Smash Burgers with Bacon Mayo: Get ready to experience burger nirvana! Forget everything you thought you knew about homemade burgers because this recipe is about to redefine your definition of delicious. We’re talking crispy, caramelized edges, juicy, flavorful patties, and a creamy, smoky bacon mayo that will send your taste buds into overdrive.
While the exact origins of the smash burger are debated, its popularity exploded in the mid-20th century, driven by a desire for quick, affordable, and intensely flavorful burgers. The technique of smashing the patty thin on a hot griddle creates maximum surface area for that coveted Maillard reaction – the chemical process that gives browned food its distinctive flavor. It’s a technique that transforms simple ground beef into something truly extraordinary.
People adore Smash Burgers with Bacon Mayo for several reasons. First, the texture is incredible – the crispy edges provide a delightful contrast to the tender, juicy interior. Second, the flavor is unmatched. The caramelized crust delivers a deep, savory taste that’s simply irresistible. And finally, the convenience factor is a huge plus. These burgers cook up in minutes, making them perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a weekend barbecue. But the real secret weapon? That bacon mayo. It’s the perfect complement to the savory burger, adding a smoky, creamy richness that elevates the entire experience. Trust me, once you try these Smash Burgers with Bacon Mayo, you’ll never go back to ordinary burgers again!
Ingredients:
- For the Smash Burgers:
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for optimal flavor and fat content)
- 8 slices of your favorite cheese (American, cheddar, pepper jack, or provolone work great!)
- 4 burger buns (brioche or potato buns are my personal favorites)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 large onion, thinly sliced (for caramelized onions)
- Optional: 1 tbsp olive oil (if caramelizing onions)
- For the Bacon Mayo:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 4 slices cooked bacon, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp bacon fat (reserved from cooking the bacon – adds amazing flavor!)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
- For the Bacon:
- 8 slices of thick-cut bacon
- Optional Toppings:
- Lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Pickles
- Ketchup
- Mustard
Preparing the Bacon Mayo:
Okay, let’s start with the bacon mayo. This stuff is seriously addictive, and it’s what really elevates these smash burgers. Trust me, you won’t regret making it!
- Cook the Bacon: First, cook your bacon until it’s nice and crispy. I prefer cooking it in a skillet over medium heat, but you can also bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Make sure to save that bacon fat – it’s liquid gold!
- Chop the Bacon: Once the bacon is cool enough to handle, chop it up into small pieces. The smaller the pieces, the better it will incorporate into the mayo.
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, chopped bacon, bacon fat, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Mix Well: Stir everything together until it’s well combined. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more smoked paprika for a smokier flavor, or a pinch more cayenne for extra heat.
- Refrigerate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the bacon mayo for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is important – it really makes a difference! You can even make it a day ahead of time.
Cooking the Bacon:
While the bacon mayo is chilling, let’s get the rest of the bacon cooked. We need some for the burgers themselves!
- Cook the Bacon: Cook the remaining bacon slices until crispy using your preferred method (skillet or oven). Remember to keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Set Aside: Once cooked, place the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Set aside for burger assembly.
Preparing the Smash Burgers:
Now for the main event – the smash burgers! This is where the magic happens. The key to a good smash burger is to get a really good sear on the beef, which creates that delicious crust and intense flavor.
- Divide the Ground Beef: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 1/2 pound each). Gently form each portion into a loose ball. Don’t overwork the meat – you want it to stay tender.
- Prepare Your Work Station: Have your burger buns, cheese slices, and bacon mayo ready to go. This process moves quickly, so it’s important to be organized.
- Heat Your Skillet or Griddle: Heat a large cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. You want it to be screaming hot! A cast iron skillet is ideal because it retains heat well and creates a great sear.
- Optional: Caramelize the Onions: If you’re using caramelized onions, now’s the time to make them. Heat the olive oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are soft, golden brown, and caramelized (about 20-30 minutes). Be patient – this takes time!
Smashing and Cooking the Burgers:
This is the most important part! Get ready to smash!
- Place the Beef Balls: Place two of the beef balls onto the hot skillet or griddle, leaving enough space between them.
- Smash the Burgers: Immediately use a sturdy metal spatula (a burger press works even better) to smash the beef balls as thin as possible. Apply firm, even pressure. You want them to be about 1/4 inch thick.
- Season the Burgers: Season the smashed burgers generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy!
- Cook the First Side: Cook the burgers for about 2-3 minutes, or until a dark brown crust forms on the bottom. Don’t move them around – let them sear!
- Scrape and Flip: Use your spatula to carefully scrape the burgers off the skillet and flip them over.
- Add Cheese: Immediately place two slices of cheese on each burger.
- Cook the Second Side: Cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the burgers are cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
- Repeat: Repeat steps 1-7 with the remaining beef balls and cheese.
Toasting the Buns:
Don’t skip this step! Toasting the buns adds a nice texture and prevents them from getting soggy.
- Butter the Buns: Spread the melted butter on the cut sides of the burger buns.
- Toast the Buns: Place the buns, butter-side down, on the hot skillet or griddle for about 1-2 minutes, or until they are golden brown and toasted. Watch them carefully to prevent burning!
Assembling the Smash Burgers:
Time to put it all together and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
- Spread the Bacon Mayo: Spread a generous amount of bacon mayo on both the top and bottom buns.
- Add the Burgers: Place two cheeseburgers on the bottom bun.
- Add Bacon: Top the burgers with two slices of crispy bacon each.
- Add Optional Toppings: Add any other toppings you like, such as lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, ketchup, mustard, or caramelized onions.
- Top with the Bun: Place the top bun on the burgers.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the smash burgers immediately and enjoy! They’re best when they’re hot and fresh.
Tips for the Best Smash Burgers:
- Use High-Quality Ground Beef: The quality of your ground beef will directly impact the flavor of your burgers. I recommend using an 80/20 blend for optimal flavor and fat content.
- Don’t Overwork the Meat: Overworking the meat will result in tough burgers. Gently form the ground beef into loose balls.
- Get Your Skillet or Griddle Really Hot: A hot skillet or griddle is essential for creating a good sear on the burgers.
- Smash the Burgers Thin: The thinner the burgers, the more surface area you’ll have for searing.
- Don’t Move the Burgers Around: Let the burgers sear undisturbed for a few minutes before flipping them.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper!
- Toast the Buns: Toasting the buns adds a nice texture and prevents them from getting soggy.
- Serve Immediately: Smash burgers are best when they’re hot and fresh.
Variations:
- Spicy Smash Burgers: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef or use pepper jack cheese.
- Mushroom and Swiss Smash Burgers: Top the burgers with sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese.
- BBQ Smash Burgers:
Conclusion:
And there you have it! This isn’t just another burger recipe; it’s a gateway to burger bliss. The crispy, caramelized edges of the smashed patty, the smoky bacon, and that creamy, tangy bacon mayo all come together in a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Trust me, once you’ve experienced the magic of a perfectly executed Smash Burger with Bacon Mayo, you’ll never look at burgers the same way again.
Why is this a must-try? Because it’s ridiculously delicious and surprisingly easy to make. Forget complicated techniques and fancy ingredients. This recipe focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal effort. The smashing technique creates that irresistible crust, while the bacon mayo elevates the entire experience to gourmet levels. It’s the perfect balance of salty, savory, and creamy, all nestled between two soft buns. Plus, who doesn’t love bacon?
But the fun doesn’t stop there! Feel free to get creative with your toppings and variations. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef or a drizzle of sriracha to the bacon mayo. If you’re a fan of cheese (and who isn’t?), try melting some sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or even a creamy brie over the patties during the last minute of cooking. Caramelized onions would also be a fantastic addition, adding a touch of sweetness and depth.
Looking for serving suggestions? These Smash Burgers with Bacon Mayo are fantastic on their own, but they also pair perfectly with classic sides like crispy french fries, sweet potato fries, or a refreshing coleslaw. For a lighter option, serve them with a side salad or some grilled vegetables. And don’t forget the drinks! A cold beer, a refreshing lemonade, or even a classic milkshake would be the perfect accompaniment to your burger feast.
Variations to Explore:
* Spicy Smash Burger: Add jalapeños to the patty or a spicy aioli.
* BBQ Bacon Smash Burger: Incorporate BBQ sauce into the bacon mayo and top with crispy fried onions.
* Mushroom Swiss Smash Burger: Sautéed mushrooms and melted Swiss cheese take this burger to another level.
* Avocado Smash Burger: Add slices of fresh avocado for a creamy and healthy twist.
* Turkey Smash Burger: Substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner option.I’m genuinely excited for you to try this recipe. I know you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s the perfect weeknight meal, a crowd-pleasing party food, or simply a delicious way to treat yourself. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your griddle (or cast iron skillet), and get ready to smash some burgers!
Once you’ve made these incredible Smash Burgers with Bacon Mayo, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you try any of the variations? What toppings did you add? What did you serve them with? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! Let’s create a community of burger lovers and inspire each other with our culinary creations. Happy smashing! I can’t wait to see what you come up with. Don’t forget to rate the recipe once you’ve tried it! Your feedback helps other burger enthusiasts discover this amazing recipe.
Smash Burgers Bacon Mayo: The Ultimate Guide to Deliciousness
Juicy, crispy-edged smash burgers with smoky bacon mayo, crispy bacon, and your favorite toppings. A flavor explosion in every bite!
By: LunaCategory: DinnerDifficulty: EasyCuisine: AmericanYield: 4 burgersDietary: VegetarianIngredients
Instructions
Recipe Notes
- Use 80/20 ground beef for best flavor and fat content.
- Don’t overwork the meat.
- Get the skillet or griddle very hot for a good sear.
- Smash the burgers thin for maximum surface area.
- Don’t move the burgers around while searing.
- Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Toasting the buns prevents sogginess.
- Serve immediately for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
→ How do I ensure the bread stays moist?Use fresh, ripe ingredients and avoid overmixing the batter. Store in an airtight container.→ Can I substitute ingredients?Yes, you can substitute similar ingredients while maintaining the basic ratios for best results.→ How long does this bread keep?Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.→ What if I don't have all the spices?You can adjust spices to taste or substitute with similar warming spices.→ Can I freeze this bread?Yes, wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
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