Description
Smash Cheeseburger
If you love spicy food, this Smash Cheeseburger with jalapeños & hot sauce will set your taste buds on fire!
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
4 slices pepper jack cheese
2 brioche buns
1 small onion, sliced
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tbsp spicy burger sauce
2 tbsp jalapeños, sliced
1 tsp hot sauce
Salt & black pepper
Instructions:
Caramelize onions in butter.
Toast buns until crispy.
Smash beef balls onto a hot pan, cook for 2 minutes.
Flip, add pepper jack cheese, let it melt.
Layer with spicy sauce & jalapeños.
Assemble burger with onions, extra hot sauce, and enjoy the heat!
Spicy lovers, where you at? Who’s trying this?
#SpicySmashBurger
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Caramelize the Onions: Melt butter in a pan over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until deeply golden and sweet. Set aside.
2. Prepare Patties: Divide the 1 lb ground beef into 4 equal balls (about 4 oz each). Do not overwork the meat. Season generously with salt and black pepper just before cooking.
3. Toast the Buns: In a separate pan or on a griddle, toast the cut sides of the brioche buns until golden and crispy. Set aside.
4. Smash the Burgers: Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy pan over high heat with vegetable oil. Place two beef balls in the hot pan. Immediately use a sturdy, flat spatula and a second tool (like another spatula or a pot) to press down HARD on each ball, smashing them into thin, wide patties. Cook for 2 minutes without moving.
5. Flip and Cheese: Use a sharp-edged spatula to scrape under the patties and flip them. Immediately place a slice of pepper jack cheese on each patty. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until cheese is melted and edges are crispy.
6. Assemble: Spread spicy burger sauce on the bottom bun. Place two cheesy patties on top. Add caramelized onions and sliced jalapeños. Drizzle with hot sauce. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these fiery smash burgers with cooling sides to balance the heat. Crispy french fries, sweet potato fries, or a simple side salad with a creamy ranch dressing work perfectly. For an extra kick, serve with additional hot sauce and pickled jalapeños on the side. A cold beer or a creamy milkshake is the ideal beverage to complement the spice.
How-to Summary
To make a Spicy Smash Cheeseburger: slowly caramelize onions, toast brioche buns, form beef into balls. On a scorching hot pan, smash the balls into thin patties and cook for 2 minutes. Flip, add pepper jack cheese to melt, then assemble on the bun with spicy sauce, jalapeños, caramelized onions, and a final drizzle of hot sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, while pepper jack adds spice, Monterey Jack, cheddar, or American cheese are great melty alternatives. For maximum heat, try a habanero jack cheese.
2. What if I don’t have a cast-iron skillet? Any heavy-bottomed pan that retains high heat will work. A flat griddle is also excellent for cooking multiple patties at once.
3. How do I prevent the burger from sticking when I smash it? Ensure your pan and oil are very hot before adding the meat ball. Press down firmly and decisively in one motion. A good metal spatula is essential for scraping up the crispy crust.
4. Can I make the patties ahead of time? It’s not recommended. For the best texture and crust, form the balls just before smashing. Pre-formed paties will steam rather than sear.
5. How can I adjust the spice level? Control the heat by using mild cheese, reducing or omitting the hot sauce, and using pickled jalapeños (which are often milder) instead of fresh.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overworking the Meat: Handling the beef too much creates a dense, tough patty. Gently form balls without compacting.
- Smashing Too Late: You must smash the ball immediately upon placing it in the hot pan to get the proper sear and crust.
- Using Lean Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef. The fat is crucial for flavor, juiciness, and creating the perfect crispy edge.
- Moving the Patty: After smashing, let the patty cook undisturbed for the full 2 minutes to develop a proper crust.
- Overloading the Burger: While toppings are great, too many can make the burger sloppy and difficult to eat. Layer strategically.
Conclusion
This Spicy Smash Cheeseburger is a masterclass in balancing intense heat with rich, savory flavors. The technique of smashing the patty creates an irreplaceable crispy crust that locks in juices, forming the perfect canvas for melty pepper jack cheese and fiery jalapeños. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can easily recreate this gourmet spicy burger experience at home. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for anyone who loves bold, unforgettable flavor. So fire up that skillet and get ready to smash your way to burger perfection.
