Why You’ll Love This Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burger
- Quick to Make: Perfect for a weeknight meal or a weekend cookout.
- Bold Flavors: The spicy jalapeños and sweet caramelized onions balance each other beautifully.
- Crispy Edges: Smash burgers cook quickly, giving you those delicious crispy edges.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level or toppings to make it your own.
Tools You’ll Need
- Small skillet: To sauté the onions and jalapeños.
- Large cast iron skillet or griddle: For perfect searing.
- Spatula: A sturdy one for smashing the patties.
Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burger
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
There’s something irresistible about the smoky, spicy, and savory flavors packed into this Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burger. With its crispy edges, melted cheese, and a bold topping of jalapeños and caramelized onions, it’s the perfect burger for a fun, flavorful meal. This recipe is quick to prepare and guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Patties:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Toppings:
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1–2 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 4 slices cheddar or American cheese
- 4 burger buns, toasted
Optional Add-Ons:
- Lettuce, tomato, or pickles for extra crunch
- Chipotle mayo or your favorite burger sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Toppings
- Heat the butter and olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and sauté for 6-8 minutes until softened and golden brown.
- Toss in the sliced jalapeños and cook for 2-3 more minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Patties
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and loosely shape them into balls. Do not overwork the meat.
- Heat the cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot.
- Place the beef balls on the skillet and smash them flat using a spatula (use parchment paper between the spatula and meat to prevent sticking).
- Season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes until crispy. Flip, add a slice of cheese to each patty, and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble the Burgers
- Toast the burger buns on the skillet until lightly golden.
- Spread chipotle mayo or your preferred sauce on the bottom bun.
- Add the cooked patty with melted cheese, then pile on the sautéed onions and jalapeños.
- Top with any additional desired toppings, then crown with the top bun.
Notes
- Use High-Quality Beef: An 80/20 blend ensures juiciness and flavor.
- Smash Quickly: Press down on the patties right after placing them in the skillet to get those crispy edges.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Remove the seeds from the jalapeños for a milder heat or add pickled jalapeños for extra tang.
- Don’t Skip the Bun Toasting: A lightly toasted bun prevents sogginess and adds a nice crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Storage Instructions
- Store leftover patties and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat the patties on a skillet to maintain their crispy edges, and warm the onions and jalapeños in the microwave or stovetop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I make this burger vegetarian?
A: Yes! Use a plant-based patty and vegan cheese. The caramelized onions and jalapeños will still bring bold flavor.
Q2: Can I grill the burgers instead of cooking on a skillet?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure to preheat the grill and oil the grates well.
Q3: How can I make these spicier?
A: Add more jalapeños, use habaneros instead, or mix some hot sauce into the burger sauce.
Conclusion: A Burger Worth Smashing!
This Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burger is everything a burger should be—crispy, cheesy, and bursting with bold flavors. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or simply craving a homemade burger night, this recipe will hit the spot every time!
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 33g
Did you make this recipe? Share your photos and tag us on social media! We’d love to see your sizzling creations. Enjoy!
