Smash Burgers with Baconnaise: The Ultimate Burger Experience

Start by cooking the bacon until it’s crispy. You can use either a skillet on the stovetop or an oven. If you’re cooking it in a skillet, heat it over medium heat. Lay the bacon strips in the pan, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until the bacon is golden brown and crispy.

Once cooked, place the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease. Once it’s cooled down a bit, crumble the bacon into small pieces.

Step 2: Making the Baconnaise
While your bacon is cooking, prepare the baconnaise. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and the crumbled bacon. Mix everything together until well-combined. The mustard adds a touch of tang to balance the richness of the mayo and the smokiness of the bacon.

If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can add a bit more mustard or crumbled bacon. Adjust according to your taste preferences. Set this aside for later.

Step 3: Preparing the Patties
Next, divide the ground beef into four equal portions. Each portion should weigh about 4 ounces. Gently roll each portion into a ball. Don’t overwork the meat; you want to keep it light and airy for that signature smash burger texture.

Step 4: Cooking the Smash Burgers
Now it’s time for the magic! Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the beef balls on the skillet. Using a sturdy spatula (or a special burger smasher if you have one), press down on each ball to flatten it. The idea is to smash the patty thinly, which gives it that crispy, caramelized edge that makes smash burgers so unique.

Let the patties cook for 2-3 minutes without moving them. Season with salt and pepper while they cook. Once the edges are crispy and browned, flip the patties and cook for another 1-2 minutes, depending on how well-done you like your burgers. If you’re adding cheese, place a slice on each patty during the last minute of cooking, allowing it to melt.

Step 5: Assembling the Burgers
While the patties are cooking, toast your burger buns. You can do this in the same skillet, using a bit of the rendered bacon fat for extra flavor, or toast them in a separate pan until golden brown.

To assemble the burgers, spread a generous amount of the baconnaise on the bottom of each toasted bun. Place the freshly cooked patty on top. If you’re using cheese, the melted cheese should be on top of the patty. Add any extra toppings of your choice, like lettuce, tomatoes, or pickles, before closing the burger with the top bun.

Prep Time and Cooking Time

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