This Cheesy Poblano Popper Burger brings together juicy beef and creamy cheese with a spicy kick from poblano peppers. It’s like a fiesta in every bite!
And let’s be real, who can resist a burger topped with cheese and peppers? It’s a match made in BBQ heaven! 🍔 I love adding a little crispy bacon for extra flavor. So good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend is great for burgers because it has enough fat to keep them juicy. If you prefer leaner meat, go for 90/10, but be prepared for a slightly drier texture. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Poblano Peppers: These peppers bring mild heat and flavor. If you can’t find them, try jalapeños for more spice or bell peppers for sweetness. Roasting any of these enhances their flavor, so don’t skip that step!
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess to the spread. If you’re dairy-free, look for a plant-based cream cheese alternative. You could also use goat cheese for a tangy twist.
Brioche Buns: These buns are soft and slightly sweet, perfect for holding everything together. If you’re looking for a healthier option, whole wheat or gluten-free buns can work, though they might not be as buttery.
How Do You Perfectly Roast Poblano Peppers?
Roasting poblano peppers is essential for bringing out their flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Place the peppers directly over an open flame on your gas stove or on a hot grill. You can also use a broiler.
- Turn them frequently until the skins are completely charred and blistered (about 5-10 minutes).
- After roasting, transfer them to a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. This steaming process helps loosen the skins.
- Once cooled for about 10 minutes, peel off the charred skin, slice open to remove seeds and stems, and they’re ready to use!
Taking the time to roast them adds so much flavor—don’t rush this step!
Cheesy Poblano Popper Burger
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burger:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend preferred)
- 2 poblano peppers
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 brioche burger buns
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for toasting buns)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 25 minutes: 10 minutes for preparation and 15 minutes for cooking and assembling. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ with friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Poblano Peppers:
Roasting the poblano peppers gives them a delicious smoky flavor. You can do this by holding them over an open flame or placing them under a broiler. Keep turning them until the skins are charred and blistered (about 5-10 minutes). Once done, transfer the peppers to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let them steam for about 10 minutes. This will make peeling them easier! After steaming, simply peel off the skins, slice them open, and remove the seeds and stems.
2. Make the Creamy Cheese Spread:
In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, chopped green onions, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined, and set this cheesy goodness aside.
3. Form the Patties:
Divide your ground beef into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty, making them slightly larger than your buns since they will shrink while cooking. Don’t forget to season both sides of each patty with salt and pepper for the best flavor.
4. Cook the Burgers:
Heat up your grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the patties on the hot surface and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. If you like them medium rare, aim for an internal temperature of about 130°F.
5. Toast the Buns:
While your burgers are cooking, take your brioche buns and lightly brush them with olive oil or butter. Toast them cut side down on the grill or a skillet until they’re golden brown and slightly crispy. This adds extra flavor and texture!
6. Assemble the Burgers:
Now it’s time to put it all together! Start with the bottom half of the toasted bun, then spread a generous layer of your creamy cheese mixture on top. Place the cooked patty over the cheese, layer on a roasted poblano pepper, and finally, top it off with the other half of the bun.
7. Serve Immediately:
Enjoy your Cheesy Poblano Popper Burger while it’s warm! Each bite will be a delightful mix of creamy, cheesy, and smoky flavors that will surely impress your taste buds!
FAQ about Cheesy Poblano Popper Burger
Can I Use Different Types of Peppers?
Absolutely! If you can’t find poblano peppers, you can substitute with jalapeños for more heat or bell peppers for sweetness. Just remember to roast them for enhanced flavor!
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
For an extra kick, consider adding diced jalapeños into the creamy cheese spread or topping your burger with sliced fresh jalapeños. You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper or hot sauce in the cheese mixture if you like it really spicy!
Can I Prepare the Cheese Spread Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make the creamy cheese spread a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before spreading it on the burgers to soften it up.
How Should I Store Leftover Burgers?
If you have leftovers, store the assembled burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the patties in a skillet or microwave, and then assemble with fresh toppings on toasted buns!
