Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers combine the heat of fresh jalapeños with the creaminess of cheese and the savory taste of turkey. These burgers are stuffed with a delightful mixture of cream cheese, cheddar, jalapeños, and garlic, giving you a cheesy, spicy bite in every mouthful. The patties are then grilled to perfection and topped with crispy bacon. Serve with lettuce wraps for a low-carb option, or use traditional buns for a more indulgent meal. It's a deliciously bold twist on the classic turkey burger, perfect for spice lovers!
The Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burger is the ultimate fusion of indulgent flavors and healthier ingredients. By using lean ground turkey as the base, this burger cuts down on fat without sacrificing flavor. The real magic happens inside the patty, where a cheesy filling of cream cheese, cheddar, jalapeños, and garlic melts together, creating an irresistible combination of spice and richness. Crispy bacon tops the burger for added texture and a smoky taste, making this dish a true standout.
INGREDIENTS
- Cream cheese, softened: 3 oz
- Cheddar cheese, grated: 3 oz
- Jalapeño peppers, minced: 1-2, depending on desired spice level
- Garlic, minced: 2 cloves
- Ground turkey: 2 lbs
- Almond flour: 1/2 cup, to bind the patties
- Onion, finely minced: 2 tablespoons
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 3/4 teaspoon
- Cumin: 1/2 teaspoon, for extra flavor
- Olive oil: 1-2 tablespoons, for grilling
- Cooked bacon slices: 6, for topping
- Lettuce wraps: optional, for serving
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, grated cheddar, minced jalapeños, and minced garlic, then set aside.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, almond flour, minced onion, salt, black pepper, and cumin. Mix until well combined.
- Step 3:
- Using a burger press with parchment paper, fill halfway with the turkey mixture, add the cheese filling, and top with more turkey mixture. Seal the edges to enclose the cheese.
- Step 4:
- If hand-stuffing, create wells in the turkey portions for the cheese filling, then cover with more turkey and seal well.
- Step 5:
- Heat a grill to medium-high. Lightly coat the burgers with olive oil and grill for 7-8 minutes on each side, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Step 6:
- Top each burger with crispy bacon and serve with lettuce wraps or buns as desired.
Serving and Storage Tips
- For a lighter option, serve the burgers in lettuce wraps instead of buns.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Helpful Notes
- Adjust the amount of jalapeños based on your spice tolerance. One pepper will provide a mild kick, while two will offer a stronger heat.
- Feel free to use turkey bacon if you prefer a leaner topping.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Bobby Flay recommends adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the cheese filling for an extra layer of flavor.
- Chef Rachael Ray suggests grilling the burgers over indirect heat to ensure even cooking without burning the cheese filling.
Summary
Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers offer a spicy and cheesy twist on a classic turkey burger. These burgers are stuffed with a mixture of cream cheese, cheddar, and minced jalapeños for a bold, savory flavor in every bite. Ground turkey, seasoned with garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and cumin, creates a hearty yet lighter base for the stuffing. The patties are grilled until perfectly cooked and then topped with crispy bacon slices for added richness. Serve with lettuce wraps for a healthier option or your favorite buns for a traditional burger experience. Whether you're looking for a low-carb meal or simply want to spice up your burger night, this recipe delivers on flavor.