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Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers Recipe

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5 from 105 reviews

These Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers are a flavorful twist on classic turkey patties, featuring a spicy kick from fresh jalapeños and a creamy, cheesy jalapeño popper topping with bacon. Perfectly seasoned with smoked paprika and cumin, these juicy burgers are pan-cooked or grilled to perfection and topped with lettuce, tomato, and optional extras like avocado and sour cream for a satisfying and hearty meal.

Ingredients

For the Patties

  • 1 ½ lbs lean ground turkey
  • 2 medium jalapeños, finely minced (seeds and membrane removed for less heat)
  • ¼ cup finely minced red onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, freshly minced
  • ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Topping

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 slices thick-cut beef bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
  • 1 small jalapeño, finely minced (seeds and membrane removed for less heat)
  • 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped

For Serving

  • 4-6 burger buns, toasted
  • Lettuce leaves
  • Tomato slices
  • Optional: extra fresh jalapeño slices, avocado slices or guacamole, sour cream, ranch dressing, pickled red onions

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients. Finely mince 2 medium jalapeños (remove seeds and membrane for less heat), ¼ cup red onion, and 2 cloves garlic. Gather all ingredients needed for making the patties.
  2. Mix Patty Ingredients. In a large bowl, gently combine ground turkey with the minced jalapeños, red onion, garlic, Panko breadcrumbs, egg, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix just until incorporated to keep the burgers tender and juicy.
  3. Shape Patties. Divide the mixture into 4-6 equal portions. Form each into a patty about ¾ to 1 inch thick, slightly wider than the buns, and press a shallow dimple into the center of each to prevent puffing during cooking.
  4. Cook Bacon. In a skillet, cook 2 slices of thick-cut beef bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels, let cool, then crumble into small pieces.
  5. Prepare Topping Ingredients. Finely mince 1 small jalapeño (seeds and membrane removed as desired) and finely chop 2 tablespoons of fresh chives.
  6. Make Jalapeño Popper Topping. In a medium bowl, soften the cream cheese and fold in Monterey Jack cheese, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, minced jalapeño, and chopped chives. Mix until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Cook Patties. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat or preheat your grill. Cook the patties for 5-7 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Avoid pressing down on patties to keep them juicy.
  8. Add Topping and Melt. In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, spoon a generous amount of the creamy jalapeño popper topping onto each patty. Cover the skillet or close the grill lid briefly to melt the cheese topping thoroughly.
  9. Rest Patties and Toast Buns. Transfer the cooked burgers to a plate, loosely tent with foil, and let them rest for 5 minutes. While resting, toast the burger buns on the grill, in a skillet, or under the broiler until golden.
  10. Assemble Burgers and Serve. Place lettuce on the bottom half of each toasted bun, add a burger patty with its melted topping, and then top with tomato slices and any optional extras like sliced jalapeños, avocado, sour cream, or pickled red onions. Finish with the top bun and serve immediately for the best flavor and juiciness.

Notes

  • Remove seeds and membrane from jalapeños to decrease the heat level if you prefer a milder burger.
  • Do not overmix the turkey mixture to prevent tough burgers.
  • Using a meat thermometer ensures the patties are safely cooked to 165°F (74°C).
  • You can substitute beef or pork bacon if preferred.
  • Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing with other topping ingredients.
  • Toast the buns to prevent them from becoming soggy once assembled.
  • Extra toppings like avocado or ranch dressing add creaminess and balance the heat.

Find it online: https://mealoria.com/jalapeno-popper-turkey-burgers-recipe/