Description
This Double-Decker Jalapeño Popper Smash Burger with Ranch Drizzle is a flavorful twist on the classic smash burger. Featuring crispy, cheesy beef patties stacked with a creamy, spicy jalapeño popper filling and finished with a cool ranch drizzle, this juicy burger delivers layers of bold taste and texture in every bite. Perfect for a quick and indulgent dinner that serves four.
Ingredients
Scale
Burger Patties
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- Butter or oil for cooking
- Salt and pepper to taste
Jalapeño Popper Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 4 jalapeños, sliced and deseeded (optional for less heat)
Assembly & Toppings
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- Lettuce (optional)
- Tomato slices (optional)
- Pickles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Jalapeño Popper Filling: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, crumbled bacon, and sliced jalapeños. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is well blended to create the spicy, creamy filling.
- Form Beef Balls: Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions and loosely shape each into balls to ensure even, thin patties once smashed.
- Heat Cooking Surface: Preheat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of butter or oil to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Smash Patties: Place two beef balls on the hot griddle and use a spatula to smash them flat into thin patties. Season each patty with salt and pepper.
- Cook Patties: Let patties cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until the edges become crispy and browned, then flip them over carefully.
- Add Cheese: Immediately lay a slice of cheddar cheese on each flipped patty and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts beautifully.
- Layer Filling on Bun: Spread a generous layer of the jalapeño popper filling onto the bottom half of each toasted hamburger bun.
- Assemble Burger: Stack two cheesy patties on top of the jalapeño popper filling on each bun. Add optional toppings such as lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles for extra freshness and crunch.
- Drizzle Ranch Dressing: Spoon ranch dressing over the top patty to add a creamy, tangy finish to the burger.
- Complete and Serve: Place the top bun over the stacked ingredients to complete the burger. Repeat the process for remaining servings and serve immediately for maximum flavor.
Notes
- For less heat, remove all seeds and membranes from jalapeños, or omit them if preferred.
- Use a spatula or a burger press to ensure patties are smashed thin and evenly.
- Toast the buns to add extra texture and prevent sogginess from the creamy filling.
- Feel free to swap cheddar for another melting cheese like pepper jack for extra spice.
- Leftover jalapeño popper filling can also be used as a dip or spread on sandwiches.
