Grilled Jalapeño Cheddar burgers

In under 30 minutes you’ll have these burgers grilled up and served. Full of chopped jalapeño’s and topped with creamy cheddar cheese, this Jalapeño Cheddar Burger everyone will be asking for again and again! Perfect for anyone who loves bold, spicy flavors and easy grilling recipes– a must-try for burger fans!

For another classic and favorite grilling recipe try my Grilled Flatbread Pizzas…always a winner!

My son Levi has worked for a couple of years at a little vintage burger diner that serves up arguably the best malts and burgers.

For mother’s day Levi treated me to my very own version of his favorite of their burgers. He showed me how to mix up the meat to get that spicy and juicy bite, top it with the perfect combo of toppings, and, of course, ALWAYS use a grilled bottom bun.

These are a favorite in our home and will be a favorite of your family, too. Easy to make and always the perfect bite!

Key Ingredients for Jalapeno Cheddar Burgers

The ingredients are really simple, but they make one heck of a burger!

• Ground beef. When grilling burgers, I think using an 85% lean is key. You need to keep some fat in the burger to get a good juicy burger and seared outside. You could sub ground turkey, ground chicken, or your favorite ground meat. But be mindful of if the leaner meats might stick to the grill pan.
• Cheddar cheese. I love using a good strong sharp cheddar cheese for these burgers.
• Jalapeño’s. Of course a key ingredient is a jalapeño. You’ll need them diced in the burger mixture as well as a few sliced jalapeño‘s on top.
• Red Onion. Honestly, I think a slice of onion on top is necessary but not everyone might agree. But give it a try and see if you change your mind.
• Buns. Traditional white hamburger buns that hang out on the grill for a bit getting toasty are honestly the best. You don’t need to get fancy!

To make the Jalapeño Cheddar Burger Patties:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients for the burgers.
• Shape the mixture into four patties.
• Chill until ready to grill.

Make Ahead/Freeze:

• Dice the jalapeño’s and cheese ahead of time. Keep pre-made burger patties in the fridge for up to 1 day.
• I have never frozen the patties and can’t speak to how well that works. In my experience, however, it should work just fine. You may need to add some extra cooking time to account for the cold centers.
• I would not recommend storing cooked burgers to be reheated.

To grill the jalapeño cheddar burgers:

• Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
• Add the burger patties to the hot grill.
• Cook the burger patties about 7 to 9 minutes per side, flipping once.
• When they’re almost done, put 1 slice of cheese on each burger, cover the grill, and let the cheese melt.
• If desired, split the buns in half and toast them (cut side down) on the grill for a couple minutes.

Ingredients to upgrade your jalapeño cheddar burgers:

I think these burgers are already amazing but I would be remiss if I didn’t mention some ways we have found to give them a boost or change them up, a bit.

• Extra burger toppings like a tomato slice and leaf of lettuce on top.
• Oh oh…top these with some of my homemade Bacon Jam!!
• Spices like garlic powder, cumin, and paprika mixed into the meat mixture is so nice, when I take time.
• A light sprinkle of extra salt and pepper on the outside of the patties helps build better crust flavor.
• Pickles, of course.

Tips for grilled burgers:

• Handle the meat as little as possible when mixing jalapeno cheddar burgers stay more tender when you shape them gently, whether you combine everything in a mixing bowl by hand or use a food processor to get the cheese and chopped fresh jalapenos finely mixed in.
• A pound of beef will usually make four patties.
• Make the patties as uniform in thickness as possible for uniform grilling, and if you want an extra kick, jalapeno cheddar and Montreal steak seasoning are both great mix-ins for more flavor.
• Cook the burger patties about 7 to 9 minutes per side; that cook time works well when you grill them to your desired doneness. Keep the grill around medium heat to medium-high heat so they cook evenly.
• To get the burger to the exact temperature you like you’ll want to pull out a meat thermometer and check it.
• Do NOT squish the burger with a spatula. You’ll release all the good juices that are collecting in there. Yum!
• Let the burger sit for a couple minutes before eating. The melted cheese will be very, very hot!
• These jalapeno burgers are super easy and make a delicious dinner.

Serve the burger with a couple slices of red onion, fresh jalapéno, and fresh spinach on a toasty bun; the spinach helps balance the heat. Maybe a slather of mayo for good measure.

Radishes add crunch, and avocados add a creamy finish to jalapeno cheddar burgers.

Side dishes to serve with Jalapeño Cheeseburgers:

• easy Green Pea Salad with bacon
• the BEST Cauliflower Potato Salad (low-carb, Paleo)
• Sweet and Creamy Classic Coleslaw Recipe
• Cookies & Cream Oreo Popsicles
• Jalapeño Popper Toppers
• easy Marinated Tomato Salad (great for garden produce!)