Name: Jalapeño Popper Smash Burger with Ranch Burst Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend); 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; Pinch of salt; 3 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced; 4 slices cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup ranch dressing, chilled; 4 brioche buns; 2 tbsp butter; 4 lettuce leaves; 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

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Introduction

The Jalapeño Popper Smash Burger with Ranch Burst is a flavorful twist on the classic smash burger. Loaded with spicy jalapeños, creamy cheese, and a cool ranch drizzle, it’s sure to excite your taste buds and become a new favorite for burger night.

A close-up of a burger with five layers on a white plate with a white marbled background. The bottom layer is a soft, light tan grilled bun with green herbs scattered on it. Next is a creamy, light orange spread mixed with small bits of ingredients. On top of that sits a thick grilled beef patty covered with melted bright yellow cheddar cheese and sprinkled with chopped green herbs. Above the patty, there are green jalapeño slices, a crispy brown bacon strip, a slice of red tomato, and a creamy white sauce with green herbs spread under the top bun. The top layer is a shiny golden-brown bun sprinkled with white sesame seeds. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
3 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced
4 oz cream cheese, softened
4 slices cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 cup ranch dressing, chilled
4 brioche buns
2 tbsp butter
4 lettuce leaves
1 small red onion, thinly sliced

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with garlic powder and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Lightly butter the brioche buns and toast them in the skillet until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
Step 4: Divide the ground beef into loose 3-ounce balls. Place each ball on the hot skillet and smash thinly with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Cook the patties for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until crispy and cooked through. Place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty to melt before removing from the pan.
Step 6: Spread the cream cheese mixture generously on the bottom halves of the toasted buns.
Step 7: Assemble the burgers by layering the cheddar-topped patties, jalapeño slices, lettuce leaves, and red onion on the buns.
Step 8: Drizzle ranch dressing over the toppings, then cap with the top bun and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, char the jalapeños in the skillet before adding them to the burger.
Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a creamier, spicier flavor.
Use spicy ranch dressing or add a dash of hot sauce to the ranch for an extra kick.
Smash burgers over high heat to get the best crispy, caramelized edges.

Storage

Store any leftover patties and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Avoid storing assembled burgers to prevent sogginess. Reheat patties in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Toast buns briefly before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows open-faced mini burgers on a wooden board sprinkled with a white marbled background. Each burger has three visible layers: the bottom is a golden-brown toasted bun, the middle is a melted yellow-orange cheddar cheese with grilled brown beef patty on top, and the third layer is dark brown grilled onions. A spoon is placing a thick, creamy white mixture with visible green and orange bits over the grilled onions on the nearest burger. There are more burgers with the same layers blurred in the background, and part of a white plate with shredded orange and white food to the right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

It’s best to cook and assemble the burgers fresh for optimal texture and flavor. However, you can prepare the cream cheese mix and sliced jalapeños in advance.

What if I don’t have a cast-iron skillet?

A heavy-bottomed non-stick or stainless steel pan will work well. The key is to have a hot surface to get that signature crispy smash burger crust.