“`html
If you’re craving something bold, creamy, and packed with a perfect balance of heat and savoriness, this Jalapeno Popper Smash Burgers Recipe is going to be your new go-to. Imagine juicy, perfectly smashed beef patties layered with melty cheddar cheese, topped with a luscious jalapeno cream cheese popper spread, and finished off with crispy bacon and a subtle honey drizzle. Every bite bursts with incredible textures and flavors, making these burgers a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Jalapeno Popper Smash Burgers Recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients that each bring something unique to the plate. From the creamy sharpness of cheddar to the spicy kick of jalapeno, every component is essential to building those unforgettable layers of taste and texture.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, room temperature): Creates the rich, smooth base for the jalapeno popper topping.
- Shredded cheddar (¼ cup): Adds sharpness and a melty bite to the cheese mixture.
- Mayonnaise (1 tablespoon): Brings extra creaminess and a subtle tang.
- Diced jalapeno (½ small): Provides that signature spicy zip, adjustable to your heat preference.
- Salt (½ teaspoon for topping, plus more for seasoning): Enhances every flavor in the dish.
- Ground beef 80/20 (1 pound): Ideal fat ratio for juicy, flavorful smash burgers.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a deep umami kick to the beef.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Infuses a subtle savory warmth.
- Small onion (½, thinly sliced): Caramelizes under the patty for sweet and savory notes.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): For browning the onions and to create a rich crust on the burgers.
- Cracked black pepper (½ teaspoon, more to taste): Provides aromatic spice and enhances the meat’s flavor.
- Cheddar cheese slices (4): Creates gooey layers within the burger stack.
- Hamburger buns (4, toasted with butter): Adds a golden, buttery crunch for the perfect sandwich base.
- Bacon (8 slices, cooked and crumbled): Brings irresistible salty crunch and smoky goodness.
- Honey (a thin drizzle): Offers a touch of sweetness to balance the spicy and savory elements.
How to Make Jalapeno Popper Smash Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Popper Topping
Start by combining the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, mayonnaise, diced jalapeno, and salt in a small bowl. Stir everything until it forms a creamy, spicy spread. Take a taste and if you love more heat, add a bit more jalapeno. This topping can be made a few days in advance; just let it come to room temperature before using it to ensure it spreads easily and melts beautifully on the burgers.
Step 2: Season and Shape the Beef
Next, take your ground beef and mix in Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder with your hands, making sure the seasonings are evenly distributed. Divide the mixture into eight 2-ounce meatballs. This portioning helps you achieve that thin, crispy-edged smash patty when cooking.
Step 3: Heat the Skillet and Sauté Onions
Preheat a large cast iron skillet or flat top grill over high heat until it’s around 450 degrees. Slice your onion very thinly and spread a little butter in the skillet spots where you will make your patties. Place the onion slices into small piles with the butter for a minute to start caramelizing and bring out their natural sweetness.
Step 4: Smash the Burgers and Season
Set each meatball on top of the onion piles, then immediately smash them down with a burger press or two sturdy spatulas. Use wax or parchment paper between your press and the patty to avoid sticking. The patties should be thin and just slightly larger than your buns, as they’ll shrink while cooking. Sprinkle salt and cracked pepper on the burgers, then let them cook undisturbed for about a minute until the edges brown and the surface loses its raw, glossy look.
Step 5: Flip, Add Cheese, and Stack
Flip each patty, season again with salt and pepper, and place a slice of cheddar on half of the patties. Stack the remaining plain patties on top of these cheese-topped ones to create cheesy double layers that melt together perfectly while finishing cooking.
Step 6: Assemble the Burgers
Place each stacked burger on a toasted bun, then spoon generous amounts of the jalapeno popper mixture over the top. Drizzle a thin layer of honey onto the inside of the top bun—it adds just the right hint of sweetness and helps the bacon stick. Press the honeyed bun into the crumbled bacon to coat it thoroughly or alternatively press the bacon into the jalapeno spread before closing the burger. Serve immediately and enjoy the magic of this Jalapeno Popper Smash Burgers Recipe!
How to Serve Jalapeno Popper Smash Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh, zesty touch, add crisp lettuce or thinly sliced pickles on top. A few tomato slices can brighten the flavor and balance the richness. If you want to turn up the heat, some extra fresh jalapeno slices or a dash of hot sauce on the side will do the trick.
Side Dishes
Classic French fries or crispy sweet potato fries pair beautifully with these spicy, cheesy burgers. A tangy coleslaw or a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast that keeps the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve these smash burgers on a wooden board with small bowls of extra popper topping, honey, and bacon bits for guests to customize their own. Alternatively, make a slider version of this Jalapeno Popper Smash Burgers Recipe for a fun party appetizer that’s guaranteed to disappear fast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover patties and jalapeno popper topping separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping components separate helps maintain texture and flavor when reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked patties wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. The popper topping freezes well too, though it’s best thawed in the fridge overnight and stirred before use.
Reheating
Reheat patties gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in a toaster oven to keep that crispy edge without drying them out. Warm the popper topping in a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring to keep it creamy and smooth.
FAQs
Can I make the jalapeno popper topping less spicy?
Absolutely! Simply reduce the amount of jalapeno or remove the seeds to tame the heat without sacrificing flavor.
What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet or flat top grill?
A heavy-bottomed nonstick pan works in a pinch; just make sure it gets very hot to get that signature crispy crust on your smash burgers.
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?
While you can, these leaner meats won’t develop the same crispy crust and juicy texture that beef does, but the popper topping will still bring delicious flavor.
How do I prevent the burgers from sticking when smashing?
Using wax or parchment paper between your spatula or press and the patty prevents sticking and helps maintain the burger’s shape.
Can I prepare the bacon ahead of time?
Yes! Cooking the bacon in advance and crumbling it right before assembling the burgers saves time and keeps the bacon crispy.
Final Thoughts
This Jalapeno Popper Smash Burgers Recipe is truly a next-level burger experience that combines heat, creaminess, and savory perfection in every bite. Once you try making these, I bet they’ll become a staple for weekend cookouts or anytime you want to treat yourself. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy some seriously delicious smash burgers that everyone will be talking about.
“`
Print
Jalapeno Popper Smash Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Jalapeno Popper Smash Burgers combine the irresistible flavors of creamy jalapeno popper filling with perfectly seasoned smashed beef patties cooked on a hot skillet. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a hint of honey for sweetness, these juicy burgers deliver a spicy, savory, and slightly sweet taste explosion that’s perfect for any burger lover.
Ingredients
Jalapeno Popper Topping
- 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- ½ small jalapeno (diced)
- ½ teaspoon salt
Burgers
- 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ small onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper (plus more to taste)
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 hamburger buns (toasted with butter on a hot skillet)
- 8 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- Honey (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Make the popper topping: In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, mayonnaise, diced jalapeno, and salt. Stir thoroughly until well mixed. Taste and add extra jalapeno if you prefer more heat. This topping can be prepared 3-4 days in advance; bring it to room temperature before using for optimal melting on the burgers.
- Prepare the burger mixture: Place the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder into a mixing bowl. Use your hands to evenly distribute the seasoning throughout the meat.
- Portion the meat: Divide the seasoned ground beef into 8 equal balls, approximately 2 ounces each, to ensure even cooking and perfect burger size.
- Preheat cooking surface: Heat a large cast iron skillet or flat top griddle over high heat until it reaches around 450°F (232°C), ensuring it is very hot for proper searing.
- Prepare onions: Thinly slice the half onion while the cooking surface heats. For each burger spot on the skillet or grill, add a small amount of butter and place a few onion slices on top. Allow onions to cook for about 1 minute to lightly brown.
- Cook burgers: Place the beef balls directly over the onions and immediately smash each ball down with a burger press or two large spatulas. Use a piece of parchment or wax paper between the press and the meat to prevent sticking. Smash the patties thin, making them slightly larger than the buns because they will shrink during cooking.
- Season and brown: Sprinkle the smashed patties with salt and cracked pepper. Let cook for about 1 minute until the edges are browned and the tops change to a grayish color.
- Flip and add cheese: Flip the patties, season again with salt and pepper. Place a slice of cheddar cheese on 4 of the patties, then stack the non-cheese patties on top to create double-layered burgers with cheese in the center.
- Assemble the burgers: Place each burger stack on the toasted bun bottom. Spoon a generous amount of the jalapeno popper filling over the burgers. Drizzle a thin swirl of honey on the inside of the top bun to add sweetness and help the bacon stick.
- Add bacon and finish: Press the honey-coated top bun into the crumbled bacon to coat it well; alternatively, press the bacon directly into the jalapeno popper topping. Place the bun on top and serve the Jalapeno Popper Smash Burgers immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- The jalapeno popper topping can be made up to 3-4 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator; bring to room temperature before serving.
- Using parchment or wax paper when smashing the burgers prevents sticking and helps achieve a thin, even patty.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeno to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Cook bacon ahead of time and crumble for easy topping assembly.
- Ensure the skillet or grill is very hot before cooking burgers to get a perfect sear and caramelized edges.
- Use butter to toast buns on the skillet for added flavor and texture.
