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Double-Decker Jalapeño Smash

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

This double-layered smash burger integrates a creamy jalapeño popper filling made from diced jalapeños, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Ground beef patties are formed thinly and filled before sealing edges for a satisfying double-decker bite. Cooked to desired doneness, the patties are topped with crispy bacon and finished with fresh lettuce and a cool ranch drizzle on toasted buns. Each layer offers a blend of spicy, creamy, and savory notes that make this dish a standout option for those craving a richly textured, flavorful burger experience.

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Lili Clark smiling at the camera.
Created By Lili Clark
Updated on Thu, 27 Nov 2025 00:08:34 GMT
A double-decker jalapeño popper smash burger with ranch drizzle. Save
A double-decker jalapeño popper smash burger with ranch drizzle. | lilicooks.com

This Double-Decker Jalapeño Popper Smash Burger with Ranch Drizzle is the perfect indulgence when you want a burger that packs a punch of flavor and texture. It combines creamy jalapeño popper filling with juicy double-layered patties and crispy bacon, all brought together with a cool ranch drizzle that balances the heat. This recipe is for anyone who loves a little spice alongside classic burger goodness.

I first made this burger when friends came over and it instantly became the star of the night. Now it’s the go-to when I want a flavorful burger that feels special but doesn’t take all day.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: Choose good quality beef with around 80 percent lean for juicy, flavorful patties
  • Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños add real heat, adjust amount to your spice preference
  • Cream cheese: Offers creamy richness that contrasts the heat of the jalapeños
  • Cheddar cheese: Melted cheddar brings sharpness and gooey texture, use aged cheddar for extra flavor
  • Bacon: Adds salty crunch, look for thick-cut for a satisfying bite
  • Buns: Soft yet sturdy buns will hold all the layers without falling apart
  • Ranch dressing: Creamy ranch cools down the spice and adds fresh herb flavor
  • Lettuce: Crisp lettuce adds freshness and crunch essential for balancing the rich burger

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the filling:
Mix cream cheese with diced jalapeños and shredded cheddar to create the popper filling. Make sure the jalapeños are finely chopped for even heat distribution.
Form and fill patties:
Divide the ground beef into thin patties. Place a spoonful of the jalapeño popper filling onto half of the patties. Cover each filled patty with another patty and press and seal the edges well to hold the filling inside during cooking.
Cook patties:
Heat a skillet or grill on medium-high and cook the double-decker patties until they reach your favorite doneness. Cooking time will be about 4 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
Prepare bacon and buns:
While patties cook, fry bacon until crispy. Toast buns lightly on the grill or in a toaster for extra flavor and crunch.
Assemble burgers:
Start with lettuce on the bottom bun, add a cooked patty, place crispy bacon on top, then drizzle ranch dressing generously before closing with the top bun.
A double-decker jalapeño popper smash burger with ranch drizzle. Save
A double-decker jalapeño popper smash burger with ranch drizzle. | lilicooks.com

I love how the jalapeño popper filling sneaks in creamy bites with a spicy kick familiar to fans of the classic appetizer. Once at a weekend cookout, these burgers disappeared faster than I could flip them and everyone asked for the recipe.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the patties before cooking and thaw fully in the fridge before use. Buns are best kept separate and toasted fresh for the best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter burger experience. Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar if you want more spice. If you’re avoiding bacon, crispy fried onions make a great smoky substitute.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these burgers with classic crispy fries, onion rings, or a cool coleslaw that will complement the rich and spicy flavors. A simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette will keep the meal fresh.

Cultural Context

Smash burgers are beloved for their high-heat cooking technique that creates a caramelized crust. Combining this with jalapeño poppers—a popular spicy appetizer—makes for a fusion of American comfort classics that a crowd can enjoy, especially when grilling season arrives.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can this be made vegetarian?

Yes, ground beef can be replaced with plant-based patties and bacon omitted to create a vegetarian take that still highlights the spicy jalapeño popper filling.

→ How do I prepare the jalapeño popper filling?

Mix diced jalapeños, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese until well combined for a creamy, spicy filling.

→ What cooking method works best for the patties?

Cooking the patties on a hot skillet or grill ensures a crisp exterior while sealing in the creamy popper filling inside.

→ Can the filling be prepared ahead of time?

Absolutely, the jalapeño popper filling can be made in advance and stored chilled until ready to assemble the patties.

→ What sides pair well with this burger?

Crispy fries, onion rings, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad complement the bold flavors and textures beautifully.

Double-Decker Jalapeño Smash

Bold jalapeño popper filling nestled inside double-decker smash patties with crispy bacon and ranch drizzle.

Preparation Time
20 min
Cooking Time
20 min
Overall Time
40 min
Created By: Lili Clark

Category: Dinner

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 2 Serves (2 double-decker smash burgers)

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

→ Proteins

01 1 lb ground beef
02 4 slices bacon

→ Cheese and Filling

03 4 oz cream cheese, softened
04 ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

→ Vegetables

05 2 jalapeños, diced
06 2 leaves lettuce

→ Bakery

07 2 burger buns

→ Condiments

08 2 tbsp ranch dressing

Steps

Step 01

Combine softened cream cheese, diced jalapeños, and shredded cheddar cheese in a mixing bowl until evenly blended.

Step 02

Shape ground beef into eight thin patties. Place a spoonful of the jalapeño popper filling onto the center of four patties, then top each with a second patty and press edges firmly to seal.

Step 03

Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat and cook patties until they reach desired doneness, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.

Step 04

While patties cook, fry bacon slices in a separate pan until crisp. Drain on paper towels and set aside.

Step 05

Lightly toast burger buns. Assemble by layering lettuce on bottom bun, then place cooked double-decker patty, top with crispy bacon, drizzle ranch dressing, and cap with top bun.

Step 06

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the layered flavors and textures.

Tips

  1. Seal patty edges tightly to prevent filling leakage during cooking. Adjust jalapeño quantity to manage heat level.
  2. Use fresh ingredients for optimal flavor and serve with crisp fries or salad for a complete meal.

Required Tools

  • Skillet or grill
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy and gluten. Contains pork.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 760
  • Fats: 42 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Proteins: 45 g