Fire Up the Grill for Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers: A Flavor Explosion You Can't Miss!

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There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of sinking your teeth into a perfectly crafted burger. But if you’re looking for a burger that’s not only juicy but packs a spicy punch, the Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burger is exactly what you need. Combining the fiery heat of jalapeños with the savory sweetness of grilled onions, these smash burgers are an ideal blend of bold flavors, all wrapped up in a crispy, cheesy package.

The magic of the Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burger lies in its simplicity and intensity. The key to getting that perfect crispy crust is in the “smash” technique, where beef balls are pressed directly onto the hot skillet, creating a seared exterior while keeping the inside juicy. Meanwhile, the jalapeños and onions provide a contrasting crunch and a burst of flavor with every bite.

This burger doesn’t stop at just beef and veggies, though. It’s topped with gooey melted cheese and slathered with a homemade burger sauce that balances out the spiciness with creamy richness. Whether you're making this recipe for a casual weeknight dinner or firing up the grill for a weekend cookout, the Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burger is sure to impress anyone with a love for bold, spicy flavors.

Recipe: Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 1/2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 1/2 pounds high-quality 80% lean ground beef
• 1 teaspoon canola oil
• 1 large yellow onion, very thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
• 1 large jalapeño chile, very thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup)
• 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 3/4 teaspoon black pepper, divided
• 4 American cheese slices
• 4 soft hamburger buns, split and toasted

Directions:

1. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate until ready to use.
2. Prepare the Beef: Divide the ground beef into eight equal portions, shaping each into a ball. Set aside.
3. Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill with a cast-iron skillet placed on top to high heat. Coat the skillet with canola oil.
4. Cook the Vegetables: Arrange small mounds of the thinly sliced onions on the skillet, then top each with jalapeño slices. Season the onion-jalapeño mounds with salt and pepper. Cook them untouched until the onions begin to brown and caramelize.
5. Smash the Beef: Place a beef ball on top of each onion-jalapeño mound. Using baking paper or a flat spatula, press the beef down firmly to flatten it into a patty. Season the patties with the remaining salt and pepper. Allow the patties to cook until the edges are crisp and brown.
6. Flip and Add Cheese: Carefully flip the patties so that the onion-jalapeño side is now facing up. Top four of the patties with a slice of American cheese and cook until the cheese melts. Stack the cheese-topped patties with the remaining plain patties to form four double patties.
7. Assemble the Burgers: Place each double patty onto the bottom half of a toasted bun. Spread the homemade sauce on the top halves of the buns, then sandwich the patties with the top buns. Serve immediately.

The Ultimate Smash Burger Experience

These Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers are all about texture and flavor. The crispy edges of the smashed beef, the caramelized sweetness of the onions, the fiery kick of the jalapeños, and the creamy homemade sauce come together for an unforgettable bite. The melted American cheese pulls it all together with a touch of indulgence. Every bite is packed with satisfying crunch and heat, making it a standout dish whether you're grilling at home or hosting friends for a weekend barbecue.

If you’re craving a burger that steps up the heat while maintaining that juicy, mouthwatering quality, this recipe is for you. With its simple ingredients and easy steps, the Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burger is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Here are a few helpful sources that guide you through making Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers:

1. Serious Eats provides a detailed recipe and technique for creating the perfect smash burgers, focusing on getting a crispy seared crust. It also includes tips for cooking onions and adding cheese to make the ultimate burger​(Serious Eats).
2. The Spruce Eats offers a variation of the Jalapeño Smash Burger with a flavorful twist, incorporating bacon into the mix. It highlights how the onions and jalapeños caramelize beautifully during the smashing process, bringing out their natural sweetness​(The Spruce Eats).
3. My Homemade Recipe explains how to prepare Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers step by step, detailing how to cook the vegetables and beef for the perfect crispy texture​(My Home Made Recipe).
4. Food & Wine shares a recipe inspired by Oklahoma onion burgers, where thinly sliced onions and jalapeños are smashed into the beef patties to add flavor and heat​(Food & Wine).

These sources should give you everything you need to make a delicious Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burger!