Jalapeño Popper Burger

Name: Jalapeño Popper Burger with Crispy Cheese Patty
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled; 2 jalapeños, finely diced; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 2 tbsp barbecue sauce; 1/2 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp honey; 2 tbsp pickle juice; 1 lb 80/20 ground beef; salt, to taste; 2 potato burger buns; 2 slices American cheese; pickle chips, for topping

This Jalapeño Popper Burger combines a crispy, breaded cream cheese and jalapeño patty with a juicy smash burger, bacon, and cheddar, topped with a tangy burger sauce. The crispy popper layer adds an unexpected texture and spice contrast to a classic burger.

🌍American 🏷️Jalapeno popper 🏷️Burger 🏷️Cheeseburger 🏷️Smash burger Bacon

🏷️

🏷️Spicy

-0:00

thejoshelkinonTikTok

Total

20 min

Servings

2

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$31–$51

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by thejoshelkin

-0:00

thejoshelkinonTikTok

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
2 jalapeños, finely diced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp barbecue sauce
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp honey
2 tbsp pickle juice
1 lb 80/20 ground beef
salt, to taste
2 potato burger buns
2 slices American cheese
pickle chips, for toppingoptional

17 Ingredients

Delivery in as fast as one hour.^*

Powered by Instacart

Prices vary by store

^*Service fees apply. Instacart^® and the Instacart logo are registered trademarks of Maplebear Inc. d/b/a Instacart.

Instructions

1
In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, crumbled bacon, diced jalapeños, shredded cheddar cheese, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
2
Form the mixture into two patties. On a hot skillet or griddle, fry the patties until a golden-brown crust forms on both sides.
3
In a separate bowl, prepare the burger sauce by mixing together mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, barbecue sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, honey, and pickle juice until smooth.
4
Divide the ground beef into two balls and place them on the hot griddle. Use a burger press and parchment paper to smash them into patties.
5
Season the burger patties with salt and cook for a few minutes per side until a good crust develops.
6
While the burgers cook, toast the inside of the potato buns on the griddle.
7
Place a slice of American cheese on each burger patty and allow it to melt.
8
To assemble, spread a generous amount of burger sauce on the bottom bun.
9
Place a cooked jalapeño popper patty on the bottom bun, followed by the cheeseburger patty.
10
Top with pickle chips and spread more burger sauce on the top bun.
11
Place the top bun on the burger and serve immediately.

Was this recipe helpful?

Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Chill the cream cheese mixture before forming patties so it holds together and fries without leaking.
Smash the burger patty thin on a hot griddle to create crispy, caramelized edges that contrast with the soft popper patty.
Fry the breaded popper patty in 350°F oil for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy; don't overcrowd the pan.
Toast the bun lightly on the griddle to prevent it from absorbing too much sauce and becoming soggy.

Substitutions

Cream cheese → mascarpone (slightly richer, milder flavor)
Cheddar cheese → pepper jack or Monterey Jack (more or less heat)
Bacon → crispy pancetta or smoked ham (different smoke profile)
Mayonnaise base → Greek yogurt mixed with mayo (tangier, lighter)

Storage & make-ahead

Store assembled burgers wrapped in foil in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently in a skillet or oven at 350°F for 5 minutes to warm the patties without drying them out. Freeze uncooked popper patties for up to 3 months.

Equipment

meat grinder or food processor (for ground beef) · griddle or cast-iron skillet (for smash burger) · shallow frying pan or deep skillet (for frying popper patty) · instant-read thermometer (optional, for burger doneness)