Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burger

If bold, spicy, and juicy burgers are your thing, this Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burger is about to become your new favorite. With crispy caramelized onions, fiery jalapeños, and thin smashed patties seared to perfection, every bite packs a punch of flavor and texture. It’s the perfect combination of heat, crunch, and melty cheese—all stacked on a soft toasted bun.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Spicy & Flavorful – Jalapeños add the perfect kick without overwhelming.
Crispy Edges – Smash-style burgers give that irresistible caramelized crust.
Easy to Make – No grill needed—just a hot skillet and simple ingredients.
Stackable & Customizable – Load it up your way with cheese, sauces, and toppings.
Perfect for Burger Nights – A crowd-pleasing twist on the classic cheeseburger.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Smash Patties:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 4 slices cheddar cheese (or your favorite melty cheese)

For the Jalapeño-Onion Topping:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced (remove seeds for less heat)
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of sugar (helps caramelize the onions)

For Assembling:

• 4 burger buns (brioche or potato buns work great)
• 2 tbsp butter, for toasting buns
• Lettuce or arugula (optional)
• Tomato slices (optional)
• Burger sauce or mayo
• Pickles (optional)

Tools You’ll Need
Cast-iron skillet or flat griddle
Spatula (metal preferred for smashing)
Mixing bowl
Knife and cutting board
Small pan for onions
Butter knife or brush for buns

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Onions and Jalapeños

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add sliced onions and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add jalapeño slices, a pinch of salt, and sugar.
4. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes until onions are golden and jalapeños are softened.
5. Set aside and keep warm.

Step 2: Form and Season the Patties

1. Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each).
2. Roll each into a loose ball—no need to shape into patties yet.
3. Season the tops with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 3: Smash and Sear the Burgers

1. Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat until very hot.
2. Place 1 or 2 beef balls in the pan, spaced apart.
3. Immediately press down with a spatula (use parchment paper between the burger and spatula if needed) to flatten the patties thinly.
4. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the edges are deeply browned and crispy.
5. Flip and immediately top with cheese. Cook for 1-2 more minutes until cheese melts.
6. Repeat with remaining beef.

Step 4: Toast the Buns

1. In a clean pan or griddle, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Toast the cut sides of the buns until golden and crisp.

Step 5: Assemble the Burgers

1. Spread burger sauce or mayo on the bottom bun.
2. Layer on lettuce, tomato, or pickles if using.
3. Add a cheesy smash patty.
4. Top with a generous spoonful of the jalapeño-onion mixture.
5. Finish with the top bun and press lightly to set.
6. Serve hot with fries, chips, or a simple side salad.

Tips for the Best Smash Burger
Use High Heat – A hot pan is essential for that signature crispy crust.
Smash Quickly – Flatten as soon as the beef hits the pan.
Don’t Flip Too Soon – Let the crust form before flipping for maximum flavor.
Cheese It Up – Melt the cheese while the second side cooks for gooey perfection.
Customize the Heat – Adjust jalapeño quantity or remove seeds to control spice level.

Serving Suggestions
Sweet Potato Fries – The sweetness balances the burger’s spice.
Coleslaw – Adds crunch and creaminess to your plate.
Corn on the Cob – Grilled and buttery, it’s a classic BBQ side.
Iced Lemonade or Soda – Refreshing drinks cool down the spice.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftover patties and toppings separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze cooked patties between parchment sheets for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat patties in a skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side.
Microwave: Heat on low for 30 seconds at a time, covered to retain moisture.
Oven: Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes for even reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead?
   Yes, just be sure to oil the skillet well, as leaner meat can stick more.
2. How spicy are the jalapeños?
   They’re medium-hot. Remove seeds and membranes for a milder taste.
3. Can I add a second patty for a double smash burger?
   Absolutely! Just reduce the size of each patty slightly and stack them.
4. What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?
   A stainless steel or heavy non-stick skillet will work too—just get it very hot.
5. Can I make it dairy-free?
   Yes! Use a dairy-free cheese alternative and skip butter for toasting the buns.

Final Thoughts
This Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burger is the ultimate upgrade for burger night—juicy, spicy, and packed with flavor in every crunchy bite. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or grilling for friends, this burger brings serious heat and satisfaction.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your burgers turn out.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 520 | Protein: 29g | Carbohydrates: 26g | Fat: 34g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 610mg

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