Prepare yourself for a burger experience like no other! Smash Burgers with Bacon Mayo deliver that irresistible combination of juicy, crusty-edged beef patties layered with a smoky, creamy bacon-studded mayo, all housed between pillowy, buttery brioche buns. Whether you’re a longtime burger devotee or on the hunt for a decadent new favorite, this recipe balances bold flavors and lush textures, making every bite pure satisfaction. It’s simple enough for a weeknight craving, yet indulgent enough to impress at your next gathering.

Smash Burgers with Bacon Mayo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Smash Burgers with Bacon Mayo truly unforgettable is just how each ingredient brings its own touch of personality to the party. With a handful of staples — each playing a crucial role in flavor, texture, or color — the result is a burger that feels anything but ordinary.

Ground beef (80/20 blend): The perfect fat ratio for juicy, flavorful patties and crispy, golden crusts.
Salt & freshly cracked black pepper: Classic seasoning that enhances the beef’s rich flavor without overpowering it.
Unsalted butter: Gives your patties and buns a rich finish and that coveted “just griddled” taste.
Brioche burger buns: Light and buttery, these buns soak in flavor while keeping every bite soft and luscious.
Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base for the bacon mayo, bringing everything together.
Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and a gentle kick that balances the richness.
Smoked paprika: Provides a mellow smokiness that pairs beautifully with bacon.
Garlic powder: Infuses savory depth and rounds out the mayo’s flavors.
Maple syrup (optional): A touch of sweetness to highlight that smoky, salty bacon flavor.
Crispy bacon bits: The star mix-in for the ultimate bacon-studded mayo experience.

How to Make Smash Burgers with Bacon Mayo

Step 1: Prepare the Bacon Mayo

Start with the heart of this burger — the bacon mayo. Combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and maple syrup (if you’re craving that hint of sweetness) in a bowl. Whisk everything together until smooth, then stir in the finely chopped crispy bacon bits. Pop the bowl in the fridge; chilling melds the flavors and gives the mayo a luscious texture that’s perfect for spreading.

Step 2: Shape and Preheat

Divide the ground beef into four equally sized balls, each about a quarter pound. For true “smash” success, you want cold beef and a hot cooking surface. Preheat your cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat until it’s smoking hot — this is non-negotiable for that signature crispy crust.

Step 3: Smash and Sear the Patties

Drop a pat of butter onto the hot surface, then place each beef ball onto the skillet. Immediately mash each one flat with a sturdy metal spatula (using parchment under your spatula helps if things get sticky). The goal is to press quickly and firmly, creating loads of surface area for those gloriously crispy edges. Season generously with salt and pepper. Let them sizzle for 2 to 3 minutes until deeply caramelized before flipping — just once — and cook an additional 1 to 2 minutes for perfect doneness.

Step 4: Toast the Brioche Buns

While your patties finish up, butter your brioche buns lightly and toast them cut side down on the skillet or griddle. They should turn golden on the edges yet stay pillowy inside — don’t skip this step! Toasting the buns adds flavor and keeps them from getting soggy under all your delicious toppings.

Step 5: Build Your Smash Burgers with Bacon Mayo

Generously slather bacon mayo on the bottom and top halves of each bun. Place a sizzling hot patty on the bottom half, then go wild: add more bacon mayo, sliced pickles, cheese, caramelized onions, or extra bacon if you crave it. Top with the other half of the bun, press gently, and get ready for burger bliss.

How to Serve Smash Burgers with Bacon Mayo

Garnishes

The finishing touch for Smash Burgers with Bacon Mayo is all about contrasting flavors and color. Try crunchy dill pickles, crisp shredded lettuce, a slice of juicy tomato, or even a handful of fresh arugula. These vivid garnishes add freshness and balance to the rich stack.

Side Dishes

Pair your burgers with classic fries, sweet potato fries, or onion rings for an authentic burger-bar feel. For a lighter option, a vibrant salad (think: peppery greens or a zippy slaw) complements the smoky, savory flavors. You can also offer chips, corn on the cob, or a pickle spear for easy crowd-pleasers.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring the wow factor by serving Smash Burgers with Bacon Mayo slider-style at parties, or use mini brioche buns for a bite-sized treat. Stack them double or even triple for a hearty main course, or serve open-faced with extra bacon mayo for a playful twist. A basket lined with parchment paper gives the meal true diner vibes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Smash Burgers with Bacon Mayo, store each burger component separately for best results. Keep the bacon mayo in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will last for up to four days. Store cooled burger patties and buns separately, wrapped or in airtight containers, to keep them fresh without getting soggy.

Freezing

The cooked patties freeze beautifully. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer-safe bags for up to three months. The bacon mayo is best made fresh, as freezing alters its creamy texture, but you can prep and freeze bacon bits in advance if you like!

Reheating

To reheat beef patties, pop them in a hot skillet or griddle for a few minutes per side until warmed through and the edges crisp up again. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but for best flavor and texture, the stovetop wins. Toast buns lightly again before assembling, and always add fresh bacon mayo just before serving to keep everything tasting bright and fresh.

FAQs

What makes these different from regular burgers?

Smash Burgers with Bacon Mayo stand out thanks to their ultra-crispy edges, achieved by smashing the beef onto a hot griddle. The bacon mayo, studded with smoky, crispy bits, adds extra richness you just don’t get from the usual ketchup-and-mustard routine.

Can I make Smash Burgers with Bacon Mayo without a cast-iron skillet?

Absolutely! Any heavy-bottomed pan that can reach and hold a very high heat will do the trick. A griddle or heavy stainless steel skillet works well — just make sure it’s really hot for that signature crust.

Do I have to use brioche buns?

Brioche buns lend a soft, buttery texture that brilliantly contrasts the crisp beef, but feel free to use potato rolls or classic hamburger buns if you prefer. Just toast them for best results!

How spicy is the bacon mayo?

The bacon mayo for Smash Burgers with Bacon Mayo is mild, smoky, and savory rather than spicy. If you want a kick, add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mayo mixture.

Can I double or halve this recipe easily?

Yes! Smash Burgers with Bacon Mayo is super flexible. Multiply the ingredients based on your guest list, and you can even make a single burger for a quick solo treat. Simply keep the ingredient ratios the same for reliable results.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to elevate your burger night, Smash Burgers with Bacon Mayo promise burger joy in every bite. The crackly beef, creamy bacon mayo, and warm buns taste like pure comfort, yet feel special enough for any occasion. Don’t be surprised when they become your most-requested dish — give them a try and taste the magic for yourself!