Jalapeño Popper Smoked Burgers – Creamy, Smoky, Next-Level Flavor

These Jalapeño Popper Smoked Burgers combine the best of BBQ smoking techniques with the irresistible flavors of jalapeño poppers. Moreover, they create the ultimate burger experience for serious grill enthusiasts. Smoky beef patties get topped with a rich, melty mixture of cream cheese, cheddar, roasted jalapeños, and crispy bacon. As a result, this transforms a regular burger into a BBQ masterpiece that’s perfect for summer grilling, tailgates, or weekend feasts.

Whether you’re cooking on a Traeger, Pit Boss, Weber Smokefire, or traditional smoker, this recipe delivers incredible results. The low-and-slow smoking process infuses the beef with deep smoky flavor. Then, the jalapeño popper topping adds creamy richness and just the right amount of heat. Furthermore, this no-stuff method is easier to prep than traditional stuffed burgers while delivering even more flavor in every bite.

Mastering the Low-and-Slow Smoking Technique for Perfect Burgers

Choosing the Right Ground Beef

The foundation of exceptional smoked burgers starts with selecting the proper ground beef blend. Use 80/20 ground beef because the fat content provides essential moisture and flavor during the long smoking process. Leaner blends will dry out and become tough. Additionally, the fat renders slowly during smoking, creating incredibly juicy burgers.

When forming patties, handle the meat gently to maintain a loose texture. Overworking creates dense, tough burgers that won’t absorb smoke properly. Shape into ¾-inch thick patties because thinner ones cook too quickly. Meanwhile, thicker patties may not reach proper internal temperature in reasonable time.

Setting Up Your Smoker for Success

Set your pellet grill or smoker to 225°F for optimal results. This temperature allows the smoke to penetrate the meat while cooking slowly and evenly. Use hickory, oak, or pecan wood pellets for bold smoke flavor that complements the jalapeño popper topping. Avoid stronger woods like mesquite because they can overpower the delicate cream cheese mixture.

Preheat your smoker completely before adding the burgers. This ensures consistent temperature throughout the cooking process. Additionally, clean grates prevent sticking and create better grill marks during the final sear. The smoking process takes 45-60 minutes, so plan accordingly for timing.

The Reverse Sear Method

The reverse sear technique elevates these smoked burgers to restaurant quality. First, smoke the patties at low temperature until they’re 10°F below target temperature. Then, crank the heat to high or transfer to a hot cast iron skillet. Sear both sides for 1-2 minutes until beautifully browned.

This method creates the perfect contrast between smoky interior and caramelized exterior. Furthermore, it allows precise temperature control for perfectly cooked burgers every time. The final sear also helps melt the jalapeño popper topping into creamy perfection.

Creating the Ultimate Jalapeño Popper Topping

Fire-Roasting Jalapeños for Authentic Flavor

The key to authentic jalapeño popper flavor lies in properly fire-roasting the jalapeños. Char them over an open flame or under the broiler until the skin is blackened and blistered. This process adds smoky depth and removes the raw pepper bite. Additionally, it creates the complex flavor that makes this topping so irresistible.

After roasting, remove the charred skin and seeds for milder heat. However, leave some seeds if you prefer more spice. Dice the roasted peppers finely so they distribute evenly throughout the cream cheese mixture. The roasted jalapeños should be tender and smoky, not crunchy.

Balancing Creamy and Crispy Elements

The jalapeño popper topping combines multiple textures for maximum impact. Start with softened cream cheese as the creamy base that melts beautifully over hot burgers. Sharp cheddar adds tangy richness and helps bind everything together. Meanwhile, crispy bacon provides essential textural contrast and smoky flavor.

Mix all ingredients at room temperature for easy spreading. The mixture should be smooth and spreadable, not stiff or lumpy. Add a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth and visual appeal. The finished topping should taste like the inside of a perfect jalapeño popper.

Application and Melting Technique

Apply the jalapeño popper topping during the final minute of searing for optimal melting. The residual heat from the burgers will warm the mixture. Simultaneously, the hot grill will create those Instagram-worthy creamy drips down the sides. Don’t add it too early because it may burn or separate.

Use a generous scoop on each burger because some will melt off during serving. The goal is a thick layer that stays creamy while developing slight browning on the edges. This creates both visual appeal and incredible flavor in every bite.

Assembly Techniques and Serving Suggestions

Perfecting the Bun Game

Choose brioche or potato buns because they hold up to the rich toppings without falling apart. These sturdy buns also complement the smoky, creamy flavors perfectly. Brush the cut surfaces with melted butter before toasting for extra richness and better browning.

Toast the buns on the grill for 30-60 seconds until golden brown. This creates a slight crispness that prevents sogginess from the melty topping. Additionally, warm buns enhance the overall eating experience and help all flavors meld together beautifully.

Strategic Layering for Maximum Impact

Proper assembly ensures every bite delivers the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Start with the bottom bun, then add the hot smoked patty with its melty jalapeño popper topping. The heat from the burger will continue warming the topping. Furthermore, this creates those appealing cheese drips.

Optional toppings like crispy onion strings add textural interest. Similarly, sliced avocado provides cool creaminess that balances the heat. Fresh lettuce or arugula adds brightness and crunch. However, don’t overload because the jalapeño popper topping is the star of these burgers.

Perfect Pairings and Sides

These rich, indulgent burgers pair perfectly with lighter sides that cut through the richness. Grilled corn salad adds sweetness and freshness. Meanwhile, crispy sweet potato fries provide textural contrast. Traditional coleslaw offers cooling relief from the jalapeño heat.

For beverages, cold beer complements the smoky, spicy flavors beautifully. Alternatively, iced tea or lemonade provides refreshing balance. The key is choosing accompaniments that enhance rather than compete with these flavor-packed burgers.

Ingredients

For the Smoked Burgers:

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 for optimal juiciness)
• 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 4 brioche or potato burger buns
• 1 tablespoon melted butter (for toasting buns)

For the Jalapeño Popper Topping:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup chopped crispy bacon
• 2 jalapeños, fire-roasted, deseeded, and diced
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Pinch of kosher salt

Optional Toppings:

• Pickled jalapeños for extra heat
• Crispy onion strings for texture
• Sliced avocado for creaminess
• Fresh lettuce or arugula

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Smoker and Prepare Equipment

Set your pellet grill or smoker to 225°F and allow it to preheat completely. This ensures consistent temperature throughout the cooking process. Use hickory, oak, or pecan wood pellets for bold smoke flavor that complements the jalapeño popper topping without overpowering it. Fill the hopper with enough pellets for the entire cook, typically 45-60 minutes.

Clean the grill grates thoroughly and oil them lightly to prevent sticking. Have an instant-read thermometer ready for checking internal temperatures. Additionally, prepare a cast iron skillet if you plan to reverse sear away from the main grill. Set up your workspace with all seasonings and tools within easy reach for efficient cooking.

Step 2: Form and Season the Burger Patties

Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions of approximately 8 ounces each. Gently shape each portion into a patty about ¾-inch thick, handling the meat as little as possible. Overworking creates dense, tough burgers that won’t absorb smoke properly. Make a slight depression in the center of each patty because they’ll puff up during cooking.

Season both sides of each patty generously with kosher salt, coarse black pepper, and garlic powder. Press the seasonings gently into the meat surface to ensure they adhere during the smoking process. Let the seasoned patties rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes while the smoker reaches optimal temperature. This allows the seasonings to penetrate and the meat to come to room temperature for even cooking.

Step 3: Smoke the Burgers Low and Slow

Place the seasoned patties directly on the preheated smoker grates, leaving space between each one for proper air circulation. Close the lid and maintain steady temperature at 225°F throughout the cooking process. Avoid opening the smoker frequently because this releases heat and smoke, extending cooking time.

Smoke the burgers for 45-60 minutes, depending on desired doneness. Check internal temperature after 45 minutes using an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part. Target 135°F for medium-rare or 145°F for medium doneness. The burgers should develop a beautiful smoke ring and rich, smoky aroma when properly cooked.

Step 4: Prepare the Jalapeño Popper Topping

While the burgers smoke, prepare the signature jalapeño popper topping that makes these burgers special. Start by fire-roasting the jalapeños over an open flame or under the broiler until the skin is charred and blistered. This adds essential smoky flavor and removes the raw pepper bite that would overpower the cream cheese.

Remove the charred skin and seeds from the roasted jalapeños, then dice them finely. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, crispy bacon pieces, diced roasted jalapeños, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture is smooth and spreadable. Keep at room temperature for easy application later.

Step 5: Execute the Reverse Sear

When the burgers reach 10°F below your target internal temperature, it’s time for the reverse sear. Increase your grill temperature to high heat (450-500°F) or transfer the burgers to a preheated cast iron skillet over high heat. This final searing step creates the perfect caramelized crust that contrasts beautifully with the smoky interior.

Sear each burger for 1-2 minutes per side until deeply browned and caramelized. The high heat creates the Maillard reaction that develops complex flavors and appealing grill marks. During the final minute of searing, top each burger with a generous scoop of the jalapeño popper mixture, allowing it to begin melting and creating those Instagram-worthy creamy drips down the sides.

Step 6: Toast Buns and Final Assembly

While the burgers finish searing, brush the cut surfaces of the brioche or potato buns with melted butter. Place them cut-side down on the grill and toast for 30-60 seconds until golden brown and slightly crispy. This prevents sogginess from the melty topping while adding extra richness and flavor to each bite.

Remove the burgers from heat and let them rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Assemble each burger by placing the hot patty with its melty jalapeño popper topping on the bottom bun. Add any desired optional toppings like crispy onion strings, avocado slices, or fresh lettuce. Crown with the top bun and serve immediately while the topping is still creamy and the burgers are hot. Provide plenty of napkins because these indulgent burgers are definitely a messy, hands-on eating experience that’s worth every delicious bite.

Conclusion

These Jalapeño Popper Smoked Burgers represent the perfect fusion of low-and-slow BBQ techniques with the irresistible flavors of everyone’s favorite appetizer. The combination of smoky beef, creamy jalapeño popper topping, and proper reverse searing creates a burger experience that rivals any high-end steakhouse while being achievable on your backyard smoker.

Want more recipes like this? Check out all of our grilling recipes here for more steak, seafood, and BBQ favorites that are perfect for your next cookout.

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ITEMS USED IN THIS RECIPE

Hasty Bake Charcoal Grill and Smoker

Knitted Gloves

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