Sizzling Jalapeño Pepper Jack Burgers Recipe: Spice Up Dinner

Fire up the grill and prepare for a spicy twist on a classic favorite with these mouthwatering jalapeno pepper jack burgers that pack a serious punch of flavor.

Juicy beef patties meet the bold kick of pepper jack cheese and fresh jalapenos, creating a burger experience that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of heat and savory goodness that’ll have everyone at the cookout asking for seconds.

The combination of zesty peppers and creamy melted cheese transforms an ordinary burger into an extraordinary meal.

Crisp lettuce and a toasted bun provide the ideal backdrop for these flavor-packed patties.

Weeknight dinners or weekend grilling just got a delicious upgrade that’ll impress even the most discerning burger enthusiasts.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to elevate your grilling game with this irresistible burger recipe.

Why Jalapeno Pepper Jack Burgers Sizzle

• These jalapeno pepper jack burgers bring bold, zesty flavors that transform an ordinary meal into a mouthwatering experience.
• Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe allows easy personalization with different toppings and quick preparation on the grill.
• Combining pepper jack cheese, fresh jalapenos, and red bell peppers creates a delicious blend of heat and freshness that will impress family and friends.
• Grilling these burgers adds a smoky dimension and creates a fun, interactive cooking experience that brings everyone together.

Pepper Jack Burger Ingredient Lineup

• Ground Beef: A lean protein that forms the core of the burger patty with rich, savory flavor.

• Pepper Jack Cheese: A spicy cheese that adds zesty heat and creamy texture to the burger.
• Jalapeno Slices: Fresh peppers that provide a bold, spicy kick to enhance the burger's flavor profile.
• Red Bell Pepper Slices: Sweet peppers that contribute a mild, colorful crunch to the burger.

• Hamburger Buns: Soft bread that serves as the foundation for holding the burger together.
• Sauteed Onions: Caramelized onions that add a sweet and savory depth to the burger.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that brings a bright, herbal note to balance the spicy elements.

Tools for Pepper Jack Burger Success

• Grill: Charcoal or gas grill for direct cooking over medium heat.
• Spatula: For flipping burger patties evenly.
• Meat Thermometer: To check internal temperature of burgers reaches 160F.
• Cutting Board: For forming patties and slicing vegetables.
• Sharp Knife: To slice jalapenos, red bell peppers, and cilantro.
• Tongs: For handling buns and burgers on the grill.

How to Make Jalapeno Burgers at Home

Step 1: Fire Up The Grill

Lightly coat the grill rack with cooking spray.

Set up your charcoal or gas grill for direct medium-heat cooking.

The goal is to create a perfect searing surface for your juicy burgers.

Step 2: Shape Delicious Patties

Gently divide the ground beef into three equal portions.

Craft each portion into a burger patty, using a light touch.

Create a small dimple in the center of each patty – this clever technique helps the burgers cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up during grilling.

Step 3: Toast Those Buns

Quickly grill the buns until they develop a golden-brown, crispy exterior.

This adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to your burger.

Step 4: Grill The Burger Patties

Carefully place the patties on the hot grill.

Cook each side, flipping only once, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Cooking time will depend on the thickness of your patties.

Step 5: Melt The Cheese

Two minutes before removing the patties, crown each burger with two slices of zesty pepper jack cheese.

Watch as the cheese melts into gooey perfection.

Step 6: Build Your Burger Masterpiece

• Sautéed onions on the bottom bun
• Cheese-topped burger patty
• Fresh jalapeño slices
• Crisp red bell pepper slices
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Top bun to complete the creation

Tips for Juicy Pepper Jack Burgers

• Indent Patty Carefully press a small dimple in the center of each burger to prevent bulging and ensure uniform cooking.
• Cheese Melt Technique Cover the grill with a lid when adding cheese to help it melt evenly and create a gooey texture.
• Spice Control Remove jalapeno seeds for a milder heat or keep them for extra kick, adjusting to personal heat preference.
• Fresh Herb Boost Chop fresh cilantro right before adding to maintain maximum flavor and vibrant green color.
• Temperature Check Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness, preventing overcooking and maintaining juicy burger texture.

Burger Variations for Jalapeno Lovers

• Turkey Burger Variation: Swap ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter, healthier option with the same zesty pepper jack and jalapeno flavors.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Burger: Replace meat with black bean patties mixed with diced jalapenos, creating a protein-rich vegetarian alternative that maintains the spicy profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps to accommodate dietary restrictions while keeping the burger's core ingredients unchanged.
• Low-Carb Keto Adaptation: Serve burger patty between large portobello mushroom caps instead of traditional buns, reducing carbohydrate content for keto followers.

Ways to Serve Pepper Jack Burgers

• Flavor Fiesta Plating: Arrange burgers on a rustic wooden board with colorful pickled vegetables and crispy sweet potato fries for a southwestern-style presentation that pops with color and excitement.
• Spicy Side Kick: Serve alongside a cool avocado-lime crema or zesty chipotle mayo to balance the burger's heat and add an extra layer of creamy, tangy goodness.
• Refreshing Companion: Pair with a crisp Mexican beer or a bright citrus-infused margarita to complement the spicy pepper jack and jalapeno flavors, creating a perfect summer meal experience.
• Complete Meal Solution: Round out the plate with a fresh corn and black bean salad to add nutrition and enhance the southwestern theme of this bold, flavorful burger.

How to Store Jalapeno Burgers the Right Way

• Store leftover burgers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Separate patties with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual burger patties tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
• Warm refrigerated burgers on a microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Gently warm burgers in a lightly oiled skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side. This method helps maintain the burger's texture and prevents overcooking.

FAQs

• Why make an indentation in the burger patty?

The small dent prevents the burger from puffing up in the center, ensuring even cooking and preventing the patty from becoming rounded.

• Can I use a different type of cheese instead of pepper jack?

Yes, you can substitute with other melting cheeses like cheddar, monterey jack, or provolone for a similar flavor profile.

• How do I know when the burger is cooked to the right temperature?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F, which indicates the burger is safely cooked through.

• What if I don't have a grill?

You can cook these burgers on a stovetop cast-iron skillet or griddle, using the same technique of flipping once and checking the internal temperature.

Jalapeno Pepper Jack Burgers Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Juicy jalapeno pepper jack burgers deliver a spicy southwestern kick with perfect cheese melting. Grill masters and home cooks can easily craft this zesty sandwich you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pounds (454 grams) lean ground beef
• 6 Hy-Vee pepper jack cheese slices

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 medium white onion, sliced and sauteed
• 1 jalapeno, thinly sliced
• 1 small red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried cilantro

Bread:

• 3 Hy-Vee Bakery Fresh sesame buns, split

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to medium heat (around 400°F), lightly oiling the grates to prevent sticking and ensure smooth burger release.
2. Gently shape ground beef into three equal-sized patties, creating a shallow center depression to promote uniform cooking and prevent bulging.
3. Briefly toast buns on the grill until they develop golden-brown edges and acquire a light crisp texture.
4. Carefully place burger patties on the hot grill, cooking approximately 4-5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 160°F for food safety.
5. During the final two minutes of grilling, layer pepper jack cheese atop each patty, allowing it to melt and become gloriously smooth.
6. Construct the burger by layering sauteed onions on the bottom bun, positioning the cheese-topped patty, then artfully arranging jalapeno slices, red bell pepper strips, and fresh cilantro before crowning with the top bun.

Notes

• Customize patty thickness for perfect grilling, aiming for 3/4-inch thick burgers to maintain juiciness and even cooking.
• Prevent burger shrinkage by making a slight thumb indent in the center of each patty, helping them maintain a flat shape during grilling.
• Use fresh ground beef with moderate fat content (80/20 blend) for maximum flavor and moisture, ensuring a tender burger texture.
• Experiment with alternative cheese options like sharp cheddar or smoked gouda for different flavor profiles while maintaining the spicy kick.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 525
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 90mg