This Cheesy Poblano Popper Burger is a fun twist on a classic! Juicy beef patties topped with creamy cheese and spiced up with roasted poblano peppers make each bite exciting.
Just imagine sinking your teeth into that melty goodness! I love grilling these on a weekend and serving them with crispy fries. It’s always a hit at my get-togethers!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend is perfect for juicy burgers. If you prefer leaner meat, feel free to use ground turkey or chicken, though they may need extra seasoning for flavor.
Poblano Peppers: These peppers are mild, but for more heat, try jalapeños. If you can’t find poblanos, bell peppers work too, though they lack that smoky flavor.
Cream Cheese: This provides a creamy texture, but you can substitute with goat cheese for a tangy twist or ricotta for a lighter option.
Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its bold flavor. Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack can also add great taste, and they melt wonderfully.
What’s the Best Way to Roast Poblano Peppers?
Roasting poblano peppers brings out their flavor and makes peeling easier. Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat your broiler or grill for high heat.
- Brush the peppers with olive oil to help them char and prevent sticking.
- Turn the peppers occasionally until charred all over, about 8-10 minutes.
- Transfer to a bowl, cover to steam for 10 minutes, then peel off the skin—it’s that simple!
Cheesy Poblano Popper Burger
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 poblano peppers
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil (for roasting peppers)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Roasted Peppers:
For the Cheese Mixture:
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and about 15 minutes to cook, making the total time around 35 minutes. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive for your weekend barbecue!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roast the Poblano Peppers:
First off, preheat your oven’s broiler or get your grill nice and hot. Brush the poblano peppers lightly with olive oil and place them on a baking sheet or right on the grill. Keep an eye on them and turn occasionally until the skins are charred and blistered all around—this should take about 8-10 minutes. Once they’re all charred, transfer the peppers to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap or toss them in a sealed bag for about 10 minutes. This steamy step helps make peeling super easy!
2. Peel the Poblano Peppers:
After steaming, it’s time to peel off that blackened skin. Be gentle so you don’t tear the soft flesh! If you prefer a milder flavor, remove the stems and seeds at this point, then set your beautiful roasted poblanos aside.
3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a medium bowl, take your softened cream cheese and mix in the shredded cheddar, chopped cilantro, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is combined and creamy—this is going to be the gooey goodness on your burger!
4. Form and Cook the Patties:
Now, let’s get those patties ready. Divide your ground beef into 4 equal parts and form them into flat patties. Make them just a bit larger than your buns as they’ll shrink while cooking. Season both sides with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
5. Cook the Patties:
Heat your grill or skillet to medium-high. Cook each beef patty for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they’re cooked to your liking. Remember, the magic happens in those last couple of minutes!
6. Add the Cheese Mixture:
In the last minute or so of cooking, spread a thick layer of that delicious cheese mixture onto one side of each patty. Let it warm and melt a bit—we want it smooth and gooey!
7. Assemble the Burgers:
It’s time to put it all together. Take the bottom half of each hamburger bun and place a cheesy patty on it. Top each glorious burger with a roasted poblano pepper. If you like, add any extra toppings or condiments to suit your taste, then finish with the bun top.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Dig in while they’re warm and cheesy! These Cheesy Poblano Popper Burgers will surely become a favorite at your table.
FAQ for Cheesy Poblano Popper Burger
Can I Use Different Types of Peppers?
Absolutely! If you prefer a little more heat, jalapeños are a great substitute. For a milder option, try using bell peppers. Just keep in mind that the flavor will shift slightly depending on the pepper choice!
How Do I Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze them, wrap the assembled burgers tightly in foil and place them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Just reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
Can I Make the Cheese Mixture Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese mixture a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container. When you’re ready to make the burgers, use it straight from the fridge, or let it come to room temperature for easier spreading.
What Can I Serve with These Burgers?
These burgers pair wonderfully with a variety of sides! Consider serving them with crispy fries, a refreshing salad, or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
