Bacon Jalapeño Smash Burger

If you’re craving a burger with bold flavors, crispy textures, and just the right amount of heat, this Bacon Jalapeño Smash Burger is the perfect choice. The combination of juicy, caramelized beef patties, smoky bacon, and spicy jalapeños layered with melty pepper jack cheese creates an unforgettable burger experience. Cooked on a hot griddle to develop that signature smash burger crust, then stacked on a toasted brioche bun, this burger is both indulgent and incredibly easy to make.

The beauty of a smash burger is in its simplicity—smashing the beef patty onto a hot surface increases the crispiness while locking in the juices. Unlike thick patties that require longer cooking times, smash burgers cook in just a few minutes, making them a great choice for a fast, flavorful meal. Pair them with fries, onion rings, or a fresh salad, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality burger right in your own kitchen.

What Makes a Smash Burger Different?

Smash burgers are all about maximizing surface area to create a crispy, golden crust. Unlike traditional burgers that are gently shaped into thick patties, smash burgers start as loosely packed balls of beef that are pressed firmly onto a hot griddle. This technique enhances the Maillard reaction—a chemical process that occurs when proteins and sugars brown under high heat—resulting in an intense depth of flavor and an irresistible crunch. The thin patties cook quickly, making them incredibly juicy despite their crispy exterior.

Why Use Brioche Buns?

Brioche buns are the ideal choice for smash burgers because of their light, buttery texture and slightly sweet flavor. Unlike dense burger buns, brioche is soft enough to complement the crispiness of the beef while sturdy enough to hold up to the juicy toppings without falling apart. Their slightly golden, glossy exterior adds an extra touch of indulgence, making each bite feel like a gourmet experience. Lightly toasting the buns enhances their flavor and keeps them from getting soggy when the burger is assembled.

Can I Make This Without a Griddle?

Yes! While a griddle is the best tool for making multiple smash burgers at once, you can also achieve great results using a cast-iron skillet. The key is to make sure your skillet is **preheated to high heat** before adding the beef. A well-heated cast-iron pan will create the same crispy sear and lock in all the juices, just like a griddle. If using a regular nonstick pan, you may not get the same level of browning, so cast-iron is highly recommended for the best results. Lets dive into this Bacon Jalapeño Smash Burger recipe!

Ingredients

For the Burgers:

• 2 lb ground beef (80% lean)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 6 brioche burger buns

For the Toppings:

• 8 slices of bacon
• 1-2 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced (adjust for heat preference)
• 12 slices pepper jack cheese

For the Smash Burger Sauce:

• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1 tbsp pickle relish (optional)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Smash Burger Sauce:

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish (if using), garlic powder, smoked paprika, hot sauce (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until smooth. This sauce adds a tangy, smoky kick to the burgers, balancing out the richness of the beef, bacon, and cheese. Let it rest in the refrigerator while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

Cook the Bacon & Sauté the Veggies:

Heat a griddle or a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Lay the bacon strips on the hot surface and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, flipping occasionally, until crispy. Remove from the pan and place the bacon on paper towels to drain excess grease. In the same pan, add the sliced jalapeños and red onions. Cook them in the rendered bacon fat for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and become slightly charred. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.

Form & Season the Burger Patties:

Divide the ground beef into 6 equal portions and roll each one into a loose ball. The key to a great smash burger is keeping the beef loosely packed, which allows for a better texture when pressed onto the griddle. Lightly season each ball with salt and pepper on all sides.

Smash & Cook the Burgers:

Preheat your griddle or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it’s very hot. Place each beef ball onto the griddle and immediately press down firmly with a spatula or a burger press. Hold it down for about 5-10 seconds to flatten the patty and create a crispy crust. The more contact the patty has with the surface, the better the sear. Let it cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms. Use a spatula to carefully flip the patty, then cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side. During the last 30 seconds, place a slice of pepper jack cheese on top of each patty so it melts perfectly.

Toast the Brioche Buns:

While the burgers cook, lightly butter the brioche buns and place them face down on the griddle or in a separate pan. Toast them for about 1-2 minutes, or until they develop a golden-brown crust.

Assemble the Burgers:

Spread a generous amount of the smash burger sauce on the bottom half of each toasted brioche bun. Place the cooked burger patty with melted cheese on top. Add crispy bacon slices, sautéed jalapeños, and caramelized red onions. If you like, layer on extra toppings like lettuce, tomato, or an additional slice of cheese.

Serve & Enjoy:

Place the top bun on each burger and press down slightly to hold everything together. Serve immediately with a side of crispy fries, onion rings, or a fresh salad. These burgers are best enjoyed hot while the cheese is melty and the flavors are at their peak. Dig in and enjoy every juicy, cheesy bite!

Notes

• For extra spice, use pickled jalapeños or increase the amount of hot sauce in the burger sauce.
• If you prefer a thicker burger, use larger portions of ground beef and press down slightly less when smashing.
• Leftover burger patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture.

The Bacon Jalapeño Smash Burger is the perfect blend of bold flavors, crispy textures, and just the right amount of heat. With its juicy, caramelized beef, smoky bacon, and spicy jalapeños layered under melty pepper jack cheese, every bite is packed with flavor. The buttery brioche bun holds everything together, while the homemade smash burger sauce adds a creamy, tangy kick.

Whether you’re making these for a casual weeknight meal, a backyard cookout, or game day, these burgers are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The quick cooking time and simple ingredients make them an easy go-to whenever a burger craving hits. Pair them with fries, onion rings, or a fresh salad for the ultimate meal.

Give this recipe a try and enjoy the unbeatable combination of crispy, cheesy, and spicy goodness. Once you take that first bite, you’ll never look at burgers the same way again! 🍔🔥