There’s something magical about a proper smashburger. Thin, crispy-edged patties stacked high with melted cheese, spicy-sweet relish, and a creamy sauce on a toasted sesame bun deliver pure backyard bliss. This double version turns a simple cookout into an unforgettable meal that feels both nostalgic and elevated at the same time.
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Why you’ll love this recipe
This smashburger delivers restaurant-quality results with everyday ingredients and minimal fuss.
- Ultra-crispy edges from the smash technique
- Bold bacon-jalapeño relish adds heat and sweetness
- Melty cheese and creamy sauce balance every bite
- Ready in under thirty minutes for busy nights
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients for two hearty double smashburgers that come together quickly on a hot griddle or cast-iron skillet.
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 4 slices American cheese
- 2 sesame seed buns
- 4 strips bacon
- 1 medium onion
- 2 jalapeños
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried herbs
- Salt and black pepper
For substitutions, swap American cheese with cheddar or pepper jack for sharper flavor. Use turkey bacon if preferred, or omit for a lighter version. Greek yogurt can replace half the mayo in the sauce without losing creaminess.
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Step-by-step instructions
Follow these clear steps to build the perfect double smashburger with crispy edges and layered flavors every time.
Step 1: Prep the relish base
Dice the onion and slice the jalapeños thinly. Cook the bacon until crisp, then chop it into small pieces and set aside for later use.
Step 2: Cook the bacon jalapeño relish
Sauté onions and jalapeños in the bacon fat until softened. Stir in brown sugar, soy sauce, and chopped bacon, cooking until glossy and slightly caramelized.
Step 3: Make the special sauce
Mix mayonnaise with garlic powder and dried herbs in a small bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning, then transfer to a squeeze bottle for easy spreading.
Step 4: Form and season the patties
Divide the ground beef into four equal balls. Season the top of each ball generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper just before cooking.
Step 5: Smash and sear the first patties
Heat a griddle or skillet until smoking hot. Place two beef balls down, smash firmly with a spatula, and cook undisturbed until edges crisp and brown.
Step 6: Flip and cheese the patties
Flip the patties carefully. Immediately top each with a slice of cheese and let it melt while the second side develops a deep crust.
Step 7: Stack and cook remaining patties
Repeat the smash process with the remaining two balls. Stack each cheesed patty on top of another to create two double stacks with melted cheese between layers.
Double Smashburger with Bacon Jalapeño Relish
Equipment
- 1 | Cast-iron skillet or griddle |
- 1 | Metal spatula | for smashing
- 1 | Wooden spoon |
- 1 | Squeeze bottle | optional
- 1 | cutting board |
Ingredients
- 1 | lb | ground beef | 80/20
- 4 | slices | American cheese |
- 2 | | sesame seed buns |
- 4 | strips | bacon |
- 1 | medium | onion |
- 2 | | jalapeños |
- 2 | tbsp | brown sugar |
- 1 | tbsp | soy sauce |
- 1/4 | cup | mayonnaise |
- 1 | tsp | garlic powder |
- 1 | tsp | dried herbs |
- 1 | | salt and black pepper | to taste
Instructions
- Dice onion and thinly slice jalapeños. Cook bacon until crisp, then chop.
- Sauté onion and jalapeños in bacon fat until soft. Add brown sugar, soy sauce, and chopped bacon; cook until glossy.
- Mix mayonnaise, garlic powder, and dried herbs for the sauce.
- Divide beef into four equal balls and season tops with salt and pepper.
- Heat griddle until smoking. Smash two balls flat and cook until edges crisp.
- Flip, top each with cheese, and let melt.
- Repeat with remaining balls and stack into two double patties.
- Toast buns, spread sauce on bottoms, add patty stacks, top with relish and buns.
Notes
Reheat assembled burgers gently in a skillet to restore crisp edges.
For less heat, remove jalapeño seeds before cooking.
Use a heavy spatula or burger press for the best smash.
Step 8: Toast buns and assemble
Toast the sesame buns cut-side down. Spread special sauce on the bottom bun, add the double patty stack, top with relish, and crown with the top bun.
Tips & common mistakes
A few small adjustments make the difference between good and great smashburgers every single time.
- Use very high heat for maximum crust development
- Avoid pressing again after the initial smash
- Keep patties thin so they cook quickly and evenly
- Toast buns lightly to prevent sogginess from sauces
Recipe variations
Customize this double smashburger to match your mood or what you already have in the kitchen.
- Add extra jalapeños for a spicier kick version
- Swap beef for ground turkey for a lighter option
- Use smoked gouda instead of American cheese
- Cook entirely on an outdoor flat-top griddle
What to serve with this recipe
Complete the meal with simple sides that complement the rich, savory flavors of the burger.
- Crispy seasoned french fries or tater tots
- Tangy coleslaw for cool crunch contrast
- Ice-cold craft beer or sparkling lemonade
- Fresh cucumber salad with light vinaigrette
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Frequently asked questions
These common questions help you nail the technique and get consistent results at home.
Can I make the relish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the bacon jalapeño relish up to two days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently before assembling the burgers.
What fat percentage of ground beef works best?
An 80/20 blend gives the ideal balance of flavor and juiciness. Leaner meat can dry out and won’t develop the same crispy, lacy edges.
How do I keep the cheese from sliding off?
Place the cheese on the hot patty immediately after flipping. The residual heat melts it quickly so it adheres before you stack the burgers.
Can I cook these on a regular outdoor grill?
A flat griddle or cast-iron pan works best for smashing. If using a grill, place a heavy skillet on the grates to create a solid cooking surface.
Final thoughts
This double smashburger with bacon jalapeño relish turns an ordinary evening into something special. The combination of crispy edges, melted cheese, spicy-sweet topping, and creamy sauce never fails to impress. Give it a try this weekend, then leave a comment with your favorite variation or rating so others can discover it too. Happy cooking!