Description
Hearty smash burgers with baconnaise sauce elevate classic burger experiences with crispy edges and rich flavor. Southern-style comfort meets gourmet technique, promising satisfying bites you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
Bread:
- 4 burger buns
Seasonings and Sauce Ingredients:
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons bacon grease (cooled)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Toppings:
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Pickles
- Onions
Instructions
- Preheat cast-iron skillet or griddle to medium-high heat (around 400°F) for optimal searing.
- Form ground beef into 4 compact spheres, ensuring uniform size and consistent shape.
- Place meat ball onto hot surface, then apply firm pressure with heavy spatula to create ultra-thin, crispy-edged patty about 1/4-inch thick.
- Generously season exposed surface with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Cook patty for approximately 2-3 minutes until edges become deeply caramelized and crisp.
- Swiftly flip patty, immediately crown with sharp cheddar cheese to allow melting.
- Continue cooking additional 2 minutes until cheese melts completely and burger reaches desired doneness.
- Repeat patty-making process for remaining meat portions.
- Quickly toast burger buns directly on skillet until golden edges emerge and slight crispness develops.
- Whisk baconnaise sauce ingredients thoroughly in mixing bowl until completely smooth and integrated.
- Construct burgers by spreading baconnaise generously across both bun halves.
- Layer burger with crisp lettuce, ripe tomato slices, tangy pickles, and sharp red onion rings.
- Crown with sizzling, cheese-draped beef patty and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Create consistent burger thickness by using a flat-bottomed tool like a burger press or heavy spatula for even cooking.
- Ensure skillet is searing hot before adding beef to develop a perfect crispy, caramelized exterior that locks in juicy flavors.
- Use high-fat ground beef (80/20 blend) for maximum flavor and preventing dry burger texture during high-heat cooking.
- Experiment with cheese variations like smoked gouda or pepper jack to customize burger taste profile and add exciting complexity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 709 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 830 mg
- Fat: 61 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 40 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg