This Cheesy Poblano Popper Burger is a tasty twist on your classic burger. With creamy cheese and spicy poblano peppers, it’s bursting with flavor!
I love making these burgers for a fun dinner! They always get everyone excited, and I can’t resist adding extra cheese. Who can say no to more cheese, right? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using an 80/20 blend gives you juicy burgers since the fat helps keep them moist. If you prefer leaner options, ground turkey or chicken works well, but be sure to add a bit of oil to keep it juicy.
Poblano Peppers: These peppers add a nice mild heat and smoky flavor. If you can’t find poblano peppers, try using green bell peppers for a sweeter taste or jalapeños for a spicier kick!
Cream Cheese: It’s the creamy base that binds everything together. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese, but the texture may differ slightly.
Cheddar and Monterey Jack: These cheeses melt beautifully. Feel free to use pepper jack for an extra spice kick, or even a vegan cheese if you want a plant-based option.
How Do You Roast Poblano Peppers Perfectly?
Roasting poblanos is an essential step to maximize their flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat your broiler or grill and place the peppers directly over the heat. Keep an eye on them!
- Let them cook until the skins are charred and blackened, about 5-7 minutes per side. You want them to blister.
- After roasting, place them in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap or in a sealed bag to steam for 10 minutes. This helps loosen the skin.
- Once cooled, peel off the charred skin, remove seeds, and they are ready to use!
These steps ensure you enjoy that rich, smoky flavor in your burgers! Happy cooking!
Cheesy Poblano Popper Burger
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burger:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- 4 poblano peppers
- 4 hamburger buns (preferably brioche or soft sandwich buns)
For the Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Cooking:
- Olive oil or vegetable oil, for roasting and grilling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You can spend about 10 minutes roasting the poblano peppers and then an additional 20 minutes for mixing the filling, grilling the patties, and assembling the burgers. It’s a quick and delicious meal for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roast the Poblanos:
Start by preheating your broiler or grill. Place the poblano peppers directly on a baking sheet or grill. Roast until the skins are charred and blistered all over, approximately 5-7 minutes per side. When done, transfer the peppers to a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap or seal it in a plastic bag to allow them to steam for about 10 minutes. After steaming, carefully peel off the charred skin and remove the seeds. You can leave the peppers whole or halve them for easier layering on the burgers.
2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack cheese, chopped cilantro, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir the ingredients together until they are well mixed and creamy.
3. Form the Patties:
Divide the ground beef into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty, making them slightly larger than your buns since they will shrink while cooking. Press a small indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up while on the grill. Season both sides of each patty with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Grill the Patties:
Preheat your grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Grill the patties for about 4 minutes until they are nicely seared on the first side. Flip the patties, and immediately add a generous layer of the cheese mixture on top. Continue grilling for another 4-5 minutes, or until the burgers reach your desired level of doneness and the cheese is hot and melty.
5. Toast the Buns:
While the patties are finishing up, take some time to lightly toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in a skillet until they are golden brown. This adds a delicious crunch!
6. Assemble the Burgers:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Place each burger patty on the bottom half of a toasted bun. Top each patty with one roasted poblano pepper (whole or halved), and then cover it with the top half of the bun.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Cheesy Poblano Popper Burgers are now ready! Serve them hot with your favorite sides like fries or a fresh salad. Enjoy every bite of this smoky, spicy, and cheesy goodness!
FAQ for Cheesy Poblano Popper Burger
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Be sure to add a bit of oil to the turkey mixture to help keep the burgers moist, as turkey can dry out more easily than beef.
What If I Can’t Find Poblano Peppers?
If poblano peppers are unavailable, green bell peppers can be used for a milder flavor, or jalapeños for additional heat. Just keep in mind that the taste and spice levels will differ slightly!
Can I Prepare the Cheese Mixture in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese mixture up to a day ahead! Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for a bit before spreading it on the patties, as it will be easier to work with when softened.
How Do I Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently microwave or warm on the stove, being careful not to dry them out.
