Jalapeño Popper Smash Cheeseburgers with Texas Beef BBQ Rub

Jalapeño Popper Double Bacon Smash Cheeseburger

October 9, 2025

The jalapeño popper might just be one of the greatest appetizers ever invented, so it was only a matter of time before it found its way into a burger. This Jalapeño Popper Double Bacon Smash Cheeseburger takes everything you love about creamy, spicy, smoky poppers and layers it between buttery brioche buns. Each patty is seasoned on the griddle with Revolution Barbecue Texas Beef BBQ Rub, creating a crave-worthy crust that locks in every ounce of flavor. Hickory-smoked bacon adds a salty crunch, while griddled jalapeños bring a mellow, earthy heat that balances perfectly with the tang of Philadelphia cream cheese. Removing the seeds keeps the spice level right in that sweet spot — bold enough to wake up your taste buds without overpowering the rest of the burger. Topped with melted jalapeño cheddar and stacked high, this burger is unapologetically bold and beautifully messy — exactly how a backyard burger should be. What started as a quick griddle experiment in our Colorado backyard turned into one of the most addictive burgers we’ve ever made. It’s smoky, spicy, creamy, and rich, all at once — a mashup of comfort food and backyard BBQ done the Revolution way.

Jalapeño Popper Smash Cheeseburgers with Texas Beef BBQ Rub

Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users

Cuisine

American

Author: Glenn Connaughton

Glenn Connaughton

Servings

4 Double Burgers

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Calories

970

Inspired by the classic jalapeño popper and built for the backyard griddle, these Jalapeño Popper Smash Cheeseburgers bring together smoky bacon, spicy jalapeños, and molten jalapeño cheddar in one epic bite. Each beef patty is seasoned with Revolution Barbecue Texas Beef BBQ Rub right on the hot griddle, forming a signature crust that sets the tone for layers of texture and flavor. The cream cheese mixture adds cooling richness, while the double-stacked patties and crisp bacon balance every bite with smoke and salt. Toasted brioche buns soak up just enough of the rendered fat to tie it all together. For medium heat, the jalapeños are cooked and seeded before mixing — but if you like things hotter, leave those seeds in and let the fire build. This recipe doesn’t just reimagine a popper as a burger; it turns it into something truly unforgettable.

Cook Mode

Ingredients

For the Burgers

2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
2 tablespoons Revolution Barbecue Texas Beef BBQ Rub
8 slices hickory-smoked bacon
8 slices jalapeño cheddar cheese
6 fresh jalapeños, divided (3 for the cream cheese mixture, 3 for topping)
4 brioche buns, lightly toasted

For the Jalapeño Cream Cheese Spread

8 ounces Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
3 griddled jalapeños, chopped

Directions

Prepare the Jalapeños: Heat a griddle or large flat-top over medium-high heat. Place whole jalapeños directly on the dry surface and cook until blistered and softened, turning occasionally, about 5 to 6 minutes. For medium heat, remove the seeds before chopping; for more spice, leave them in. Dice 3 jalapeños for the cream cheese mixture and slice the remaining 3 for topping.
Make the Jalapeño Cream Cheese Spread: In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese with the chopped jalapeños. Mix until evenly incorporated and set aside.
Cook the Bacon: Place bacon strips on the hot griddle and cook until crisp, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
Form and Smash the Patties: Divide the beef into 8 loose balls (about 4 ounces each). Place on the hot griddle and immediately press each one flat with a heavy spatula or burger press. Season generously with Revolution Barbecue Texas Beef BBQ Rub.
Grill the Burgers: Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, until a deep crust forms. During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of jalapeño cheddar cheese to melt.
Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the brioche buns cut-side down on the griddle until golden brown, about 30 seconds.
Assemble the Burgers: Spread the jalapeño cream cheese mixture generously on the bottom bun. Stack two cheeseburger patties, top with sliced griddled jalapeños, and finish with two strips of crispy bacon. Cap with the top bun and serve hot.

Recipe Note

This burger isn’t winning any health awards — but it’s absolutely winning flavor. When the griddle heat hits Revolution Barbecue Texas Beef BBQ Rub, that savory crust takes on incredible depth. Add in the smoky jalapeños, creamy Philadelphia cream cheese, and crispy bacon, and every bite is pure backyard indulgence. Whether you pull the seeds for a mellow kick or leave them for full fire, this burger is the definition of comfort with attitude. Fire up your griddle, grab a napkin, and dive into one of the most flavor-packed creations to ever hit your plate. For more recipes and to shop all our handcrafted seasonings and rubs, visit Revolution Barbecue.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, and should only be used as an approximation

Serving Size 1 serving (1 double burger)
Calories 970, Fat 68 grams, Polyunsaturated Fat 5 milligrams, Monounsaturated Fat 27 milligrams, Carbs 22 grams, Protein 61 grams, Potassium 760 milligrams, Fiber 1 grams, Sodium 1110 milligrams, Sugar 6 grams, Iron 5 milligrams