If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate burger experience, Crispy Smash Burgers with Bacon Mayo will blow you away. These beauties boast seriously crispy edges from that signature smash technique and melt-in-your-mouth juiciness inside. You get a hint of smoky richness from cheddar cheese and a decadent swirl of homemade bacon mayo that elevates every single bite. Whether you’re settling in for lunch or firing up the grill for dinner, this easy burger recipe is pure comfort food that feels upscale without any fancy fuss. Best part? As a beginner-friendly dish, it takes just 15 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, with a brief 5-minute rest before you dig in—so you’ll be feasting in under an hour.
As someone who loves crafting homemade burgers, I can’t help but gush over that sweet spot between a perfect char and a juicy interior. With around 720 calories per serving, these smash burgers deliver big, bold flavor without making you feel like you’ve overdone it. You can mix in a dash of Worcestershire sauce or garlic powder, experiment with pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar, or even stir in caramelized onions. Whatever you choose, your taste buds are in for a party. So grab your spatula and let’s get sizzling—these crispy burgers are calling your name!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CRISPY SMASH BURGERS WITH BACON MAYO
Before we dive into the fun of cooking, let’s talk about the stars of the show. Each ingredient plays a unique role, from building texture to delivering that unmistakable smoky-sweet balance. Gathering everything ahead of time will make the cooking process feel seamless and enjoyable.
- Ground beef
A sturdy 80/20 blend packs just the right fat-to-meat ratio for juicy, flavorful patties that crisp up beautifully on the edges.
- Cheddar cheese
Sharp and melty, cheddar creates a creamy blanket over each burger, adding richness and a satisfying contrast to the crispy crust.
- Hamburger buns
Soft yet sturdy buns cradle the patty and toppings, providing a pillowy base without falling apart under the weight of all that goodness.
- Bacon
Crispy slices of bacon introduce an irresistible crunch and smoky depth that pairs perfectly with the beef and cheese.
- Mayonnaise
A creamy canvas for the bacon grease, mayo transforms into a rich bacon mayo that elevates every bite with tangy, savory notes.
- Bacon grease
Reserved from cooking the bacon, this flavorful fat gets mixed into the mayo for an extra punch of smoky umami.
- Vegetable oil
Added to the hot skillet or griddle, vegetable oil ensures perfect browning and a super-crispy edge on the smashed patties.
- Salt and pepper
Simple seasonings that highlight the beef’s natural flavor and create that crave-worthy, well-seasoned crust.
- Lettuce leaves
Crisp, cool lettuce brings a fresh crunch that balances the richness of the patty and mayo.
- Sliced tomatoes
Juicy tomato rounds add bright acidity and a burst of color, cutting through the savory layers.
- Pickles (optional)
Tangy pickle slices contribute an extra zing and textural contrast—totally optional but highly recommended for pickle lovers.
HOW TO MAKE CRISPY SMASH BURGERS WITH BACON MAYO
Ready to transform these ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece? This step-by-step guide will walk you through creating burgers that are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with smoky bacon flavor.
1. Begin by preparing the bacon. Place the bacon slices in a cold skillet over medium heat. Cook until each slice reaches a perfect crisp, flipping as needed. Carefully transfer the bacon to a paper towel–lined plate to drain, then reserve 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease in the skillet.
2. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise with the reserved bacon grease. Stir vigorously until the mixture transforms into a smooth, creamy bacon mayo. Set this flavorful spread aside.
3. Divide the ground beef into four equal portions. Gently roll each portion into a ball, being careful not to overwork the meat—this helps maintain a tender, juicy texture.
4. Heat the vegetable oil in a clean skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until it begins to shimmer. This hot surface is key for getting that iconic crisp edge.
5. Place each meatball onto the hot surface. Immediately press down firmly with a sturdy spatula or a specialized burger press until the patty is about ½ inch thick. Season the exposed side generously with salt and pepper.
6. Let the burgers cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes. This no-peek approach ensures the edges get deeply caramelized and delightfully crispy.
7. Flip each patty and immediately place a slice of cheddar cheese on top. Allow it to melt over the patty for 1–2 minutes, covering the cheese in gooey, golden bliss.
8. While the patties finish cooking, lightly toast your hamburger buns in a separate pan or on the griddle until they turn golden brown and slightly crisp around the edges.
9. To assemble, spread a generous layer of bacon mayo on both the bottom and top buns.
10. Layer the lettuce, followed by a slice of tomato, and add pickle slices if you’re feeling zesty.
11. Place the cheese-topped patty onto the prepared bottom bun, then top with the crispy bacon slices.
12. Crown your creation with the top bun and serve immediately alongside your favorite sides, like fries or a fresh green salad.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CRISPY SMASH BURGERS WITH BACON MAYO
After all that sizzling and stacking, serving these burgers is where you can really let your creativity shine. Whether you’re feeding family, hosting friends, or just indulging solo, a few thoughtful touches will make each plate look and taste spectacular.
- Classic fries and shake
Pair your burger with crispy shoestring fries tossed in a sprinkle of sea salt. Serve with a cold milkshake—vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry—for the ultimate retro diner vibe.
- Loaded onion rings
Crispy, beer-battered onion rings dusted with smoked paprika add a crunchy, savory element. Stack them high on the side or thread them onto your burger skewer for extra flair.
- Fresh garden salad
Balance the richness with a crisp salad of mixed greens, cucumber ribbons, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. A handful of toasted nuts or seeds adds delightful crunch.
- Sweet potato wedges
Roast sweet potato wedges until caramelized, then dust with cayenne and cinnamon for a sweet-and-spicy kick that complements the smoky bacon mayo.
HOW TO STORE CRISPY SMASH BURGERS WITH BACON MAYO
If you happen to have any leftovers (though they rarely stick around!), proper storage will help maintain as much of that crispy, juicy magic as possible. Follow these tips to keep your burgers tasting fantastic for later enjoyment.
- Separate components
Store burger patties, buns, bacon mayo, and toppings in individual airtight containers. This prevents sogginess and keeps each element at its peak texture.
- Refrigeration
Place all sealed containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the bacon mayo tightly covered to preserve its creamy consistency and smoky flavor.
- Freezing patties
If you want to save patties for a longer period, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a zip-top freezer bag and store for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating method
Reheat patties in a hot skillet or under the broiler for just a minute per side to revive the crisp edges. Warm the buns in a toaster oven and let the bacon mayo come to room temperature for easy spreading.
CONCLUSION
Bringing together the crunchy allure of smash burgers with the smoky decadence of bacon mayo, this recipe is a home cook’s dream come true. We covered everything from ingredient highlights—like that essential 80/20 ground beef and sharp cheddar cheese—to the precise smash technique that guarantees those irresistible crispy edges. Along the way, you learned how to craft a simple yet flavorful bacon mayo, assemble a picture-perfect burger, and explore serving ideas that range from classic fries to fresh salads. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned burger enthusiast, these Crispy Smash Burgers with Bacon Mayo are sure to become a go-to in your recipe arsenal. Feel free to print this article and save it for future game days, weeknight dinners, or any time a serious burger craving strikes.
Below, you’ll find a handy FAQ section with answers to common questions, plus extra tips for customization and troubleshooting. If you give these burgers a try, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Share your comments, questions, or feedback—whether you swapped cheeses, added caramelized onions, or experimented with spice mixes. Your kitchen adventures never get old, and I’m always here to help if you need guidance or inspiration for your next smash burger masterpiece. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Crispy Smash Burgers with Bacon Mayo
Description
These smash burgers are flavorful and juicy, with a perfect crispy edge and a decadent bacon mayo that elevates each bite. Perfect for burger lovers!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Begin by preparing the bacon. Cook the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel to drain. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease.
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In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and the reserved bacon grease. Mix well to create the bacon mayo. Set aside.
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Divide the ground beef into four equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball without overhandling it, to maintain tenderness.
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Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until shimmering.
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Place each meatball onto the hot skillet and immediately press down with a sturdy spatula or a specialized burger press until they are about 1/2 inch thick. Season with salt and pepper.
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Allow the burgers to cook without moving for about 2-3 minutes until the edges are crispy and dark brown.
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Flip each burger and immediately place a slice of cheddar cheese on top. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt.
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While the burgers are cooking, lightly toast the hamburger buns in a separate pan or on the griddle until golden brown.
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To assemble the burgers, spread the bacon mayo on both the top and bottom buns.
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Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, followed by a slice of tomato, and pickle slices if desired.
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Add the cheese-topped burger patty and finally, the crispy bacon slices.
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Secure with the top bun and serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Note
- For extra flavor, mix in some Worcestershire sauce or garlic powder with the ground beef before forming into balls.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties, such as blue cheese or pepper jack, for unique flavor profiles.
- The smash technique is crucial for the crispy edge texture; use a sturdy metal spatula for best results.
- Add caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms for a gourmet touch.
- Consider serving with crispy French fries or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
