Go Back
ground beef in a bowl

Smoked Cheddar Jalapeño Burgers with Crispy Bacon Burger Sauce

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the Burgers:
  • 2 lbs ground chuck 80/20
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese cut into ¼” cubes
  • 1½ fresh jalapeños seeded and finely diced
  • All-purpose BBQ rub to taste
  • Hickory wood chunks for smoking
  • 4 slices pepper jack cheese
  • Brioche buns toasted
For the Burger Sauce:
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 2 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp sweet relish
  • ½ lb thick-cut bacon cooked until crispy and minced
  • 1 tbsp Tony’s Creole seasoning
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Method
 

Prepare the Burger Patties:
  1. In a large bowl, mix ground chuck, jalapeños, and cheddar cubes until just combined. Form into ⅓ lb balls (about 6 patties). Season each patty with BBQ rub and set aside.
Make the Burger Sauce:
  1. Cook bacon until crispy and mince it. In a bowl, mix mayo, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire, relish, Creole seasoning, salt, pepper, and bacon. Chill until ready to use.
Smoke the Burgers:
  1. Preheat smoker to 275°F. Add hickory wood. Place patties on the grate and smoke until internal temp hits 150°F. Add pepper jack cheese to each burger and continue smoking until they reach 165°F.
Toast the Buns:
  1. Butter brioche buns and toast them in a skillet or on a griddle until golden.
Assemble the Burgers:
  1. Spread burger sauce on the bottom bun. Add a smoked patty with melted cheese. Top with more sauce and finish with the top bun. Serve immediately.