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Flavorful BBQ Bacon Jalapeño Cheeseburger Recipe with Crispy Smash Patty

BBQ Bacon Jalapeño Cheeseburger - featured image

A quick and easy burger recipe featuring crispy smash patties, smoky bacon, spicy jalapeños, and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for casual gatherings and weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 45 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 2 medium jalapeños, thinly sliced
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (60 ml)
  • 4 sturdy burger buns (brioche or potato buns preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, red onion rings

Instructions

  1. Cook bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain and set aside. Reserve bacon fat for flavor.
  2. Thinly slice 2 jalapeños, removing seeds if less heat is desired. Set aside.
  3. Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz / 115g each). Gently form into loose balls without overworking the meat.
  4. Heat a cast iron skillet on medium-high heat until very hot, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Place one beef ball into the hot skillet. Using a sturdy spatula, press down firmly to flatten the patty to about 1/4-inch (0.6 cm) thickness. Repeat with remaining patties, cooking 2 at a time if needed.
  6. Immediately season the exposed side with salt and pepper.
  7. Cook patties undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until edges brown and crisp.
  8. Flip patties carefully and immediately top each with a slice of cheddar cheese. Cook another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and patties reach desired doneness.
  9. While patties cook, spread softened butter on bun halves and toast on a separate pan or griddle until golden brown, about 1 minute per side.
  10. Assemble burgers by spreading BBQ sauce on the bottom bun, adding the cheesy patty, bacon slices, jalapeño slices, and any optional toppings. Cap with the top bun.

Notes

Do not press patties after the initial smash to keep them juicy. Keep skillet hot for a crispy crust. Use a wide spatula to flip patties to avoid breaking. Toast buns with butter to prevent sogginess. Add jalapeños fresh to maintain their snap and heat. Bacon fat can be used to add flavor to patties.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ burger, bacon cheeseburger, jalapeño burger, smash patty, quick burger recipe, spicy burger, crispy burger