Smash Burgers Bacon Mayo: The Ultimate Guide to Deliciousness

Smash Burgers Bacon Mayo, oh my! Get ready to experience burger bliss like never before. Forget those thick, towering patties – we’re diving headfirst into the world of thin, crispy-edged perfection, all slathered with a smoky, savory bacon mayo that will redefine your burger expectations.

The beauty of the smash burger lies in its simplicity and the Maillard reaction – that magical browning process that creates intense flavor. While the exact origins are debated, the concept of smashing a burger thin on a hot griddle has been around for decades, perfected in diners and burger joints across America. It’s a technique that maximizes surface area, resulting in a deeply caramelized crust that’s simply irresistible.

But what truly elevates this Smash Burgers Bacon Mayo recipe is, of course, the bacon mayo itself. The creamy richness of mayonnaise, infused with the salty, smoky goodness of bacon, creates a symphony of flavors that perfectly complements the crispy burger patty. People adore smash burgers because they’re quick, easy to make, and deliver an explosion of flavor in every bite. The thin patty cooks in minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal. The crispy edges offer a delightful textural contrast to the soft bun and creamy mayo. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll never look at burgers the same way again!

Ingredients:

• For the Smash Burgers:
• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for optimal fat content and flavor)
• 4 hamburger buns, brioche or potato buns preferred
• 4 slices cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
• 4 slices bacon, cooked crispy
• 1 large white onion, thinly sliced
• Pickle slices, for serving
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or canola oil
• For the Bacon Mayo:
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 slices cooked bacon, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped chives or green onions
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Pinch of garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Preparing the Bacon Mayo:

Okay, let’s start with the bacon mayo. This is seriously the secret weapon that elevates these smash burgers to the next level. It’s quick, easy, and adds a smoky, savory kick that you won’t believe.

1. Chop the Bacon: Make sure your bacon is cooked nice and crispy. Once it’s cooled slightly, chop it up into really small pieces. You want it to be evenly distributed throughout the mayo.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, add the mayonnaise, chopped bacon, chives (or green onions), lemon juice, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Season and Mix: Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Remember, the bacon is already salty, so go easy on the salt at first. Mix everything together really well until it’s all nicely combined.
4. Chill (Optional): For the best flavor, cover the bowl and let the bacon mayo chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together. But if you’re impatient (like me sometimes!), you can use it right away.

Preparing the Smash Burgers:

Now for the main event: the smash burgers! The key here is to get a really good sear on the beef, which is what gives them that incredible crust and flavor. Don’t be afraid to get a little messy!

1. Prepare the Ground Beef: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions, about 1/2 pound each. Gently roll each portion into a loose ball. Don’t pack the meat too tightly, as this will make the burgers tough. The looser the better for smashing!
2. Prepare the Onions: Thinly slice the white onion. I like to use a mandoline for this to get them super thin and even, but a sharp knife works just fine too.
3. Heat the Skillet: Place a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil or canola oil. You want the pan to be screaming hot before you add the beef. This is crucial for getting that perfect sear. If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, any heavy-bottomed pan will work, but cast iron is definitely the best choice for this.
4. Smash the Burgers: Once the pan is smoking hot, carefully place two of the beef balls into the skillet, leaving some space between them. Immediately use a sturdy metal spatula (a burger press also works great) to smash the beef balls down as thin as possible, about 1/4 inch thick. The thinner, the crispier!
5. Season the Burgers: Immediately season the smashed burgers generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy! This is your chance to build flavor.
6. Cook the First Side: Let the burgers cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes, or until a dark brown crust forms on the bottom. You should see the edges starting to crisp up.
7. Scrape and Flip: Use your metal spatula to carefully scrape under the burgers and flip them over. The crust should be nicely browned and slightly caramelized.
8. Add the Cheese: Immediately place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each burger.
9. Cook the Second Side: Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the burgers are cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remember, these are thin burgers, so they’ll cook quickly. I prefer mine medium-well, but you can adjust the cooking time to your liking.
10. Remove and Repeat: Remove the burgers from the skillet and set them aside. Repeat the process with the remaining beef balls. If your skillet starts to get too dry, add a little more oil.

Assembling the Smash Burgers:

Alright, the burgers are cooked, the bacon mayo is ready, and it’s time to assemble these bad boys! This is where all your hard work pays off.

1. Toast the Buns: While the burgers are cooking, lightly toast the hamburger buns. This will prevent them from getting soggy from the bacon mayo and burger juices. You can toast them in a toaster, in the oven, or in the same skillet you used to cook the burgers.
2. Spread the Bacon Mayo: Spread a generous amount of bacon mayo on both the top and bottom buns. Don’t be stingy! This is what makes these burgers so special.
3. Assemble the Burgers: On the bottom bun, place a layer of thinly sliced onions. Then, add the burger patty with the melted cheese. Top with a slice of crispy bacon and pickle slices.
4. Top and Serve: Place the top bun on top and gently press down. Serve immediately and enjoy! These smash burgers are best enjoyed hot off the grill.

Tips and Variations:

• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Pepper jack, provolone, or even a creamy blue cheese would be delicious on these burgers.
• Add a Fried Egg: For an extra indulgent burger, top it with a fried egg. The runny yolk adds a richness that’s hard to resist.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the bacon mayo for a little heat.
• Caramelized Onions: Instead of raw onions, try using caramelized onions for a sweeter, more complex flavor.
• Different Buns: While brioche or potato buns are my favorites, you can use any type of bun you like. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold all the ingredients.
• Double Smash: For an even more decadent burger, use two smaller patties instead of one large one. This will give you even more crispy surface area.
• Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based ground beef alternative to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly.

Enjoy your delicious Smash Burgers with Bacon Mayo!

Conclusion:

So there you have it! This Smash Burgers with Bacon Mayo recipe is truly a game-changer, and I genuinely believe it’s a must-try for any burger enthusiast. The combination of the perfectly smashed, crispy-edged patty, the smoky bacon, and that creamy, tangy bacon mayo is simply irresistible. It’s the kind of burger that will have you licking your fingers and craving another bite before you’ve even finished the first.

But why is this recipe so special? It’s all about the technique and the flavor layering. The smashing technique maximizes the surface area of the patty, creating those coveted crispy, caramelized edges that are bursting with flavor. The bacon adds a salty, smoky depth that complements the beef perfectly. And the bacon mayo? Oh, the bacon mayo! It’s the secret weapon that ties everything together, adding a creamy, tangy, and utterly addictive element to the burger. It elevates the entire experience from a simple burger to a gourmet masterpiece.

Beyond the incredible flavor, this recipe is also surprisingly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of practice, you can create restaurant-quality smash burgers in the comfort of your own home. Forget those thick, dry, and bland burgers you’ve had in the past. These smash burgers are juicy, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress.

Looking for serving suggestions? I love to serve these Smash Burgers with Bacon Mayo on toasted brioche buns with a side of crispy fries or sweet potato fries. A simple green salad also makes a great accompaniment, providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of the burger. For a truly indulgent experience, try adding a slice of sharp cheddar cheese or some caramelized onions to your burger.

And speaking of variations, the possibilities are endless! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, toppings, and sauces to create your own signature smash burger. Try adding some jalapeños for a spicy kick, or some avocado for a creamy texture. You could even swap out the bacon for prosciutto or pancetta for a different flavor profile. The key is to have fun and let your creativity shine!

Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty and experiment with different techniques. The more you practice, the better you’ll become at smashing those patties and creating those perfect crispy edges. And remember, the most important ingredient is love! Put your heart into it, and you’ll be rewarded with a burger that’s truly unforgettable.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe that I urge you to try it out as soon as possible. Gather your ingredients, fire up your griddle, and get ready to experience the ultimate smash burger sensation. And once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and comments on social media using the hashtag #SmashBurgerBaconMayo. Let me know what you thought of the recipe, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. I can’t wait to see your creations!

So go ahead, give this Smash Burgers with Bacon Mayo recipe a try. You won’t regret it! It’s the perfect burger for a casual weeknight dinner, a weekend barbecue, or any occasion that calls for a delicious and satisfying meal. Happy smashing!

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