Cheesy Jalapeño Patty Melt: Beef patties, jalapeño cheese, caramelized onions, pickled jalapeños and habanero-garlic mayo layered between toasted white bread
The Patty Melt’s Fiery Alter Ego
Krystal | Based in Dunwoody, Ga.
Ian Dodson
A spicy, savory twist on the classic melt, the Cheesy Jalapeño Patty Melt at Krystal, an American regional quick-serve brand, embodies crave-worthy indulgence, layering rich flavors and textures in every bite. The build features beef patties smothered in melty jalapeño cheese, plus caramelized onions, pickled jalapeños and Duke’s Habanero Garlic mayo. “It delivers a balanced combination of savory, spicy, sweet and creamy elements for a truly satisfying flavor experience,” says Ian Dodson, SVP of culinary & beverage.
Dodson credits the handheld’s success to a thoughtful development process that drew inspiration from the brand’s Original Patty Melt. “Creating a spicy version presented a unique challenge,” he says. Unlike chicken, where spice can be incorporated into the breading, it took trial and error to layer heat into the burger without overwhelming other flavors. To start, the jalapeño cheese didn’t provide sufficient depth. “When we added pickled jalapeños, it introduced extra spice and a crunchy contrast we hadn’t anticipated,” Dodson notes. “The real game-changer was Duke’s Habanero Garlic mayo, which brought heat and a creamy finish that tied everything together.” The process taught the team that building a bold flavor profile isn’t just about adding more spice, but ensuring each element complements the next.
About the Author
Patricia Fitzgerald serves different roles on the Flavor & The Menu team, including writing custom content, Kitchen Collaborative chef spotlights and digital editorial content, as well as acting as a contributing editor for the print magazine. As owner of PFitzCommunications, she specializes in various areas of foodservice and hospitality, while also maintaining clients in other industries and professions. She can be reached at pfitzcommunications@gmail.com.Read More Stories by Patricia Fitzgerald
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