Description
These smash burgers combine a crispy, juicy patty with spicy jalapeños and melty pepper jack cheese for a quick, flavorful dinner that’s both satisfying and fun.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 2 medium fresh jalapeños, seeds removed if less heat, diced finely
- 4 slices pepper jack cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 soft hamburger buns (brioche or potato buns recommended)
- 2 tbsp (28 g) butter
- Optional toppings: sliced red onions, lettuce, tomato slices, pickled jalapeños
Instructions
- Prepare the Jalapeño Mayo Spread: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup mayonnaise with 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Prep the Jalapeños: Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise, remove seeds if you prefer less heat, then finely dice. Set aside.
- Form the Beef Balls: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions, gently rolling each into a loose ball—don’t overwork the meat.
- Heat the Skillet: Place your cast iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat and let it get very hot.
- Toast the Buns: Spread butter on the cut sides of the buns. Toast them in a separate pan or oven until golden and crisp.
- Smash and Cook the Patties: Place a beef ball in the hot skillet. Using your spatula, press down firmly to flatten it into a thin patty about 1/4 inch thick. Season with salt and pepper immediately. Cook for 2-3 minutes until edges are brown and crispy.
- Flip and Add Cheese & Jalapeños: Flip the patty and immediately place a slice of pepper jack cheese on top along with a sprinkle of diced jalapeños. Cook another 2 minutes until cheese is melted and the burger is cooked through but still juicy.
- Assemble the Burgers: Spread a generous amount of jalapeño mayo on the toasted buns. Place the cooked patties on the bottom bun, add optional toppings like lettuce or tomato, then top with the bun’s crown.
Notes
Use cold beef for best crust formation. Don’t overwork the meat to keep patties tender. Smash quickly and season immediately after smashing. Add cheese right after flipping. Let burgers rest briefly before assembling. If pan smokes too much, lower heat. Scrape crispy bits for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: One burger with bun
- Calories: 550
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 35
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: jalapeño popper smash burgers, spicy burgers, smash burgers, pepper jack cheese burgers, quick dinner, easy burger recipe, spicy dinner