Burger and Fries Friday: Crunchy Jalapeno Bacon Ranch Cheeseburgers

I make the most ridiculous burgers. They're ridiculously good, but they're just ridiculous too. I know this. Here's my thinking on a burger: If I'm going to use my calories for a hamburger, I am going to use the calories. I am going to pack those burgers with as many awesome things as I possibly can, and I am not going to feel guilty about it either. I am going to enjoy the heck out of that highly-caloric deliciousness. It's not like I eat a burger every single week...but man, how I wish that I could. Especially when a burger tastes like these crunchy jalapeno bacon ranch cheeseburgers.

So, for these burgers, here is what I did: I topped them with pepper-jack cheese. Then I added bacon. Then I added fried jalapeno strips. Then I added ranch dressing. Then I just about moaned when I tasted them because they were so fantastic. You get the creamy-spicy cheese, the crunchy-spicy jalapenos, the salty-smoky bacon, and the creamy-cool ranch dressing, all in one bite. To say I am completely smitten with these burgers would be a massive understatement. Try them, and you will be too.

Crunchy Jalapeno Bacon Ranch Cheeseburgers
inspired by High Heels & Grills

For the jalapenos:

2 jalapenos, cut into 1-inch strips
1 egg
1 cup flour
1 packet dry ranch dressing mix
1 cup canola oil for frying
Kosher salt for sprinkling

For the burgers:

4 hamburger patties
Salt and pepper to taste
4 slices pepper-jack cheese
4 strips bacon
4 hamburger buns, split and toasted
Prepared ranch dressing

1. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy; remove to paper towels to drain. Season the burger patties with salt and pepper and add to the bacon drippings. Cook to desired doneness, then reduce heat to low, add cheese, and cover the skillet to melt the cheese.

2. Meanwhile, heat the canola oil in a medium saucepan over medium high heat. Combine the flour and ranch mix in a shallow dish. Dip the jalapenos in egg, then in the flour mixture. Fry in batches until browned and crispy; remove to a paper towel to drain excess oil and sprinkle with kosher salt.

3. To assemble the burgers, add the burger patties to the bun bottoms. Top each burger with a slice of bacon, 1/4 of the jalapenos, and a drizzle of ranch dressing.