Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers are a delicious twist on a classic burger, perfect for those who love a bit of heat and creamy cheese. Ground turkey is mixed with seasonings and almond flour, then stuffed with a blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and fresh jalapeños. Grilled to perfection, these burgers come out juicy and flavorful, with a cheesy, spicy surprise in every bite. Top with crispy bacon and serve on lettuce wraps for a low-carb, satisfying meal. These burgers are a great choice for dinner when you’re looking for something hearty yet healthy.
Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers bring the heat of fresh jalapeños and the creamy goodness of cheese together in a juicy, flavorful burger. These burgers are stuffed with a blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and spicy jalapeños, creating a delicious surprise in every bite. Made with lean ground turkey, they offer a lighter alternative to traditional beef burgers while still delivering plenty of flavor. Topped with crispy bacon and served on lettuce wraps, these burgers are perfect for a low-carb dinner or a backyard cookout.
Let’s explore the ingredients that make these Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers a hit with burger lovers everywhere.
INGREDIENTS
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is the base of the filling, adding a creamy texture that melts beautifully inside the burger.
- Cheddar Cheese: Grated cheddar cheese adds sharp, savory notes to the filling, complementing the heat of the jalapeños.
- Jalapeño Peppers: Freshly minced jalapeños bring the signature spicy kick to these burgers. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds a burst of flavor to the cheese filling, balancing out the richness of the cream cheese.
- Ground Turkey: Lean ground turkey provides a lighter base for the burger, making it a healthier option without sacrificing taste.
- Almond Flour: Almond flour helps bind the turkey mixture while keeping the burgers gluten-free and low in carbs.
- Onion: Finely minced onion enhances the flavor of the turkey mixture, adding a touch of sweetness.
- Spices: Salt, black pepper, and cumin season the ground turkey, creating a well-rounded flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the spicy filling.
- Olive Oil: Brushing the burgers with olive oil before grilling helps to prevent sticking and adds a touch of richness.
- Bacon: Crispy cooked bacon slices are the perfect finishing touch, adding a savory crunch to each burger.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated cheddar, minced jalapeños, and garlic. Use a fork or spatula to mash everything together until well combined. Set aside.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground turkey, almond flour, minced onion, salt, black pepper, and cumin until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Step 3:
- To stuff the burgers using a burger press, place a circle of parchment paper at the bottom of the press. Add the turkey mixture until it fills about halfway. Top with another circle of parchment and press down to create an indentation.
- Step 4:
- Remove the parchment and add a portion of the cream cheese mixture into the indentation, being careful not to overfill. Cover with more turkey mixture, ensuring the filling is fully enclosed. Use the press to even out the burger, sealing the edges to prevent leaks.
- Step 5:
- For hand-stuffed burgers, divide the turkey mixture into 6 even portions. Use about two-thirds of each portion to form a patty with a well in the center. Add the filling, then top with the remaining turkey mixture and shape into a patty, sealing the edges well.
- Step 6:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush both sides of each burger with olive oil to prevent sticking during grilling.
- Step 7:
- Place the burgers on the grill and cook for 7-8 minutes per side, or until the center reaches 165ºF using an instant-read thermometer.
- Step 8:
- Top each burger with a slice of crispy bacon and serve on lettuce wraps for a low-carb option, or use traditional burger buns if preferred.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers are best served hot off the grill. Enjoy them with a side of fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. For a low-carb option, serve the burgers on lettuce wraps, or use traditional buns for a more classic burger experience. Pair them with your favorite condiments like mayonnaise, mustard, or extra cheese.
- Storage: Store any leftover cooked burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through before serving.
- Freezing: To freeze the stuffed patties before cooking, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the patties to a freezer-safe bag or container. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the grilling time, until they reach an internal temperature of 165ºF.
Helpful Notes
- Adjusting the Spice Level: For a milder flavor, remove all the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños, or use just one pepper. If you love spice, keep the seeds or add an extra jalapeño to the filling.
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar cheese melts nicely, you can also use Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile. These cheeses pair well with the creamy filling and add a bit of extra spice.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the stuffed patties in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. This makes them ideal for meal prepping or for a quick dinner on busy weeknights.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef Sara recommends using a meat thermometer to ensure the burgers are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165ºF, keeping them juicy without overcooking.
- Chef Alex suggests adding a slice of avocado on top of each burger for an extra creamy texture and fresh flavor that complements the spicy filling.
- Chef Emma advises brushing the grill grates with a little oil before cooking the burgers to prevent sticking and achieve those perfect grill marks.