Double-Decker Jalapeño Smash (Print Version)

Layered beef patties filled with creamy jalapeño popper blend, topped with bacon, lettuce, and ranch on toasted buns.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meat

01 - 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)

→ Filling

02 - 2 fresh jalapeños, finely diced
03 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
04 - 1/2 cup shredded aged cheddar cheese

→ Toppings

05 - 4 slices thick-cut bacon
06 - 4 leaves fresh lettuce
07 - 1/3 cup ranch dressing

→ Bread

08 - 2 soft yet sturdy burger buns

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Combine cream cheese, diced jalapeños, and shredded cheddar cheese in a bowl until evenly mixed.
02 - Divide ground beef into 8 thin patties. Place a spoonful of filling on half of the patties, then top each with a second patty. Press and seal edges completely to encase filling.
03 - Preheat skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook double-layered patties for approximately 4 minutes per side, or until desired doneness is reached.
04 - While patties cook, fry bacon until crispy. Lightly toast buns on grill or in toaster for flavor and crunch.
05 - Place lettuce on bottom bun, add a cooked patty, top with bacon slices, drizzle with ranch dressing, and finish with top bun.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Seal edges of patties tightly to prevent filling leakage during cooking.
02 - Adjust jalapeño quantity to match preferred heat level.
03 - Toast buns just before assembly to avoid sogginess and add smoky flavor.
04 - Leftover cooked patties store up to 3 days refrigerated; freeze uncooked patties for longer storage.