Hot Honey Jalapeño Smash Burgers

These smash burgers bring the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and sweet. Crispy-edged beef patties are topped with melted pepper jack cheese, Hot Honey Jalapeños, and a drizzle of hot honey for a burger that's packed with flavor in every bite. Perfect for cookouts, weeknight dinners, or burger night at home.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb 93% lean ground beef
• Kosher salt and black pepper
• 4 burger buns
• ½ cup Cleveland Kitchen Hot Honey Jalapeños
• 4 slices pepper jack cheese
• 4 leaves lettuce
• 2 tbsp hot honey

Instructions

1. Preheat a griddle, cast iron skillet, or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Divide the ground beef into 4 loose balls. Place the beef onto the hot cooking surface and immediately smash into thin patties using a burger press or sturdy spatula. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes until deeply browned and crispy around the edges. Flip and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes. Top each patty with a slice of pepper jack cheese during the final minute of cooking.
3. Lightly toast the burger buns if desired.
4. Assemble burgers by placing lettuce on the bottom bun, followed by the smash burger. Top with Hot Honey Jalapeños and drizzle with hot honey. Add the top bun and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use potato buns or brioche buns for a softer bite.
• Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess.
• Double-stack the patties for a heartier burger.
• For extra heat, add additional Hot Honey Jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

Storage

• Store cooked burger patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in a skillet until warmed through and assemble fresh.
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