Spicy Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers

Turn up the heat with these Spicy Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers—thin, crispy-edged patties loaded with melty cheese, caramelized onions, and spicy jalapeños, all tucked into a toasted bun. These burgers bring bold flavor, irresistible texture, and just the right amount of fiery kick to your grill or stovetop. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re a guaranteed hit for burger night.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Big, Bold Flavor – Spicy, cheesy, savory, and satisfying all at once.
Crispy Edges – Smash-style patties caramelize beautifully for texture and taste.
Quick & Easy – From prep to plate in 30 minutes.
Custom Heat Level – Easily adjust the spice to your taste.
Grill or Stovetop Friendly – Works great on a griddle, cast iron skillet, or grill.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Smash Patties:

• 1½ lbs ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder

For the Jalapeño-Onion Mix:

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced (seeds in for heat, removed for milder taste)
• Pinch of salt

For Assembly:

• 4 brioche or potato buns (toasted)
• 4 slices cheddar cheese (or pepper jack for extra heat)
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp Dijon or spicy brown mustard
• Pickles or lettuce (optional, for texture and freshness)

Tools You’ll Need

• Cast iron skillet or flat-top griddle
• Spatula or burger press
• Knife and cutting board
• Mixing bowls
• Butter knife for spreading condiments

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Jalapeño-Onion Topping

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add sliced onions and jalapeños with a pinch of salt.
3. Sauté for 8–10 minutes, stirring often, until onions are caramelized and jalapeños are slightly softened.
4. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Form & Season the Beef

1. Divide the ground beef into 8 equal balls (about 3 oz each). Don’t overwork the meat.
2. Season each ball generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.

Step 3: Smash & Sear the Patties

1. Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over high heat until very hot.
2. Place two beef balls on the skillet at a time, leaving space between them.
3. Smash down each ball immediately with a spatula or burger press until thin (about ¼ inch thick). Hold for 10 seconds.
4. Sear for 2–3 minutes without moving, until the edges are crispy and browned.
5. Flip the patties, add a slice of cheese to one of them, and cook for 1 minute more.
6. Stack the second patty on top of the one with cheese. Repeat with remaining patties.

Step 4: Toast the Buns

1. While the burgers cook, toast your buns in a separate skillet or the oven for 1–2 minutes until golden brown.
2. Optionally butter them for extra flavor.

Step 5: Assemble the Smash Burgers

1. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard to create a quick burger sauce.
2. Spread sauce on the bottom and top buns.
3. Place your cheesy double smash patty on the bun, top with jalapeño-onion mix.
4. Add pickles or lettuce if desired.
5. Cap it with the top bun and serve hot.

Tips for Success
Use a Hot Skillet – A screaming hot surface gives those crispy edges and fast cook time.
Smash Immediately – Smash patties within 30 seconds of hitting the pan for best texture.
Don’t Overcrowd – Work in batches to ensure the patties cook evenly.
Thin Patties Cook Fast – Keep an eye on them—they only need about 3 minutes total.
Customize the Spice – Use more jalapeños or spicy mustard to increase the heat.

Serving Suggestions
Crispy Fries – Classic side for any burger.
Sweet Potato Wedges – A great sweet and spicy combo.
Corn Salad – Balances the heat with sweetness and crunch.
Iced Limeade – Refreshing contrast to the spiciness.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store patties separately from toppings in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze cooked patties for up to 2 months. Wrap individually in foil or parchment.

Reheating:
Skillet: Reheat patties in a hot skillet for 2–3 minutes per side.
Microwave: Reheat in short bursts (30 seconds) to avoid overcooking.
Oven: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground chicken or turkey?
Yes, but use a higher fat blend for juicier patties. You may need to cook them slightly longer.

2. What’s the best cheese for this burger?
Sharp cheddar or pepper jack are great. American cheese also melts beautifully if you prefer that classic burger flavor.

3. Can I grill these instead?
You can, but smash burgers cook best on a flat surface. If grilling, use a griddle plate on top of the grill grates.

4. Are they super spicy?
They’re mildly spicy with the jalapeños. You can adjust the heat by removing seeds or using fewer peppers.

5. Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the patties and toppings, store separately, and reheat when ready to assemble.

Final Thoughts
These Spicy Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers are the perfect combo of heat, flavor, and indulgence. Whether you’re firing them up for a summer BBQ, game day, or a casual dinner, they’re guaranteed to bring bold flavor and satisfy your burger cravings. The crispy edges, spicy toppings, and melty cheese will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Give them a try and let me know how spicy you make yours! Don’t forget to leave a review and tag your burger creations online—I can’t wait to see them!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Burger):
Calories: 580 | Protein: 30g | Carbohydrates: 24g | Fat: 40g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 720mg

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