Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers

If you’re looking for a delicious way to spice up your dinner routine, you’ve come to the right place! These Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers are a family favorite at my house. They combine the creamy goodness of cheese with just the right amount of heat from fresh jalapeños. Plus, they’re made with lean turkey, making them a healthier twist on a classic burger.

Whether it’s a busy weeknight meal or a casual gathering with friends, these burgers never disappoint. They’re easy to whip up and are sure to please even the pickiest eaters—trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With only 20 minutes of prep time, you can have these burgers on the grill in no time.
• Family-Friendly: The mix of cheese and turkey is a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the patties in advance and store them in the fridge for an effortless dinner later in the week.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of jalapeños and cheese creates a mouthwatering flavor that will have your taste buds dancing.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve these tasty burgers in lettuce wraps for a healthy, low-carb meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients! This recipe uses simple, wholesome items that you can easily find at your local grocery store. You’ll love how fresh and vibrant everything tastes.

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 tablespoons finely minced onion
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¾ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil

For Assembly

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

Variations

What I love about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative and adjust it based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Try using ground chicken or beef instead of turkey for a different flavor profile.
• Add more veggies: Incorporate some diced bell peppers or spinach into the turkey mixture for extra nutrition.
• Change up the cheese: Experiment with pepper jack or mozzarella for a unique twist on flavor.
• Spice it up: If you love heat, add some cayenne pepper or chili powder to kick things up a notch!

How to Make Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

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 filling adds so much richness and flavor; it’s truly what sets these burgers apart!

Step 2: Mix the Turkey Base

In a large bowl, mix the ground turkey, almond flour, minced onion, salt, black pepper, and cumin until well combined. This step is important because it ensures each patty has consistent seasoning throughout.

Step 3: Stuffing the Burgers

To stuff the burgers using a burger press, place a circle of parchment paper at the bottom of the press. Add the turkey mixture to fill halfway before topping with another circle of parchment. Press down gently to create a well in the center—that’s where all that delicious filling will go!

Step 4: Fill and Seal

Remove the top press and parchment. Add some of that creamy filling into your well. Cover it back up with more turkey mixture and use the flat part of your press to seal those edges tight. This way, you’ll keep all that cheesy goodness inside while grilling!

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 until they reach an internal temperature of 165ºF. This is where all those flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Serve It Up!

Top your burgers with crispy Turkey Bacon and serve them on lettuce wraps if desired. Enjoy every bite—you deserve it!

Pro Tips for Making Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers

Creating the perfect Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers is a delightful experience, and a few handy tips can make it even better!

• Use fresh jalapeños – Fresh jalapeños deliver the best flavor and heat. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance for a customized kick.

• Don’t overmix the turkey – Mixing the turkey too much can lead to tough burgers. Just combine until everything is evenly distributed for a tender bite.

• Chill before grilling – Allowing the stuffed patties to chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes helps them hold their shape while cooking, making them easier to handle.

• Check internal temperature – Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your burgers reach an internal temperature of 165ºF for safe eating and juicy perfection.

• Experiment with cheese – Feel free to swap out the cheddar for other cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella for different flavors and textures that suit your taste.

How to Serve Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers

Serving Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers can be as creative as you like! Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or a weekend barbecue, these burgers are sure to impress.

Garnishes

• Sliced Avocado – Creamy avocado adds richness that complements the spicy flavors of the burger.
• Fresh Cilantro – A sprinkle of chopped cilantro brings a refreshing touch that balances out the heat from the jalapeños.
• Diced Tomatoes – Juicy, diced tomatoes add moisture and color while enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Side Dishes

• Sweet Potato Fries – These crispy, sweet fries are not only delicious but also provide a nutritious alternative to regular fries.

• Grilled Vegetables – A medley of seasonal vegetables tossed in olive oil and grilled until tender makes for a healthy and colorful side that pairs perfectly with your burgers.

• Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad with herbs, veggies, and a zesty dressing adds freshness and fiber, making your meal well-rounded.

• Coleslaw – A crunchy coleslaw made with cabbage and a tangy dressing contrasts nicely with the richness of the burgers, adding texture and flavor.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy your Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers in style! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers are perfect for meal prepping! You can make a batch in advance, store them, and enjoy delicious burgers throughout the week. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover cooked burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They can be kept for up to 3 days.
• Make sure to allow them to cool completely before sealing them for storage.

Freezing

• Place uncooked, stuffed burgers on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, thaw any frozen burgers overnight in the refrigerator.
• Grill or pan-fry on medium heat until they reach an internal temperature of 165ºF.
• For quick reheating, you can also microwave them for about 1-2 minutes, ensuring they are heated through.

FAQs

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

Can I make Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers without cheese?

Absolutely! You can substitute the cream cheese and cheddar with dairy-free alternatives if you’re looking for a non-dairy option. Just ensure that they melt well when cooked.

How can I adjust the spiciness of Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers?

You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of jalapeños you use. For milder burgers, remove the seeds from the jalapeños before mincing. Alternatively, use fewer jalapeños or choose a mild pepper variety.

Are Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers healthy?

Yes! These burgers are made with lean ground turkey and utilize almond flour instead of traditional breadcrumbs, making them a healthier choice packed with flavor and protein.

Can I grill Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers indoors?

Definitely! If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, you can use a stovetop grill pan or an electric indoor grill. Just monitor the burgers closely to ensure they’re cooked thoroughly.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers as much as I do! This recipe is not only packed with flavor but also offers a healthier twist on your traditional burger night. Whether it’s for dinner with family or meal prep for the week ahead, these burgers are sure to impress. So roll up your sleeves and give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!