This Easy Cheesy Poblano Popper Burger is a fun twist on a classic! Juicy beef patties are topped with creamy cheese, roasted poblano peppers, and crispy bacon. Yum!
Every bite is like a party in your mouth, with a bit of spice and a lot of flavor. I love making these for friends and seeing their faces light up. Who can resist cheesy goodness?
These burgers are quick to whip up on a weeknight. Just grill, stack, and serve with your favorite fries. They’re sure to be a hit with everyone at the table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I use an 80/20 blend for juiciness and flavor, but you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken if you want a leaner option. Just remember that leaner meats can dry out, so keep an eye on cooking times.
Poblano Peppers: Poblano peppers bring a mild heat and sweetness, perfect for this recipe. If you can’t find them, try using Anaheim peppers or even bell peppers for a sweeter, milder taste.
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess to the cheese mix. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you could use a vegan cream cheese alternative or even avocado for a different flavor profile.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is my favorite for extra flavor. If you’re not a fan, you can swap it out for pepper jack for some added spice, or a milder cheese like mozzarella.
How Do I Roast Poblano Peppers Effectively?
Roasting poblano peppers gives them a rich, smoky flavor, which is key in this burger. Here’s how to do it just right:
- Preheat your oven broiler or grill to high heat.
- Drizzle the poblanos with olive oil and place them under the broiler or on the grill.
- Turn the peppers occasionally until the skin is blistered and charred, about 8-10 minutes.
- Once done, place them in a bowl and cover to steam for about 10 minutes. This makes peeling easy.
- After steaming, peel off the charred skin and remove the seeds. Now they’re ready to be used!
This method brings out the best flavor from your poblano peppers and makes your burgers truly shine!
Easy Cheesy Poblano Popper Burger
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 medium poblano peppers
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 4 brioche or hamburger buns
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for roasting poblanos)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious burger will take about 30 minutes in total to make, including 10 minutes for prep and about 20 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick, tasty meal that can easily impress family and friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roast the Poblano Peppers:
First off, preheat your oven broiler or grill. Drizzle the poblano peppers with olive oil and place them under the broiler or on the grill. Roast the peppers, turning them occasionally, until their skin is blistered and charred—this should take about 8-10 minutes. Once they’re nicely roasted, transfer them to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a lid to let them steam for about 10 minutes. This helps loosen the skin. After they’ve cooled, peel off the charred skin and remove their stems and seeds. Set them aside for later!
2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine your softened cream cheese with the shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped green onions, minced garlic, and smoked paprika (if you’re using it). Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until it’s well integrated and creamy — this will be your delicious burger topping!
3. Form the Patties:
Now it’s time to work with the ground beef. Shape it into 4 equal-sized patties, making them slightly larger than your buns since they’ll shrink a bit as they cook. Don’t forget to season both sides of each patty with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor!
4. Cook the Patties:
Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes on one side. Flip them over and continue cooking until they reach your desired doneness. If you like your burgers juicy, medium-rare to medium is perfect!
5. Add the Cheese Layer:
A minute before the patties are done, generously spread the cheese mixture on top of each patty. Allow it to melt and become bubbly, adding rich flavors to each bite!
6. Assemble the Burgers:
If you like, lightly toast the buns for extra texture. Place each cheesy patty on the bottom bun and top it with one of the roasted poblano peppers. Finally, cover with the top bun. Your burgers are coming together beautifully!
7. Serve Immediately:
Enjoy your Easy Cheesy Poblano Popper Burgers right away! Pair with your favorite sides, such as crispy fries or a fresh salad, for a complete meal. This burger is sure to be a hit!
Dig in and enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and mildly spicy flavors of this delightful burger!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Poblano Popper Burger
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar adds a great flavor, you can experiment with different cheeses. Pepper jack will add a nice kick, while mozzarella will provide a milder, creamier texture. Feel free to mix it up based on your cheese preferences!
How Can I Make This Burger Spicier?
If you love heat, consider adding jalapeños or a hot sauce to the cheese mixture. Alternatively, you can use spicier peppers, like serranos, in place of the poblano peppers. Adjust to your spice tolerance!
Can I Make the Cheese Mixture Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese mixture a day in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, simply remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before adding it to the patties.
How Should I Store Leftover Burgers?
Leftover burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stovetop or in the microwave. Note that the cheese may not melt as well upon reheating, but they’ll still taste delicious!
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions as you make these tasty burgers! Enjoy!
