juice: Brings bright, tangy note to enhance sauce complexity.
Bread and Cooking Components:
  • Brioche Buns: Soft, slightly sweet bread that provides rich base for burger.
  • Vegetable Oil: High smoke point oil for creating crispy burger crust.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking when smashing burger patties.

Smash Burgers with Bacon Mayo Cooking Guide

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Bacon Mayo

Whip up a mouthwatering sauce by mixing together these tasty ingredients:
  • Mayonnaise
  • Crispy chopped bacon
  • Dijon mustard
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Smoked paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Pickle juice
  • Black pepper

Blend everything until smooth and pop it in the fridge to let the flavors mingle.

Step 2: Warm and Crisp the Buns

Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.

Gently toast brioche buns until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Set these beauties aside for the grand finale.

Step 3: Shape Burger Patties

Grab your ground beef and divide it into four loose balls.

Don’t pack them too tight – we want these burgers to be light and juicy.

Step 4: Smash Those Burgers

Crank up the heat on a cast-iron skillet or griddle.

Splash some vegetable oil and drop a beef ball onto the scorching surface.

Use a spatula (parchment paper helps avoid sticking) to smash the patty super thin.

The thinner, the crispier!

Step 5: Season and Sizzle

Sprinkle each patty with a generous dash of salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Let them cook for 1.5-2 minutes until they develop a beautiful crispy crust.

Flip them over, crown with a slice of cheese, and cook for another minute.

These patties are ready to rock!

Step 6: Build Your Burger Masterpiece

Spread that killer bacon mayo on both bun halves.

Layer the cheesy smash burger patty, crown with crispy bacon strips, and close the bun.

Step 7: Devour and Enjoy

Serve these bad boys immediately with some crispy fries, tangy pickles, or whatever side makes your taste buds dance!

Grilling Tips for Crispy Smash Burgers

  • Press burger patties super thin with a heavy spatula to create extra crispy, lacy edges that deliver maximum flavor and texture.
  • Choose ground beef with 20% fat content to ensure juicy, flavorful patties that develop a beautiful golden-brown crust when smashed.
  • Blend bacon pieces directly into mayo for an intense smoky flavor that elevates the entire burger's taste profile without extra preparation steps.
  • Use screaming hot cast-iron skillet or griddle to achieve rapid searing and develop delicious caramelized burger crust in minimal cooking time.
  • Sprinkle seasonings after smashing to prevent meat compression, allowing spices to create a flavorful external layer during high-heat cooking.
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Crispy Smash Burgers with Creamy Bacon Mayo Drizzle Recipe

Crispy Smash Burgers with Creamy Bacon Mayo Drizzle Recipe


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4.6 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy smash burgers with creamy bacon mayo drizzle elevate classic backyard grilling with irresistible flavor combinations. Juicy beef patties meet smoky bacon and tangy mayo, creating a mouthwatering experience that will delight you at first bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese (or American cheese)
  • 4 slices cooked crispy bacon

Seasonings and Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Cooking and Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon butter (for toasting buns)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons cooked bacon, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon pickle juice (or lemon juice)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 brioche or hamburger buns, toasted

Instructions

  1. Craft the zesty baconnaise by blending mayonnaise with finely chopped crispy bacon, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, pickle juice, and cracked black pepper. Refrigerate the sauce to allow flavors to meld.
  2. Melt butter in a skillet and gently toast brioche buns until they develop a golden, crisp exterior. Set the toasted buns aside.
  3. Gently form ground beef into loose spherical portions, avoiding excessive compression to maintain a tender texture.
  4. Fire up a cast-iron skillet or griddle to high temperature. Introduce a thin layer of vegetable oil, then place a beef ball onto the scorching surface.
  5. Using a spatula covered with parchment paper, forcefully press the beef ball until it transforms into an ultrathin, crisp-edged patty. Generously season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  6. Allow the patty to sizzle for approximately 1.5-2 minutes, developing a deep caramelized crust. Swiftly flip the burger and crown with a melting cheese slice, cooking for an additional minute.
  7. Layer the toasted buns with generous baconnaise, position the seared cheese-topped patty, and crown with crispy bacon strips.
  8. Plate immediately alongside crisp french fries, tangy pickles, or preferred accompaniments for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

  • Achieve the perfect crispy edges by using a blazing hot cast-iron skillet and pressing the beef patties extremely thin.
  • Control meat moisture by patting ground beef dry before cooking, ensuring maximum caramelization and preventing steaming.
  • Customize Baconnaise Sauce by adjusting ingredient ratios to create personalized flavor profiles matching individual taste preferences.
  • Transform recipe into gluten-free version by using lettuce wraps instead of brioche buns and checking mayo ingredients for potential gluten contamination.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 800
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 1200mg
  • Fat: 50g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 28g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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