jalepeno popper smash burger sitting on a cutting board

These Ultimate Jalapeño Popper Smash Burgers are bold, cheesy, and unapologetically indulgent. This is one of those keto carnivore diet ground beef recipes you’ll crave on repeat—and they’re just as good for game day as they are for an everyday dinner with a twist.

Jalapeño Popper Smash Burgers: A Crowd-Pleasing Keto Carnivore Favorite

You could say this recipe was born from my love of two things: crispy bacon and anything with a spicy kick. I’ve always had a soft spot for jalapeño poppers, even on my mostly strict carnivore journey. And while this recipe edges into keto-carnivore territory with jalapeños and red onion, sometimes those little flavor additions keep things exciting and sustainable.

We usually whip these up when we’re hosting friends or just want something fun and over-the-top for a weekend dinner. I’ve even served these beauties on mini sheet pans lined with brown parchment paper for a game-day snack board that leaves everyone talking.

What makes this keto carnivore diet recipe stand out is the jalapeño popper topping: a creamy, cheesy, spicy blend of cream cheese, parmesan, and bacon that melts right into the meat. It hits all the right notes—crispy, creamy, salty, spicy. And yes, they’re incredibly filling and totally satisfying.

If you’re looking for keto carnivore meals that bring the flavor while still being low-carb and high-fat, you’re going to love this one.

Why You’ll Love These Jalapeño Popper Smash Burgers

High-protein and keto carnivore-friendly
Crispy edges with a gooey center
Family-approved, even for non-keto eaters

Ingredients You’ll Need

80/20 Ground Beef – the ideal fat ratio for juicy, flavorful smash burgers that crisp up beautifully.

Bacon Crumbles – salty, smoky, and cooked to perfection for added crunch in the topping.

Cream Cheese – the star of the popper topping; rich, creamy, and melty once heated.

Parmesan Cheese – adds a salty, umami punch and thickens the cream cheese mixture.

Jalapeños – split into two uses: some cooked down with bacon for the topping, others smashed into the burgers for spice and crunch.

Red Onion – thin slices bring a little sweet bite when smashed into the meat.

Butter – adds flavor and helps achieve that perfect sear in the skillet.

Redmond’s Real Salt & Black Pepper – simple seasoning to elevate every bite.

G. Hughes Hickory BBQ Sauce (optional) – sugar-free and full of smoky sweetness for a delicious finishing drizzle.

How to Make Jalapeño Popper Smash Burgers

Step 1: Cook the Bacon & Jalapeños

Start by dicing 4–5 slices of bacon and adding them to a skillet over medium-high heat. Let the fat begin to render, then toss in your diced jalapeños. Sauté together until the bacon is crisp and the jalapeños are soft and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.

Tip: You want the jalapeños to mellow a bit in the bacon fat—it adds flavor and keeps the topping balanced.

Step 2: Bake the Remaining Bacon

Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and lay out the rest of the bacon from the pack. Bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes until crisp. This will be used for garnishing the final burgers—or snacking while you cook.

Step 3: Make the Jalapeño Popper Topping

In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, parmesan, and the reserved cooked bacon-jalapeño mixture. Add a dash of salt and pepper to taste. This topping should be thick but spreadable—don’t worry, it’ll melt beautifully over the burgers.

Pro-Tip: Store any extra in an airtight container in the fridge to spread on smash burgers later in the week!

Step 4: Prep Your Burger Balls

Divide your ground beef into small burger balls, about 2 oz each. Roll and set aside on a tray or plate.

smashing burgers with a spatula and mason jar

Step 5: Smash Those Burgers

Heat your cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat with a generous amount of butter. Once hot, add a couple of burger balls. Top each with a few slices of red onion and a pinch of fresh diced jalapeños.

Place a small square of parchment paper on top of each burger and smash using a burger press or a heavy spatula and jar combo. Smash until they’re ¼” to ⅛” thick.

Pro-Tip: Listen for that sizzle—it’s where the magic happens.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then let cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes, until the edges are crispy.

smash burgers with jalapeño popper topping

Step 6: Add the Popper Topping

Flip each burger and immediately top with a tablespoon of your jalapeño popper topping. It’ll be thick at first but as it melts, you can spread it with the back of a spoon.

Cook another couple of minutes until the topping begins to bubble and melt into the meat.

finished smash burger sitting on parchment paper

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Stack your smash burgers with crispy bacon on top. Optionally, drizzle with G. Hughes BBQ sauce for a sweet, smoky finish.

Expert Tips & Variations

Skip the jalapeños and onions for a strict carnivore diet recipe.
Make mini versions for keto party sliders. Lettuce bun anyone?
Use a cast iron griddle on your grill for added smoky flavor.
Make extra burger balls and store in an air-tight container for quick meals later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the bacon cream cheese in advance?
Absolutely. It stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days and makes great leftovers.

Can I freeze the burger patties?
Yes! Either raw or fully cooked—just let them cool completely before freezing.

Can I use bison instead of beef?
You can, but the flavor and fat ratio of 80/20 ground beef delivers the best texture and taste.

Final Thoughts

There’s something about these Ultimate Jalapeño Popper Smash Burgers that makes you feel like you’re cheating—except you’re totally not. With crispy edges, gooey topping, and salty bacon, this is one of the best keto carnivore diet recipes to spice up your weekly rotation.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear from you! Leave a review below. Let’s bring the bold back to burger night.