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ground beef in a bowl

Smoked Cheddar Jalapeño Burgers with Crispy Bacon Burger Sauce

Servings 6
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes

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

Instructions
 

Prepare the Burger Patties:

  • 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:

  • 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:

  • 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:

  • Butter brioche buns and toast them in a skillet or on a griddle until golden.

Assemble the Burgers:

  • 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.