smash burger turkey baconnaise

Name: smash burger turkey baconnaise
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20); 4 hamburger buns; 2 large yellow onions, sliced; 2 Tbsp butter; 1 Tbsp olive oil; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; ½ cup mayonnaise; 2 Tbsp chopped cooked turkey bacon; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp maple syrup; Pinch of black pepper; Sliced cheddar cheese; Lettuce leaves

Recipe by Sam Rivera · Updated July 2025

Pork Burger

There's something magical about a smash burger-crispy edges, tender middle, and all the flavor packed into a single bite. This turkey baconnaise twist swaps in rich, salty bacon and a hint of maple for a sweet-savory depth that'll have everyone at the table reaching for seconds. Perfect for game nights, weeknight dinners, or even a lazy Sunday cookout, this burger is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. The caramelized onions add a luxurious touch that elevates it from great to unforgettable.

What Makes This Recipe Special

Turkey baconnaise: The star of the show-crispy turkey bacon blended into mayo with Dijon and maple syrup for a tangy, umami-packed sauce that cuts through the richness of the beef.
Low-and-slow caramelized onions: Cooked 20-25 minutes until deeply golden and jammy, they add a sweet, concentrated flavor that balances the smoky bacon and beef.
High-heat smashing technique: Smashing the beef into ultra-thin patties ensures maximum crispy edges while keeping the interior juicy, a hallmark of a perfect smash burger.
Dual-fat sear: Using both butter and olive oil for the onions and toasting the buns in the same pan where the beef was cooked adds layers of flavor that sing in every bite.

⏱ 50 mins

American

Servings 4

Ingredients

1 lbground beef (80/20)

4 hamburgerbuns

2 largeyellow onions, sliced

2 Tbspbutter

1 Tbspolive oil

½ tspsalt

¼ tspblack pepper

½ cupmayonnaise

2 Tbspchopped cooked turkey bacon

1 tspDijon mustard

1 tspmaple syrup

Pinch of black pepper

Sliced cheddar cheese

Lettuce leaves

Nutrition

650 caloriesCalories

Per serving · Values are estimates

Instructions

Fry turkey bacon until crispy, let cool, and chop.

Combine mayonnaise, chopped turkey bacon, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and pepper. Set aside.

Cook sliced onions in butter and olive oil over medium-low heat for 20–25 minutes until golden and soft.

Divide ground beef into 4 balls. Smash each on a hot skillet into thin patties. Season with salt and pepper.

Sear patties for 2 minutes per side on high heat. Add cheddar cheese if using and let it melt.

Toast hamburger buns. Spread turkey baconnaise on the bottom bun, add burger patty, caramelized onions, optional lettuce, and top with the bun.

Essential Tips

Prep onions first

Start the onions early-they take the longest to caramelize. Cooking them low and slow ensures they're sweet and silky, not burnt or bitter. Keep the heat at medium-low to avoid rushing the process.

Chill the beef

For the best smash, let the ground beef chill in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before shaping. Cold beef holds its shape better when smashed, preventing it from sticking to the pan or tearing.

Use a metal spatula

A stiff metal spatula is essential for smashing the beef firmly and evenly. Press down hard for 5-10 seconds to ensure the patties spread thin without losing juices.

Toast buns in rendered fat

After cooking the patties, use the leftover beef fat and bits in the pan to toast the buns. This adds a nutty, savory depth to the bun that plain butter can't match.

Assemble while hot

Layer the burger immediately after toasting the buns. The residual heat from the patties will start melting the cheese and softening the bun, creating a perfect texture contrast.

Smart Swaps & Variations

Beef-free turkey version Swap the ground beef for 1 lb ground turkey thigh (85/15) and adjust the smashing time to 1.5 minutes per side to avoid dryness.

Spicy baconnaise Add ½ tsp smoked paprika and a dash of hot sauce to the baconnaise for a smoky, spicy kick that pairs well with blue cheese.

Bunless keto Serve the patties over crisp lettuce cups or on portobello mushroom caps for a low-carb alternative to traditional buns.

Veggie baconnaise Use tempeh bacon or coconut bacon in the baconnaise for a vegetarian twist that mimics the smoky, salty depth of traditional bacon.

What to Serve With This

Crispy shoestring fries tossed in garlic powder and parmesan for a salty, crunchy contrast.
A cold, frothy lager or a smoky IPA to cut through the richness of the burger and baconnaise.
Simple side salad of arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette to brighten up the meal.
Pickled jalapeños and pepper jack cheese for those who love a spicy, tangy kick.

Storage & Reheating

Storage

Store leftover patties and onions separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the patties in a skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side to restore crispiness.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the patties in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the meat rubbery and the bun soggy. Toast the buns separately to revive their texture.

Expert Chef Tips

Use a cast-iron skillet for the smashing step-it retains heat better than other pans, ensuring a consistent sear and preventing the patties from sticking.
Add a pinch of baking soda to the onions while caramelizing to speed up the process and deepen the color without altering the flavor.
For extra umami, deglaze the skillet with a splash of beef broth after removing the patties. The resulting fond can be scraped up and used to brush the toasted buns for an intense flavor boost.

Equipment You’ll Need

Cast-iron skillet (10-12 inches) for even heat distribution and perfect searing
Metal spatula (thick and stiff) for smashing and flipping the patties
Fine-mesh strainer or slotted spoon for draining excess fat from cooked onions
Pastry brush for spreading the baconnaise evenly on the buns

Nutritional Benefits

A single burger contains approximately 650 calories, with a balance of protein (35g) from the beef and healthy fats (40g) from the beef and baconnaise.
The turkey bacon adds a leaner protein option compared to traditional bacon, reducing saturated fat while maintaining flavor.
Caramelized onions provide a dose of antioxidants and fiber, making this burger a more nutrient-dense choice than a plain beef patty.
Using whole-grain buns can boost the fiber content to 4-6g per serving, aiding digestion and keeping you fuller longer.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?

Absolutely! Regular bacon will add more richness and smokiness to the baconnaise. Just cook it until crispy, chop finely, and mix it into the mayo as directed. Note that regular bacon is saltier, so you may want to reduce the added salt in the baconnaise or while seasoning the patties.

How do I prevent the patties from shrinking too much?

Smashing the beef thinly helps minimize shrinkage, but another trick is to make small dimples in the center of each patty with your thumb before placing it in the pan. This prevents the patties from puffing up as they cook, keeping them flat and even.

Can I make the baconnaise ahead of time?

Yes! The baconnaise can be made 2-3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will meld and deepen over time, making it even more delicious. Just give it a quick stir before using.

What's the best way to reheat the entire burger?

To reheat a whole burger, place the patty and onions in a skillet over medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes, then toast the bun in the same pan for 30 seconds. Assemble the burger while everything is still warm to avoid sogginess.

Can I use pre-sliced onions for the caramelized onions?

Pre-sliced onions work fine, but they may cook slightly faster due to their uniform size. Keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time to 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Is it okay to skip the cheese?

Of course! The cheese is optional and adds a creamy, melty element, but the burger is still delicious without it. If you skip the cheese, consider adding a slice of avocado or a fried egg for extra richness.

How do I make this burger gluten-free?

Use gluten-free hamburger buns or serve the patties on lettuce wraps. Ensure all other ingredients, such as the bacon and mayonnaise, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

Can I freeze the patties before cooking?

Yes, you can freeze the shaped, uncooked patties for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before cooking, and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture before smashing.