Double-Decker Jalapeño Popper Smash Burger with Ranch Drizzle
A mouth-watering burger that combines the timeless flavors of jalapeño poppers with a juicy smash burger, all topped with a creamy ranch drizzle.
Ingredients
For the Burgers
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 4 jalapeños, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Ranch Drizzle
- ½ cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For Assembly
- 4 brioche burger buns
- Lettuce leaves
- Sliced tomatoes
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all ingredients and set them out to streamline your cooking process. Ensuring easy access will help keep things moving smoothly!
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, chopped jalapeños, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat to keep it tender.
- Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape into thin patties, slightly larger than the buns, as they will shrink during cooking.
Cooking
- Heat your grill or skillet over high heat, aiming for about 450°F.
- Place four patties on the grill or skillet, smashing them down slightly with a spatula. Cook for about 2-3 minutes without moving them.
- Flip the patties and add the remaining four. The key is to create that crispy outer layer!
- In the final minute of cooking, place additional cheddar cheese atop each patty and cover to melt the cheese.
Assembly
- While the burgers are cooking, mix ranch dressing, lime juice, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste!
- Toast the buns for extra crunch. Layer lettuce, a sliced tomato, and two patties per bun. Drizzle your ranch dressing generously and serve immediately.
Notes
For a lighter option, use ground turkey or plant-based meat. You can substitute jalapeños with roasted red peppers for a milder flavor. Leftover patties can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, reheating gently on the stovetop.