Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers

If you’re looking for a burger that’s bursting with flavor and a touch of spice, you’ve come to the right place! These Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers are my go-to for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a fun family barbecue, these burgers always impress. The creamy cheese, fresh jalapeños, and savory turkey come together in a way that makes every bite unforgettable.

What I love about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up while still feeling special. It’s a great choice for those who want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a hit with both kids and adults alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of creamy cheese and spicy jalapeños makes each bite exciting.
• Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can have dinner ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the flavors, and it’s a great way to introduce them to new tastes.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep these burgers in advance for an easy dinner option later in the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients! They are simple, wholesome, and most importantly, delicious. You probably have many of these items on hand already:

For the Burger Mixture

• 3 ounces cream cheese, softened.
• 3 ounces cheddar cheese, grated.
• 1 to 2 jalapeño peppers, minced.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced.
• 2 lb ground turkey.
• ½ cup almond flour.
• 2 tablespoon finely minced onion.
• 1 teaspoon salt.
• ¾ teaspoon black pepper.
• ½ teaspoon cumin.
• 1 to 2 tablespoon olive oil.

For Serving

• 6 slices cooked Turkey Bacon.
• Optional: lettuce wraps for serving.

Variations

One of the best things about these Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers is how flexible they are! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences or what you have at home:

• Swap the protein: Use ground chicken or even plant-based meat for a different twist!
• Change the heat level: Adjust the number of jalapeños based on your spice tolerance – less for mild, more for extra kick!
• Add extra veggies: Chopped spinach or bell peppers can be mixed into the turkey mixture for added nutrition and flavor.

How to Make Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated cheddar, minced jalapeños, and garlic. Mash everything together with a fork or spatula until well mixed. This step is crucial because it helps meld all those wonderful flavors together before they become part of the burger!

Step 2: Make the Burger Mixture

In a large bowl, mix together the ground turkey, almond flour, minced onion, salt, black pepper, and cumin until well combined. This mixture will form the base of your burgers and gives them their hearty texture. Make sure everything is evenly distributed!

Step 3: Stuff the Burgers

To stuff your burgers using a burger press, place a circle of parchment paper at the bottom of the press. Add just enough turkey mixture to fill halfway. Then top with another piece of parchment and press down to create a well in the center. This method keeps everything neat and ensures that your filling stays inside as they cook.

Step 4: Fill and Seal

Remove the top press and parchment. Add some of that delightful cream cheese mixture into your well. Cover it up with more turkey mixture and use the flat part of the press to seal those edges tightly! Repeat this process until you’ve used up all your ingredients – you should end up with about 6-7 delicious stuffed burgers.

Step 5: Grill Those Burgers

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and brush both sides of each burger with olive oil. Grill them for about 7-8 minutes per side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165ºF. The olive oil not only prevents sticking but also enhances that lovely grilled flavor we all crave!

Step 6: Serve It Up!

Top each burger with crispy Turkey Bacon (who doesn’t love bacon?) and serve them wrapped in lettuce for a fresh crunch! Enjoy every bite as you savor this delightful take on classic burgers.

Pro Tips for Making Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers

Making the perfect Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers is all about attention to detail and a few clever tricks. Here are my top tips to ensure your burgers are a hit!

• Use fresh jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños have a better flavor and crunch than canned ones, enhancing the overall taste and texture of your burgers.

• Don’t overmix the turkey: Mixing the turkey too much can make your burgers tough. Just combine until everything is incorporated for a tender bite.

• Chill the stuffed patties: If you have time, refrigerate your stuffed patties for about 30 minutes before grilling. This helps them hold their shape better and ensures the cheese stays melty inside.

• Check doneness with a meat thermometer: To avoid undercooking or overcooking, use a meat thermometer to check that your burgers reach an internal temperature of 165ºF.

• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings! Avocado slices or fresh cilantro can add another layer of flavor to your burgers.

How to Serve Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers

Presentation can make any dish look more appealing, and these burgers are no exception! Here are some fun ideas on how to serve your Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers that will impress your family or guests.

Garnishes

• Sliced green onions: A sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions adds a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the spiciness of the jalapeños.

• Fresh cilantro: Chopped cilantro brings a refreshing herbaceous note that balances out the rich flavors of cheese and turkey.

Side Dishes

• Sweet potato fries: Baked or fried sweet potato fries offer a delightful sweetness that pairs beautifully with spicy flavors. They’re also high in fiber and nutrients!

• Mixed greens salad: A light salad with arugula, spinach, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes dressed in lemon vinaigrette adds freshness and crunch to your meal.

• Grilled corn on the cob: Seasoned grilled corn adds a sweet smokiness that complements the heat from the burgers, making it a perfect sidekick.

• Quinoa salad: A refreshing quinoa salad mixed with diced bell peppers, cucumber, and lime dressing provides protein and fiber while keeping things light and healthy.

With these serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy an unforgettable meal featuring your delicious Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers! Enjoy every spicy bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can whip them up ahead of time, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To keep them fresh, separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
• Ensure the burgers have cooled completely before refrigerating.

Freezing

• Allow the cooked burgers to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each burger tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen burgers in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat on a grill or stovetop over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until heated through.
• Alternatively, use a microwave; heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers.

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey for these burgers?

Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great alternative that will still yield juicy and flavorful burgers. Just follow the same recipe for best results.

What can I serve with Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers?

These burgers pair well with a side salad, sweet potato fries, or vegetable sticks. You can also add your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor!

How spicy are Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers?

The spice level depends on how many jalapeños you use. For milder burgers, remove the seeds from the jalapeños or use just one pepper. Adjust based on your heat preference!

Are Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers low-carb?

Yes! This recipe uses almond flour instead of breadcrumbs, making it a fantastic low-carb option without sacrificing flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers as much as I do! They’re not only full of flavor but also bring a little kick to your dinner table. Whether you’re meal prepping or serving them at a family gathering, these burgers are sure to impress. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to savor every bite!