Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Smoked Cheddar Jalapeño Burgers are everything a burger lover dreams of — juicy beef patties infused with smoky cheddar, spicy jalapeños, and a perfect balance of bold and savory flavors. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch from the peppers, creamy melted cheese, and a subtle smoky kick that makes these burgers unforgettable. I once topped mine with crispy bacon and chipotle mayo, and it turned into a backyard BBQ favorite that everyone requested again and again. Whether grilled, smoked, or pan-seared, these burgers are a spicy, cheesy masterpiece you’ll want on repeat all summer long.
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Smoked Cheddar Jalapeño Burgers: Bold, Juicy, and Packed with Flavor
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 burgers
- Diet: Halal
Description
Smoked Cheddar Jalapeño Burgers are juicy, flavorful burgers infused with smoky cheddar cheese and a kick of spicy jalapeños. Perfectly grilled and topped with melty cheese, these burgers deliver a bold and irresistible flavor combination that’s perfect for summer cookouts or game day meals.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1/2 cup smoked cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1–2 jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 4 burger buns
- 4 slices smoked cheddar cheese (for topping)
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, BBQ sauce, or chipotle mayo
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, shredded smoked cheddar, chopped jalapeños, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently until just combined — avoid overmixing to keep the burgers tender.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into patties about 3/4 inch thick. Press a small indentation in the center of each patty to prevent puffing during cooking.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the burgers for 4–5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired doneness (internal temperature of 160°F / 71°C for well-done).
- During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of smoked cheddar on each patty and cover the grill to let it melt.
- Toast the burger buns lightly on the grill if desired.
- Assemble the burgers: place the patties on the buns and top with your choice of toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and BBQ or chipotle mayo.
- Serve hot with fries, coleslaw, or grilled corn on the side.
Notes
- For extra smokiness, cook the burgers on a charcoal grill or add a few drops of liquid smoke to the beef mixture.
- Use pepper jack or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
- Adjust the number of jalapeños to control the heat level.
- These burgers can also be cooked in a skillet or air fryer with great results.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Main Course, Sandwich
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef (80/20 blend) – Juicy and flavorful, perfect for tender, rich patties.
Smoked cheddar cheese – Adds a deep, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the spice from jalapeños.
Fresh jalapeños – Finely chopped for a punch of heat and freshness.
Onion powder – Enhances the flavor of the beef.
Garlic powder – Adds a savory depth to the burger.
Salt and black pepper – Essential for perfectly seasoned patties.
Worcestershire sauce – Adds umami richness and moisture.
Brioche or sesame burger buns – Soft yet sturdy enough to hold all that juicy goodness.
Toppings (optional) – Lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, and crispy bacon for extra layers of flavor.
Chipotle mayo or spicy aioli – The perfect creamy condiment to complement the smoky, spicy flavor.
Directions
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped jalapeños, shredded smoked cheddar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spatula until just combined — avoid overmixing to keep the burgers tender.
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into patties about ¾ inch thick, making a slight indentation in the center of each patty (this prevents puffing during cooking).
Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates or pan to prevent sticking. Cook the burgers for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired doneness (internal temperature of 160°F for well-done). If you prefer extra cheesy flavor, place an additional slice of smoked cheddar on top during the last minute of cooking and cover to melt.
Toast the buns lightly on the grill or skillet until golden brown. Spread chipotle mayo or spicy aioli on both sides of the buns, then layer your burger with lettuce, tomato, onions, and pickles as desired.
Serve hot with fries, onion rings, or a side of coleslaw for a complete, mouthwatering meal that’s smoky, spicy, and absolutely unforgettable.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 10 minutes. Total time: approximately 25 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. You can also freeze uncooked patties (separated by parchment paper) for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before grilling.
Variations and Customizations
Bacon Jalapeño Burgers – Add chopped cooked bacon to the patty mix for smoky crunch.
Stuffed Jalapeño Burgers – Form two thin patties and sandwich extra smoked cheddar and jalapeños in between before sealing the edges.
Turkey Jalapeño Burgers – Use ground turkey for a lighter but still flavorful version.
Jalapeño Ranch Burgers – Top with ranch dressing for a cool contrast to the spice.
BBQ Cheddar Burgers – Brush the patties with barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of grilling.
Loaded Tex-Mex Burgers – Add guacamole, pepper jack cheese, and tortilla strips on top for a Southwestern twist.
Keto Jalapeño Burgers – Skip the buns and wrap your burger in lettuce leaves.
Sweet & Spicy Burgers – Add caramelized onions or pineapple slices for a sweet contrast to the heat.
Double-Smoked Burgers – Use both smoked cheddar and a hint of smoked paprika in the meat mixture.
Vegan Jalapeño Burgers – Use plant-based ground meat and dairy-free smoked cheese for a flavorful alternative.
FAQs
Can I make these without a grill?
Yes, they cook perfectly in a cast-iron skillet or even baked in the oven at 400°F for 15–18 minutes.
How spicy are these burgers?
Mild to medium — you can adjust the heat by removing jalapeño seeds or using more for extra kick.
Can I use regular cheddar instead of smoked?
Yes, but smoked cheddar adds that signature flavor that makes these burgers special.
What kind of beef works best?
An 80/20 blend gives the perfect balance of juiciness and flavor.
Can I add more cheese?
Absolutely — add a slice on top while the burgers finish cooking for extra gooeyness.
Can I freeze them?
Yes, form the patties and freeze before cooking for easy meal prep.
What sauces pair best with these burgers?
Chipotle mayo, spicy aioli, smoky BBQ sauce, or even creamy ranch work beautifully.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cheese or skip the cheese entirely — they’ll still be delicious.
Can I add more veggies?
Sure! Try adding grilled onions, roasted red peppers, or avocado slices.
How do I make them extra smoky?
Use a smoker or add a small amount of liquid smoke or smoked paprika to the beef mixture.
Conclusion
Smoked Cheddar Jalapeño Burgers are the ultimate combination of juicy, smoky, and spicy — the kind of burger that satisfies every craving in one bite. The smoky cheddar adds depth, the jalapeños bring the heat, and the perfectly seasoned beef ties it all together. Whether you’re grilling for a summer cookout or making a weeknight dinner that feels special, these burgers are guaranteed to impress. Serve them hot, melty, and loaded with your favorite toppings — because once you taste them, you’ll understand why they’re simply the best.
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