Jalapeno Popper Turkey Burgers Recipe

Quick & Zesty Jalapeno Popper Turkey Burgers Recipe

Bursting with zesty flavors, these jalapeno popper turkey burgers pack a spicy punch that’ll make your taste buds dance.

The combination of lean ground turkey and creamy cheese creates a mouthwatering blend of heat and richness.

Jalapeños add a fiery kick that elevates this burger from ordinary to extraordinary.

Melted cream cheese nestled inside promises a delightful surprise with each bite.

The recipe balances bold spice with cool, smooth cheese for a perfectly crafted burger experience.

Crisp toppings and a toasted bun complete this irresistible meal that’s sure to become a summer grilling favorite.

You’ll want to fire up the grill and savor every delicious moment of this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Top Tips for Juicy Turkey Burgers

  • Remove jalapeno seeds for a milder burger or keep them for extra heat.
  • Refrigerate stuffed burgers for 30 minutes to help them hold their shape and prevent filling from leaking.
  • Use fresh ground turkey with some fat content to prevent dry burgers and ensure juiciness.
  • Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
  • Pan-fry or bake burgers if grilling isn't available, maintaining similar cooking time and temperature.

Burger Mix-Ups & Swappable Ingredients

  • Vegetarian Jalapeño Popper Burger: Replace ground turkey with black beans or quinoa, using egg as a binder. Keep the cheese mixture and spices for a plant-based version that maintains the original flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Keto Version: Swap almond flour with ground pork rinds, use full-fat cream cheese, and serve on a bed of arugula instead of lettuce wraps. This adaptation reduces carbohydrates while preserving the spicy, cheesy essence.
  • Chicken Alternative Burger: Substitute ground turkey with ground chicken for a similar lean protein option. Maintain the jalapeño cream cheese filling and spice blend for a consistent taste experience.

Serving Jalapeno Popper Burgers for a Crowd

  • Flavor Fusion Fiesta: Top jalapeño popper turkey burgers with extra shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled crispy bacon for maximum cheesy, spicy goodness.
  • Wrap It Fresh: Serve these zesty burgers in butter lettuce leaves for a low-carb option that keeps all the delicious flavors intact while adding a crisp, cool crunch.
  • Dipping Delight: Prepare a quick jalapeño ranch or spicy chipotle mayo as a complementary sauce that enhances the burger's creamy, spicy profile and provides an extra flavor punch.
  • Picnic Perfect: Pack these burgers in a cooler for outdoor gatherings, keeping the filling sealed and ready to grill, making them an ideal portable meal for summer adventures.

Storing Leftover Jalapeno Popper Turkey Burgers

  • Place cooled burgers in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture.
  • Wrap each burger individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 2 months for best quality.
  • Warm burgers in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side. Add a splash of olive oil to prevent drying and maintain moisture.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, place burgers on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat for 10-12 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs

  • Why use almond flour in these turkey burgers?

Almond flour helps bind the meat, adds subtle nutty flavor, and keeps the burgers moist without using breadcrumbs, making them lower in carbs and gluten-free.

  • How spicy are these jalapeno popper burgers?

The spice level depends on the jalapenos used. Remove seeds for milder heat or keep them for more kick. You can also adjust the amount of jalapenos to control spiciness.

  • Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the burger patties with cheese filling up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator and cook when ready to serve.

Jalapeno Popper Turkey Burgers: The Bold Bite

  • Transform boring turkey burgers into a flavor explosion with jalapeños and creamy cheese, delivering a mouthwatering twist that will wake up your taste buds.
  • Easily create restaurant-quality burgers at home with simple ingredients and flexible preparation methods like grilling or stovetop cooking, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
  • Lean ground turkey combined with rich, melty cheese provides a healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers while maintaining incredible taste and satisfying hunger.
  • Serve on lettuce wraps to keep the meal light and nutritious, making it ideal for those following keto or low-carbohydrate eating plans without sacrificing deliciousness.

What You Need for Jalapeno Popper Burgers

Protein Base:
  • Ground Turkey: A lean and versatile meat that serves as the foundation for these spicy burgers.
  • Bacon: A crispy topping that adds a smoky and salty flavor to the burger.
Cheese and Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: A soft, creamy cheese that creates a rich and smooth filling.
  • Cheddar Cheese: A sharp cheese that melts well and provides extra flavor to the burger.
  • Jalapenos: Spicy peppers that bring heat and zesty flavor to the burger mixture.
Seasonings and Binders:
  • Almond Flour, Onion, Garlic: Ingredients that help bind the turkey and add depth of flavor.
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Cumin: Spices that enhance the overall taste of the burger.
  • Olive Oil: Used for brushing the burgers to prevent sticking and promote even grilling.
Optional Serving:
  • Lettuce Wraps: A low-carb alternative to traditional burger buns.

Burger Night Tools for Turkey Patties

  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining turkey mixture and cheese blend.
  • Burger press: Essential for creating stuffed burger patties with even filling.
  • Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes burger shaping easier.
  • Cheese grater: Needed for grating cheddar cheese smoothly.
  • Fork or spatula: Great for mixing cheese filling and turkey mixture.
  • Grill or grill pan: Required for cooking burgers to perfect doneness.
  • Meat thermometer: Crucial for checking internal burger temperature.
  • Cutting board: Useful for mincing jalapenos and preparing ingredients.
  • Sharp knife: Helps with precise ingredient chopping.

Making Spicy Cheesy Turkey Burgers

Step 1: Create Creamy Cheese Blend

In a medium bowl, mix together softened cream cheese, grated cheddar, finely chopped jalapenos, and minced garlic.

Use a fork or spatula to combine until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.

Set the cheese mixture aside for later use.

Step 2: Prepare Turkey Meat Mixture

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine ground turkey with almond flour, finely chopped onion, salt, black pepper, and ground cumin.

Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the meat.

Step 3: Shape Burger Foundations

Use a burger press lined with parchment paper or create patties by hand.

If using a press, fill it halfway with turkey mixture, creating a gentle depression in the center.

For hand-forming, create a flat patty with a small well in the middle.

Step 4: Stuff with Cheesy Goodness

Carefully spoon the prepared cheese mixture into the center of each turkey patty.

Cover the cheese completely with additional turkey mixture, sealing the edges to prevent leakage during cooking.

Step 5: Prepare for Grilling

Brush each burger with olive oil to enhance flavor and prevent sticking.

This will also help create a beautiful golden-brown exterior.

Step 6: Grill to Perfection

Heat the grill to medium-high temperature.

Place burgers on the grill and cook for 7 to 8 minutes on each side.

Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the burgers to a serving plate.

Top with crispy bacon strips and serve on fresh lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

Garnish with additional jalapenos if desired for extra heat.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Jalapeno Popper Turkey Burgers Recipe

Jalapeno Popper Turkey Burgers Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling jalapeno popper turkey burgers blend creamy cheese and spicy peppers into a mouthwatering grilled sensation. Zesty ingredients and bold flavors make you crave this innovative twist on classic burger recipes.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 lb ground turkey
  • 6 slices cooked bacon

Cheeses and Spicy Elements:

  • 3 ounces (85 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 3 ounces (85 grams) cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1 to 2 jalapeno peppers, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) finely minced onion

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (60 grams) almond flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 milliliters) olive oil
  • Optional: lettuce wraps for serving

Instructions

  1. Create a zesty cheese blend by thoroughly mixing softened cream cheese, sharp cheddar, finely chopped jalapenos, and minced garlic in a medium bowl until smooth and uniform.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground turkey with almond flour, diced onion, salt, black pepper, and cumin, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  3. Prepare a burger press by placing parchment paper at the bottom, then carefully layer turkey mixture to fill approximately half the press’s depth.
  4. Delicately create a central cavity in the turkey mixture and generously spoon the prepared cheese mixture into the center, ensuring complete coverage.
  5. Carefully seal the burger by adding additional turkey mixture on top and pressing edges firmly to prevent filling from leaking during cooking.
  6. Craft 6-7 uniform stuffed patties, alternating between burger press method and hand-forming technique for consistent results.
  7. Preheat grill to medium-high heat, lightly brush burger surfaces with olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
  8. Grill burgers precisely 7-8 minutes per side, monitoring internal temperature until it reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
  9. Garnish completed burgers with crispy bacon strips and serve atop fresh, crisp lettuce wraps for a low-carb presentation.

Notes

  • Customize Heat Levels by choosing mild or spicy jalapeños based on personal preference, ensuring a perfect balance of flavor for every palate.
  • Ensure Food Safety by using a meat thermometer to confirm turkey reaches 165°F, preventing any potential foodborne illnesses while maintaining juicy burger texture.
  • Create Gluten-Free Option by replacing almond flour with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds, making the recipe accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth by allowing the cream cheese mixture to sit for 15-30 minutes before stuffing, enabling ingredients to meld and intensify the overall taste profile.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 415
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 660 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star