The Ultimate Keto-Carnivore Jalapeño Smash Burgers
Ready for a spicy, cheesy twist on classic smash burgers? These Jalapeño Popper Smash Burgers are loaded with crispy bacon, creamy parmesan-jalapeño filling, and bold flavor in every bite. Perfect for low-carb, keto, or carnivore-style meals!
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef 80/20
- 8 oz Cream Cheese
- 1 pkg Bacon
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
- 6 Jalapeños seeded & diced
- 1/2 Red Onion sliced thin
- Butter as needed for smashing
- Salt to taste
- Black Pepper to taste
- Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce optional
- Parchment paper
Instructions
- Dice 3-4 slices of bacon and cook on medium-high heat. When the bacon begins to render, add 1/2 of the diced jalapeños. Continue cooking until bacon is crispy and jalapeños are tender. Set aside.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and layer with remaining bacon. Bake remaining bacon at 400°F for 25–30 minutes or until crispy. This with be the garnish for the smash burgers (or a snack!).
- Combine cream cheese, parmesan, and the previously cooked bacon and jalapeño mixture. Mix together in a bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Form ground beef into 2 oz burger balls.
- Heat skillet with 1 T butter. Add 1-2 burger balls and top with a few sliced onions and diced jalapeños. Top each burger ball with parchment paper (to avoid burger press or spatula from sticking) and press with a burger press or sturdy spatula until 1/4 to 1/8 in. thick.
- Season with salt and pepper. Cook 2–3 mins or until crispy. Flip.
- Top each burger with 1 T jalapeño popper cream cheese mixture. As topping melts into the burger, spread over the entire burger with the back of a spoon.
- Stack burgers and top with crispy bacon. Drizzle with BBQ sauce (optional).
Notes
- If you don't have a burger press, just use a spatula topped with something heavy like a mason jar or soup can.
- Store leftover cream cheese topping in fridge for up to 5 days.
- Our favorite sugar-free bbq sauce is G. Hughes Hickory
- Omit onions and jalapeños for strict carnivore.
- Use cast iron griddle on the grill for extra flavor.