Jalapeño Popper Burger Bites are the perfect party snack that brings together the flavors of juicy burgers and spicy jalapeño poppers in one bite. Made with ground turkey, seasoned with garlic, onion, chili powder, and cumin, and mixed with softened cream cheese, these burger bites are tender, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Topped with a slice of jalapeño and shredded cheddar, they are baked to perfection and offer just the right amount of spice. Serve them hot at your next gathering, and they’re sure to be a hit!
Jalapeño Popper Burger Bites are a fun and flavorful appetizer that combines the spicy kick of jalapeño poppers with the juicy goodness of mini burgers. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, game day, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests with a tasty and easy-to-make snack.
Let’s take a look at the ingredients that make these Jalapeño Popper Burger Bites so irresistible.
INGREDIENTS
- Ground Turkey: A lean and flavorful option for the base of these burger bites. Ground turkey is seasoned and mixed with cream cheese to create a tender, juicy texture.
- Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Chili Powder, and Cumin: These spices give the burger bites a deliciously bold flavor. The cumin adds a slight smokiness, while the garlic and onion powder enhance the savory notes.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is mixed into the ground turkey to add richness and creaminess to the burger bites, making them extra moist and flavorful.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar cheese is added on top of the burger bites to melt into a cheesy layer that complements the spice of the jalapeños.
- Jalapeño Slices: Fresh jalapeño slices are placed on top of each burger bite for a spicy kick. You can adjust the heat by adding more or fewer slices depending on your spice tolerance.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the burger bites will cook evenly and get a nice, crispy outside while staying juicy inside.
- Step 2:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, softened cream cheese, and salt and pepper to taste. Use your hands to knead the mixture until it’s fully combined. This step ensures all the ingredients are evenly distributed, giving each burger bite full flavor.
- Step 3:
- Grease a muffin tin well to prevent sticking. Fill 8 sections of the muffin tin with the ground turkey mixture, pressing the meat down gently to fill the molds. This method helps the burger bites maintain their shape while cooking.
- Step 4:
- Bake the burger bites in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the turkey is cooked through and golden brown on top.
- Step 5:
- Once the burger bites are fully cooked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and top each bite with shredded cheddar cheese and a slice of jalapeño. The cheese will melt and the jalapeño will add a burst of spicy flavor.
- Step 6:
- Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve the burger bites hot, and enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Jalapeño Popper Burger Bites are best served hot, fresh out of the oven. They’re perfect as a game day snack or party appetizer, and can be served with your favorite dips like ranch, salsa, or a spicy chipotle sauce. These bites also pair well with crunchy celery or carrot sticks for a refreshing contrast to the spicy, cheesy flavors.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store the burger bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the oven method will help retain their texture.
- Freezing: To freeze these burger bites, let them cool completely after baking. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat the frozen bites in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes.
Helpful Notes
- Customizing the Spice Level: You can control the heat of these burger bites by adjusting the amount of jalapeño. For a milder version, remove the seeds from the jalapeño or use fewer slices. For extra heat, add more jalapeño or even a dash of hot sauce to the turkey mixture.
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar cheese adds a sharp, rich flavor, you can also try using pepper jack or mozzarella for a different cheesy twist. Experimenting with different cheeses will give you new flavor combinations.
- Make-Ahead Option: These burger bites can be prepped ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking. Simply cover the muffin tin with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a day. When ready to serve, just pop them in the oven!
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef Megan suggests topping the burger bites with crumbled bacon for an extra savory touch that pairs perfectly with the jalapeños and cheddar cheese.
- Chef Eric recommends adding a spoonful of cream cheese inside each burger bite before baking for an extra creamy center.
- Chef Mia advises serving the burger bites with a drizzle of honey for a sweet and spicy contrast that will surprise and delight your guests.