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Jalapeno Smash Burgers

Featured in: Bold Recipes from the Grill

Enjoy rich flavors with thin, crisp-edged patties, melty American cheese, caramelized jalapeños and onions, and a creamy burger sauce.

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Updated on Sun, 27 Apr 2025 16:20:16 GMT
Close view of a hearty burger with crispy edges, melted cheese, jalapeños, brown onions, and sauce on a toasted bun. Pin it
Close view of a hearty burger with crispy edges, melted cheese, jalapeños, brown onions, and sauce on a toasted bun. | cookingkitchn.com

Mouth-Watering Spicy Smash Burgers with Jalapeños and Caramelized Onions

I stumbled upon this fiery creation after countless kitchen tests, and it quickly became our household's top pick. Every mouthful delivers an amazing taste explosion thanks to spicy jalapeños and caramelized onions tucked beneath a crunchy beef patty. Whenever I make these at gatherings, friends constantly ask me how I make them, and they've now earned a permanent spot in our weekend meal plans.

What Makes These Burgers Irresistible

The real trick happens as the jalapeños and onions simmer directly under the meat, absorbing all the tasty drippings. I adore how the cheese turns wonderfully gooey and the buns get that nice golden touch. And guess what? You can whip up these diner-quality burgers at home without any special tools. My kids enjoy the milder version while my husband goes for extra heat, so I typically make both variations.

Basic Ingredients for Knockout Taste

  • Ground Beef: Pick 80/20 fat content for super moist and tasty patties.
  • Fresh Jalapeños: Look for firm, vibrant green ones for the best snap and spiciness.
  • Sweet Onions: Try Maui or Vidalia types as their sweetness cuts through the heat nicely.
  • American Cheese: This traditional option melts perfectly into every crispy bit.
  • Burger Sauce: My unique mix of mayonnaise, ketchup and spices really completes these burgers.
  • Potato Buns: They're tender but tough enough to handle all the juiciness.
  • Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that let the burger flavors stand out.

Stove to Plate Directions

First, mix up my burger sauce - our family blend of smooth mayo, zesty ketchup and a dash of Worcestershire. Let it cool while heating your cooking surface. I always grab my cast iron pan for the ultimate crust. Cook your jalapeños and onions until they turn soft and sweet. Now comes the exciting part - smashing meat balls right on top of those veggies. That sizzling sound makes me happy every time! When the edges get crunchy, turn them over and watch that cheese melt everywhere.

My Proven Burger Tips

After many burger nights, I've found that a heavy metal spatula works wonders for pressing those patties. Don't rush - wait for those edges to get properly crunchy before you flip. Got both spice fans and mild eaters? Here's my solution: take out the jalapeño seeds for a gentler kick. And don't forget to toast your buns so they can handle all that juicy goodness without falling apart.

A delicious cheeseburger stacked with two beef patties, jalapeños, grilled onions, and a creamy sauce, served on a toasted bun. Pin it
A delicious cheeseburger stacked with two beef patties, jalapeños, grilled onions, and a creamy sauce, served on a toasted bun. | cookingkitchn.com

Enjoying Your Burger Creation

At our place, we always pair these burgers with crunchy oven fries or a quick summer salad. When it's sunny, we take them outside with cold drinks - the perfect way to cool down from that spicy kick. If you somehow have extras - which almost never happens at my house - store everything separately and warm the patties in a hot pan to bring back their crunch.

Lessons from My Cooking Journey

Through the years, I've learned some key burger secrets. Mixing different beef types really boosts the flavor. Always handle your meat gently - you just need one good smash. And just like with steaks, letting burgers sit briefly keeps all those tasty juices inside. These small touches transform an ordinary burger into something truly unforgettable.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What’s the point of smashing burgers?

Pressing burgers down helps create crunchy edges while locking in juicy flavor inside.

→ Why choose American cheese?

Great melting ability and brings classic creamy flavor to burgers.

→ How can I cut back the spiciness?

Dial it down by using fewer jalapeños or skipping their seeds.

→ Why is preheating the pan important?

Hot surfaces give burgers a proper sear and avoid sticking.

→ Do I need special tools to smash burgers?

Nope! A sturdy spatula and parchment paper do the trick just fine.

Jalapeno Smash Burgers

Mouthwatering smash burgers layered with cheese, spicy jalapeños, and browned onions. Topped with a creamy sauce on a soft bun.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Sophia

Category: Grilled Goodness

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 4 burger buns.
02 1 large onion, thinly sliced.
03 3/4 teaspoon black pepper.
04 3 tablespoons mayo.
05 1 teaspoon Worcestershire.
06 1 1/2 pounds of ground beef (80/20 blend).
07 1 large jalapeño, cut into thin rings.
08 1 teaspoon canola oil.
09 4 slices of American cheese.
10 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt.
11 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
12 1/4 teaspoon salt (kosher).
13 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder.
14 1 1/2 tablespoons ketchup.

Instructions

Step 01

In a small dish, stir together mayo, Worcestershire, ketchup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

Step 02

With a gentle touch, split ground beef into eight portions of 3 ounces each, lightly shaping into balls.

Step 03

Get your cast iron surface blazing hot, around 450-500°F, using a stovetop or outdoor grill.

Step 04

Cut out 3-inch parchment squares and have them handy for pressing patties.

Step 05

Splash some oil onto the hot griddle and set up mounds of onion slices (quartered cups each).

Step 06

Scatter jalapeño rings on top of each onion pile, then sprinkle a mix of salt and pepper over them.

Step 07

Let the onion and jalapeño piles cook undisturbed for about 30-60 seconds until they char slightly.

Step 08

Pop one ball of ground beef on each onion pile, then cover the meat with a square of parchment paper.

Step 09

Use a sturdy spatula or burger press to flatten the beef into thin patties, roughly four inches wide.

Step 10

Dust the flattened beef patties with the leftover salt-and-pepper blend.

Step 11

Leave patties alone for 2 to 3 minutes until their edges crisp up and turn golden brown.

Step 12

Turn the patties over carefully so the jalapeño-onion topping now sits on top.

Step 13

Lay a slice of cheese on four patties and let them cook another 1.5 to 2 minutes until things get melty.

Step 14

Pair a plain patty with a cheesed patty to create four stacks of double burgers.

Step 15

Slather your sauce on toasted buns and pair with burgers while they're fresh and hot.

Notes

  1. Crunchy, caramelized edges.
  2. Delivers a spicy twist.
  3. Top-notch method for cooking.
  4. Replicates restaurant results.

Tools You'll Need

  • Heavy cast iron skillet or griddle.
  • Reliable spatula.
  • Squares of parchment paper.
  • Mixing bowl for sauces.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy (cheese).
  • Contains eggs (mayo).
  • Includes wheat (hamburger buns).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 650
  • Total Fat: 42 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 38 g