Description
This Double-Decker Jalapeño Popper Smash Burger with Ranch Drizzle combines crispy smashed beef patties layered with pepper jack and cheddar cheeses, creamy bacon-infused cream cheese, and spicy pickled jalapeños for a bold and satisfying flavor experience. The toasted brioche buns and a smooth ranch dressing finish this hearty American classic, perfect for spice lovers and burger enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Patties
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Cheese
- 4 slices pepper jack cheese
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
Toppings and Extras
- 8–10 pickled jalapeño slices
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup cooked bacon bits
- ¼ cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives (optional)
Buns
- 4 brioche burger buns, toasted
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the cooked bacon bits, mixing thoroughly. Set this aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Form the Beef Patties: Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions. Gently form each portion into loose balls without overworking the meat to maintain juiciness.
- Preheat and Oil the Cooking Surface: Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat and lightly oil it if necessary to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Patties: Place the beef balls on the hot surface and press down firmly with a spatula to flatten into thin patties. Season each patty evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook each side for 2–3 minutes until crispy edges form and the meat is browned well.
- Add Cheese: In the final minute of cooking, place cheddar cheese on half of the patties and pepper jack cheese on the other half. Let the cheese melt completely over the patties.
- Stack the Double-Decker Burgers: Carefully stack one cheddar cheese-covered patty on top of one pepper jack cheese patty to assemble the double-decker burger stacks.
- Assemble the Burgers: Spread the cream cheese and bacon mixture evenly on the bottom halves of the toasted brioche buns. Place the double-decker burger stack on top, then add pickled jalapeño slices. Drizzle with ranch dressing and finish with the top bun.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle chopped chives on top for freshness. Serve the burgers hot right off the griddle for best crispiness and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh jalapeños or add a splash of hot sauce to the ranch dressing for extra heat.
- These burgers are best enjoyed immediately after cooking to retain their crispy texture.
- If preferred, substitute brioche buns with your favorite burger buns, but toasting enhances flavor and prevents sogginess.
- For a milder version, reduce or omit jalapeños.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 780
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 52g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
