The Perfect Jalapeño Popper Smashburger Recipe!

Ingredients

• 4 oz Bacon (diced, rendered until crisp)
• 1/2 cup White Onion (finely diced)
• 1/4 cup Fresh Raspberries (lightly crushed)
• 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
• 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
• 1/4 cup Black Coffee (Espresso) (strong brewed espresso)
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
• 8 oz Ground Beef (75% lean / 25% fat) (divided into two equal patties)
• 8 slices Jalapeno (thinly sliced, seeds removed if less heat desired)
• 2 slice Havarti Cheese (sliced, good melt)
• 2 tbsp Whipped Cream Cheese (softened)
• 2 piece Burger Buns (soft sandwich buns, toasted if desired)

Instructions

1. Render Bacon

   Heat a skillet over medium‑high heat and add the diced bacon. Stir constantly until the fat fully renders and the pieces are crisp.

   Time: PT5M

2. Drain Bacon

   Using a slotted spoon, transfer the crisp bacon to a paper‑towel‑lined plate. Carefully pour off excess grease from the pan.

   Time: PT1M

3. Sauté Onion

   Return the skillet to medium‑high heat, add the diced white onion, and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent and fragrant.

   Time: PT3M

4. Add Jam Base Ingredients

   Stir in the espresso, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, crushed raspberries, salt, and pepper. Mix until the sugar dissolves.

   Time: PT2M

5. Simmer Bacon Jam

   Return the rendered bacon to the pan, lower the heat to medium‑low, and let the mixture simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened to a jam‑like consistency.

   Time: PT45M

6. Form Burger Patties

   While the jam simmers, divide the ground beef into two equal portions (about 4 oz each) and gently shape into loose balls; do not over‑work the meat.

   Time: PT5M

7. Pre‑heat Cooking Surface

   Increase the skillet heat to high and let it become very hot (about 400°F) before cooking the burgers.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: 400°F

8. Smash First Side

   Place one beef ball in the skillet, immediately scatter 4 jalapeno slices on top, and press down firmly with a spatula to flatten into a thin patty. Cook for 2 minutes without moving.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: 400°F

9. Flip and Add Cheese

   Scrape up the edges to keep the crust intact, flip the patty, and immediately place a slice of Havarti cheese on top. Cook another 2 minutes until the cheese melts.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: 400°F

10. Assemble the Burger

    Spread 1 tbsp of whipped cream cheese on the bottom bun, layer both cheese‑topped patties, then dollop a generous spoonful of the bacon jam on the top bun. Close the sandwich and serve immediately.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

820

Protein

42 g

Carbohydrates

46 g

Fat

48 g

Fiber

4 g