Description
This Double-Decker Jalapeño Popper Smash Burger with Ranch Drizzle is a decadent and spicy twist on a classic smash burger. Featuring two layers of crispy, juicy beef patties with a creamy jalapeño cream cheese and cheddar filling, topped with crispy bacon, and drizzled with cool ranch dressing, all sandwiched in a toasted brioche bun. Perfect for those who love a flavorful burger with a spicy kick and creamy texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Burger Patties
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Jalapeño Cheese Mixture
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Toppings and Extras
- 8 slices bacon, cooked until crisp
- 4 brioche buns, toasted
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- Optional: sliced pickles or extra jalapeño rounds for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Jalapeño Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until evenly blended. Set aside.
- Form the Beef Balls: Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions and loosely roll each into a ball to prepare for smashing.
- Heat the Skillet or Griddle: Preheat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until hot and ready for cooking.
- Smash and Cook Patties: Place two beef balls onto the hot skillet. Using a spatula, firmly smash them into thin patties about 1/4-inch thick. Season each patty with salt and pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the edges are browned and crispy, then flip and cook the other side for the same amount of time. Repeat this process with the remaining beef balls.
- Assemble Double-Decker Patties: Spread a generous layer of the jalapeño cheese mixture over 4 of the cooked patties. Top each with a second patty to create double-decker burgers, sandwiching the cheesy jalapeño filling in between.
- Build the Burgers: Place each double-layered patty on a toasted brioche bun. Top each burger with 2 slices of crispy bacon and drizzle generously with ranch dressing. Add optional pickles or extra jalapeño slices as desired.
- Serve: Serve the burgers immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra heat, substitute fresh jalapeños with pickled jalapeños or add a drizzle of hot sauce on top.
- You can prepare the jalapeño popper filling ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to use to save time on assembly day.
- Use a cast-iron skillet or griddle for best results to get the perfect crispy edges on the smash patties.
- Ensure buns are toasted to prevent sogginess from the ranch drizzle.
