This Cheesy Poblano Popper Burger is a fun twist on your classic burger! It features a juicy beef patty topped with creamy cheese and roasted poblano peppers for a little kick.
Honestly, who can resist that cheesy goodness? Every bite is a blend of flavors that’ll make you smile. I love to pair it with crispy fries for a tasty meal that hits the spot!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend is perfect for juicy burgers due to its fat content. If you’re watching fat intake, use leaner beef (like 90/10), but remember it might be less juicy!
Poblano Peppers: These peppers add a mild heat with great flavor. If they’re unavailable, try anaheim peppers or even jalapeños for more heat. Roasting is key to enhance their sweetness!
Brioche Buns: They add a lovely softness and slight sweetness. If you prefer a lighter option, you can use whole wheat or potato buns which also work well.
Cream Cheese: This gives a creamy texture. If you’re looking to lower calories, you can swap it with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist or a soft cheese like ricotta.
How Do I Roast Poblano Peppers Successfully?
Roasting poblanos brings out their natural sweetness and adds a smoky flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat your oven broiler or grill to high heat.
- Place the peppers on a baking sheet or directly on the grill. Turn them every few minutes until the skins are blistered and blackened, about 8-10 minutes.
- After roasting, place the peppers in a covered bowl or bag for about 10 minutes. This steams them, making peeling easier.
- Peel off the blackened skin gently, and remove the seeds and stems before using.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have perfectly roasted poblanos to enhance your burger!
Cheesy Poblano Popper Burger
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- 4 fresh poblano peppers
- 4 brioche burger buns, toasted
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil or vegetable oil, for roasting and cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cheesy Poblano Popper Burger recipe takes about 30-35 minutes. This includes around 10-15 minutes for prepping the ingredients, 10-15 minutes for roasting the peppers and cooking the patties, and a few minutes for assembly. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend grilling session!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roast the Poblano Peppers:
Start by preheating your oven’s broiler or setting the grill to high heat. Place the poblano peppers on a baking sheet or directly on the grill grate. Roast the peppers, turning them every few minutes, until the skins are blackened and blistered all over, which should take about 8-10 minutes. This step adds a wonderful smoky flavor!
2. Steam the Roasted Peppers:
Once the poblanos are roasted, transfer them to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap or place them inside a sealed plastic bag. Let them steam for about 10 minutes. This helps to loosen the skin, making it easier to peel off.
3. Prepare the Peppers:
After steaming, gently peel off the skin from the poblanos and remove the seeds. Set your peeled peppers aside for later assembly.
4. Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped cilantro, green onions, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined and creamy!
5. Form the Burger Patties:
Shape the ground beef into 4 equal patties. Make them slightly larger than your buns because they’ll shrink while cooking. Season both sides of each patty with a little salt and pepper to boost the flavor.
6. Cook the Patties:
Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Add a touch of oil to prevent sticking. Cook the patties for about 4 minutes on each side or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Juicy and perfect!
7. Add the Cheese Mixture:
In the last minute of cooking the patties, spread a generous spoonful of the creamy cheese mixture on top of each patty. Cover the grill or skillet with a lid; this helps the cheese melt beautifully.
8. Assemble the Burgers:
To assemble, place each cheesy patty on the bottom half of a toasted brioche bun. Top each patty with one of the roasted poblano peppers, then place the bun tops on each burger.
9. Serve & Enjoy:
Your Cheesy Poblano Popper Burgers are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them immediately with your favorite sides, like crispy fries or a fresh salad. Dig in, and enjoy the creamy, smoky, slightly spicy flavors mixed with juicy beef!
FAQ for Cheesy Poblano Popper Burger
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that turkey can be drier than beef, so consider adding a bit of olive oil or extra cheese to keep the patties moist while cooking.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make this burger vegetarian, replace the beef with a plant-based burger patty or even grilled portobello mushrooms for a hearty alternative. You can still use the roasted poblano peppers and cheese mixture for delicious flavor!
What Should I Do with Leftover Cream Cheese Mixture?
If you have leftover cream cheese mixture, it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It’s great as a dip for veggies or crackers, or you could even spread it on toast for a tasty snack!
How Do I Store Leftover Burgers?
Store leftover assembled burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can microwave them gently or warm them in a skillet. If possible, reheat the patty separately to maintain texture before placing it back on the bun.
