Jalapeño Pepper Jack Turkey Burgers Recipe
These Jalapeño Pepper Jack Turkey Burgers are flavorful, juicy, and packed with a spicy kick from fresh jalapeños and pepper jack cheese. Made with lean ground turkey and seasoned with smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic, these burgers offer a balanced blend of heat and savory goodness. Perfectly grilled and topped with melted pepper jack cheese, they’re great for summer cookouts or anytime you crave a delicious, healthier burger option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 6 burgers 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Turkey Burger Mixture
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1/3 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 Tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 jalapeño pepper, finely diced
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 2 pounds (32 oz) 93% lean ground turkey
Optional Toppings
- 6 slices pepper jack cheese
- Hamburger buns
- Sliced jalapeño
- Spicy mayo
- Guacamole
- Tomato slices
- Lettuce
Instructions
- Prepare the Burger Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, shredded pepper jack cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, diced jalapeño, Worcestershire sauce, salt, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and black pepper until well combined.
- Mix with Ground Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the bowl and gently mix using your hands, a silicone spatula, or a wooden spoon until all ingredients are evenly distributed without overworking the meat.
- Form Patties: Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions, about 1/2 cup (170g/6 ounces) each, and shape into compact patties. Press a slight indentation in the center of each patty to ensure even cooking.
- Chill Patties: Place the patties onto a parchment paper–lined baking sheet or plate, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes up to 24 hours. This step helps the patties hold their shape and allows flavors to meld. Alternatively, freeze for up to 3 months and thaw before cooking.
- Preheat Grill: Grease grill grates well with vegetable oil and preheat your grill to high heat to ensure a good sear and prevent sticking.
- Grill Burgers: Place the cold turkey patties on the hot grill and cook with the lid closed for 5 minutes. Flip the patties and grill for an additional 3 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F (74°C). Add optional slices of pepper jack cheese on top during the last 30 seconds to melt.
- Serve: Serve the grilled burgers on hamburger buns with your favorite toppings such as sliced jalapeños, spicy mayo, guacamole, tomato, and lettuce.
- Store Leftovers: Refrigerate any leftover cooked turkey burgers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Use 93% lean ground turkey to ensure the burgers stay juicy yet healthy.
- Pressing an indentation in the center of each patty helps prevent puffing up during grilling.
- Chilling the patties before grilling helps them hold their shape and enhances flavor melding.
- Do not overcook turkey burgers to avoid dryness; use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Optional toppings like spicy mayo, guacamole, and fresh jalapeños add additional layers of flavor and heat.
- These patties can be frozen before cooking for up to 3 months; thaw fully in the refrigerator before grilling.
Keywords: turkey burgers, jalapeño burgers, pepper jack turkey burgers, grilled turkey burgers, spicy turkey burger, healthy burgers
