Smash Burgers with Jalapeño-Pimiento Cheese Recipe: A Tasty Twist On a Classic

You'll flip over these juicy inside, crispy outside spiced-up patties

Smash burgers have been around for decades, but they really became popular after the opening of the fast-food chain Smashburger in the early 2000s. The patties are thin yet moist inside and crispy outside. While I love love fat juicy burgers, this Smash Burgers with Jalapeño-Pimento Cheese recipe has become a new favorite. And our tangy sauce takes it over the top.

What makes a smash burger different from the classic? Regular hamburgers are formed into smooth discs before cooking. For smash burgers, ground beef is loosely rolled into a ball, placed on a sizzling skillet, then flattened with a spatula to form a thin patty. As the meat firmly comes in contact with high heat, the surface sears, locks in juices and forms a delicious crisp crust. Plus, the edges get slightly craggily, which allows for even more crunchy bits. Try it for yourself, then let us know – are you a smash burger convert?

• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup canned pickled jalapeños, drained
• 1/4 cup cream cheese, at room temp.
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tsp. hot sauce (preferably Tabasco or Crystal)
• 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp. + 2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp. + 1 Tbs. kosher salt
• 2 lbs. ground beef
• 6 sesame-seed burger buns, split
• 2 vine-ripened tomatoes, sliced and 6 lettuce leaves (optional)

Instructions

• Mix Jack cheese, jalapeños, cream cheese, mayonnaise, Tabasco, Worcestershire, 1/2 tsp. pepper and 1/2 tsp. salt. Cover; chill until ready to use.

• Heat large cast-iron skillet over high heat. Divide beef into 6 balls; season with remaining salt and pepper. Place in skillet; with spatula, firmly press to 1/2”-thick patties. Cook 4 min.; flip. Place about 1/4 cup jalapeño cheese on each burger. Cover; cook until cheese melts, 2–3 min. Serve burgers on buns. If desired, add tomato slices and lettuce.

Nutrition

• Calories: 520
• Fat: 24 gram
• Saturated Fat: 9 gram
• Protein: 44 gram
• Carbohydrate: 32 Gram
• Fiber: 2 gram
• Cholesterol: 120 mg
• Sugar: 4 gram
• Sodium: 1140 mg