Name: Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ounces cream cheese, softened; 3 ounces cheddar cheese, grated; 1 to 2 jalapeño peppers, minced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 lb ground turkey; ½ cup almond flour; 2 tablespoon finely minced onion; 1 teaspoon salt; ¾ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon cumin; 1 to 2 tablespoon olive oil; 6 slices cooked bacon; Optional: lettuce wraps for serving

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a burger that’s not just another backyard staple but a flavor-packed showstopper, these Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers are about to steal the grill. Cream cheese, cheddar, and zippy jalapeños get tucked inside lean ground turkey, making each bite melty, juicy, and unforgettable. Finished with savory bacon and crisp lettuce wraps, this is the burger mash-up you never knew you needed. Trust me, if you’re a fan of spicy, creamy, and satisfying burgers, you’ll fall in love with Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers from the first bite.

Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers come together with a handful of easily found ingredients, but each one plays a vital role in building those layers of flavor and texture. Let’s break down what makes every component shine in this burger masterpiece.

Cream Cheese (3 ounces, softened): Brings ultra-creamy texture and a mild tang to the melty filling inside the burger.
Cheddar Cheese (3 ounces, grated): Adds sharpness and extra gooey melt to mirror classic jalapeño poppers.
Jalapeño Peppers (1 to 2, minced): Offer a customizable kick of spice; use more or less to fit your heat preference.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Gives aromatic depth and subtle heat that enhances all the other flavors.
Ground Turkey (2 lb): Acts as the lean, juicy base of your burgers, letting the stuffing shine through.
Almond Flour (½ cup): Binds the patties together and keeps them naturally gluten-free with a light, tender bite.
Onion (2 tablespoon, finely minced): Sweetens and moistens the turkey mixture for flavor in every bite.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out all those savory notes throughout the burger.
Black Pepper (¾ teaspoon): Gives gentle warmth and balances the richness of the filling.
Cumin (½ teaspoon): Introduces a gentle smokiness that works beautifully with the peppers.
Olive Oil (1 to 2 tablespoon): Keeps the exteriors golden and prevents sticking on the grill.
Bacon (6 slices, cooked): The crunchy, smoky finishing touch that perfectly echoes the best jalapeño poppers.
Lettuce Wraps (optional, for serving): Offer a crisp, cool contrast to all the warmth and gooey cheese, keeping things lighter and gluten-free.

How to Make Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers

Step 1: Make the Cheese Filling

Start by grabbing a medium bowl and combining your softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, minced jalapeños, and fresh garlic. Use a fork or sturdy spatula to mash everything together until you see bright flecks of jalapeño and the cheeses are blended into a creamy, luscious mix. This filling is the star inside your Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers.

Step 2: Mix the Turkey Patty Base

In a separate, larger bowl, add your ground turkey, almond flour, finely minced onion, salt, black pepper, and cumin. Don’t be afraid to get in with clean hands or a sturdy spoon to mix everything together. You want a cohesive mixture, but avoid overworking so your burgers stay tender.

Step 3: Prepare Your Burger Press

Now, if you have a burger press, line the bottom with a parchment round for easy release. Scoop some of your turkey mixture to fill the press about halfway. Top with another parchment circle and use the press to make a well in the center—this space holds your cheese filling!

Step 4: Fill and Seal the Burgers

Remove the top press and parchment. Spoon a generous amount of the jalapeño popper cheese filling into the well. Carefully cover with more turkey mixture, then use the flat side of the press to gently seal the edges. The goal is to keep all that cheesy goodness locked inside.

Step 5: Shape the Rest of the Patties

Repeat the process until you’ve used up your turkey and filling, aiming for 6 to 7 plump patties. If you don’t have a burger press, no worries—just shape each patty by hand, making a well in the center for the filling, then sealing the top with more turkey and pinching the edges.

Step 6: Grill to Perfection

Preheat your grill to medium-high. Brush each side of your Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers with olive oil to prevent sticking and help create that irresistible crust. Grill the patties for about 7 to 8 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. The cheese inside will be hot and melty, so handle with care!

Step 7: Add Bacon and Serve

Once the burgers are cooked through, top each one with a piece of crispy bacon. Serve on a lettuce wrap (or a toasted bun if you prefer), and get ready for the ultimate flavor explosion of creamy, crunchy, spicy, and smoky.

How to Serve Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers

Garnishes

Elevate your Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers with simple garnishes: a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or scallions, a few extra slices of raw or pickled jalapeños for pop, or even an extra dollop of cream cheese on top for mega cheese lovers. Don’t forget a quick squeeze of lime over the top—it adds unexpected brightness!

Side Dishes

These burgers pair beautifully with just about anything that cools off their spicy, rich center. Think classic sweet potato fries, a crisp cucumber salad, or tangy slaw. Or go all out and serve with grilled corn and your favorite chipotle aioli for dipping—the perfect partner to these bold Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not try sliders for a party tray, using small buns and making mini versions of the Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers? Skewer a bacon strip and a pickled jalapeño on top of each burger for a show-stopping presentation. Or, stack the cooked burgers over salad greens, slice into wedges, and drizzle with ranch or hot sauce for a playful, deconstructed vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers, let them cool to room temperature and transfer to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and juicy in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Remember to store them separately from your lettuce wraps or buns to keep everything crisp.

Freezing

These stuffed patties freeze beautifully, cooked or uncooked! To freeze before cooking, place shaped, ungrilled burgers on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until solid, then wrap individually and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. You can also freeze cooked burgers, tightly wrapped, for a convenient meal down the road.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen burgers overnight in the fridge if needed. Rewarm gently in a 350°F oven, covered loosely with foil, for about 10-15 minutes. You can also use a skillet over medium heat. Avoid microwaving if possible—reheating in the oven or skillet keeps the cheese center melty and the texture just right.

FAQs

Can I make Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers less spicy?

Absolutely! Use just one jalapeño or remove the seeds and membranes before mincing; the heat is concentrated there. You can also substitute milder peppers like Anaheim or poblano for a gentler warmth.

Can I use another type of cheese in the filling?

Definitely! While cream cheese and cheddar are classic for that jalapeño popper vibe, Monterey jack or pepper jack work wonderfully and melt smoothly. Feel free to mix and match based on your favorite flavors.

How do I prevent the burgers from falling apart?

Make sure your turkey mixture is well-combined and the filling is well-sealed inside each patty. Almond flour helps bind everything, but a gentle touch during grilling and a light brushing of olive oil help keep the burgers intact.

Is there a dairy-free option for the filling?

Yes! Try using your favorite plant-based cream cheese and vegan cheddar-style shreds in the filling. The burgers stay just as creamy and delicious, making Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers more accessible for everyone.

Can I bake these instead of grilling?

Certainly! Preheat your oven to 400°F and place the stuffed burgers on a lined baking sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Baking is a great alternative if you don’t have access to a grill.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a new burger obsession, these Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers deliver on every level: juicy turkey, gooey cheese, and a bit of sassy heat, all wrapped up in a bite you’ll crave. Fire up the grill, gather your friends, and give this recipe a try—you just might find it’s your new cookout staple!

Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 15 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6–7 burgers 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers are a spicy twist on a classic favorite, combining the flavors of jalapeño poppers with juicy turkey burgers. Creamy, cheesy, and with a kick of heat, these burgers are a delicious and unique grilling option.

Instructions

Combine Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated cheddar, minced jalapeños, and garlic. Mash everything together until well mixed. Set aside.
Mix Turkey: In a large bowl, mix the ground turkey, almond flour, minced onion, salt, black pepper, and cumin until well combined.
Prepare Burger Press: Place a circle of parchment paper at the bottom of the press. Add the turkey mixture to fill the press halfway, then top with another circle of parchment. Press down to create a well in the center.
Add Filling: Remove the top press and parchment, add some of the cream cheese mixture into the well. Cover with more turkey mixture and seal the edges.
Repeat Process: Repeat until all the turkey and filling are used, making 6 to 7 burgers. For hand-stuffing, form patties with a well in the center, add filling, and seal the edges with the remaining turkey.
Preheat Grill: Preheat a grill to medium-high and brush both sides of the burgers with olive oil. Grill the burgers for 7 to 8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF.
Serve: Top with crispy bacon and serve on lettuce wraps.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American