This Easy Cheesy Poblano Popper Burger is a fun twist on your classic burger! It features juicy beef patties topped with spicy poblano peppers, cream cheese, and melty cheese—yum!
Honestly, who can resist a burger that packs a cheesy pop? I love piling on the toppings and enjoying every delicious bite. Perfect for summer cookouts or casual dinners! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using an 80/20 blend gives you juicy burgers. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try ground turkey or chicken, though they may cook slightly differently. For a vegetarian twist, you could use black bean patties!
Poblano Peppers: These add a great mild spice. If you can’t find poblanos, bell peppers offer sweetness without heat, or jalapeños will give you a kick. Just be aware of how spicy you want your burger!
Cream Cheese: I love cream cheese for its creamy texture, but you can use ricotta or goat cheese if you prefer. They’ll alter the flavor but still work well with the other ingredients.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar is classic here, but Monterey Jack or pepper jack will add a different zest. You could even mix in a bit of blue cheese for a bold flavor!
How Do I Char Poblano Peppers Perfectly?
Charring poblanos is key for deep flavor. Start by placing them on direct flame or a broiler. Keep an eye on them; you want the skin to blister and turn dark. Be patient—it’s worth it!
- Char peppers for 8-10 minutes, turning them regularly.
- Once charred, seal them in a bag or bowl to steam for 10 minutes.
- Once cool, peel off the skin carefully and remove seeds if preferred.
This technique ensures your peppers have that smoky taste that elevates your burger to a new level. Enjoy making these tasty burgers!
Easy 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, lightly toasted
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil or cooking spray
- Optional: lettuce or other burger toppings
How Much Time Will You Need?
This burger recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, and you’ll need around 15 minutes for cooking. In total, you can have these delicious burgers ready to enjoy in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Cooking Surface:
Start by heating your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. This will give your burgers a lovely sear!
2. Char the Poblano Peppers:
Place the poblano peppers directly over the flame on your grill or under your broiler. Turn them occasionally so they char evenly on all sides for about 8-10 minutes. Once charred, place them in a plastic bag or covered bowl to steam for about 10 minutes. This makes peeling the skin easier. After steaming, gently peel off the skins, remove the seeds if desired, and set the peppers aside.
3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy.
4. Form the Beef Patties:
Shape the ground beef into 4 equal-sized patties. Remember to season them well with salt and pepper on both sides to bring out the flavor.
5. Cook the Patties:
Place the patties on the grill or skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on how well done you like your burgers. Make sure they are nice and browned!
6. Add the Cheese:
In the last 2 minutes of cooking, spread a generous dollop of the cheese mixture on top of each patty. Cover the grill or pan to help the cheese melt perfectly.
7. Assemble the Burgers:
Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, take the patties off the heat. Place each cheesy patty on the bottom half of a toasted hamburger bun. Top with a roasted poblano pepper, then finish with the top bun.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Easy Cheesy Poblano Popper Burgers immediately and enjoy the wonderful combination of spicy, cheesy flavors sandwiched in a soft bun. Cheers to delicious homemade burgers!
This burger combines the heat and smokiness of roasted poblanos with a luscious cheesy topping reminiscent of poblano poppers, all sandwiched in a soft bun for the ultimate comfort food experience.
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Poblano Popper Burger
Can I Use Different Kinds of Cheese?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for cream cheese and cheddar, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Monterey Jack or pepper jack will add a fun twist, or even blue cheese for a stronger flavor!
What If I Can’t Find Poblano Peppers?
No worries! If poblanos are unavailable, you can use bell peppers for a sweeter taste or jalapeños if you’re looking for something spicier. Just adjust the amount based on your heat preference!
How Can I Make These Burgers Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the cheese mixture and form the beef patties ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for up to a day. Just cook the patties right before serving, and you’ll have a quick meal!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheating in a skillet or the oven is best for maintaining the burger’s texture!
