Jalapeño Pepper Jack Burgers

INGREDIENTS

• Lean Ground Beef (1 lb): Forms the base of the burger patties, providing a juicy and flavorful bite.
• Sesame Buns (3): Soft and perfect for holding the delicious fillings together.
• Pepper Jack Cheese (6 slices): Adds a spicy, cheesy layer to each burger.
• White Onion (1, sliced and sautéed): Adds sweetness and depth to the burger's flavor profile.
• Jalapeño (1, thinly sliced): Provides a spicy kick that balances out the richness of the cheese and beef.
• Red Bell Pepper (1 small, sliced): Adds a bit of crunch and sweetness to complement the jalapeños.
• Dried Cilantro (1 tsp): Sprinkled on top for a fresh, herby note.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:

Lightly grease the grill rack and prepare the grill for direct cooking over medium heat.

Step 2:

Divide the ground beef into thirds and form into burger patties. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty to ensure even cooking.

Step 3:

Grill the buns for a few minutes if desired, to give them a nice toasted texture.

Step 4:

Grill the burger patties on the preheated grill, flipping once. Cook to an internal temperature of 160°F, adjusting the cooking time based on the thickness of the patties.

Step 5:

Two minutes before removing the patties from the grill, top each with 2 slices of pepper jack cheese to melt.

Step 6:

Assemble the burgers by placing sautéed onions on the bottom bun, followed by the burger patty with melted cheese, jalapeño slices, red bell pepper, cilantro, and the top bun.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve the Jalapeño Pepper Jack Burgers hot off the grill, paired with fries, a salad, or your favorite side dish.
• If you want to dial down the heat, swap out the jalapeños for milder peppers or leave them out entirely.
• For a different flavor, try using different cheeses, such as cheddar or gouda, in place of pepper jack.
• Store leftover burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Helpful Notes

• If you prefer your burgers with extra heat, keep the jalapeño seeds in when slicing, or add a spicy sauce like sriracha.
• For added crunch, try toasting the buns on the grill before assembling the burgers.
• To make the burgers even juicier, mix in some finely chopped onions and garlic with the ground beef before forming the patties.

Tips from well-known chefs

• Chef Sarah suggests using a cast-iron skillet on the grill for an even sear and juicier patties.
• Chef Michael recommends resting the burger patties for a few minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute.
• Chef John advises adding a slice of avocado for a creamy texture that pairs well with the spicy jalapeños.