If you’ve ever wished your burger had a little more kick—and maybe a gooey, creamy center to match—then let me introduce you to my Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers. They’re everything I love about a jalapeño popper—cheese, spice, and crunch—stuffed right into a juicy burger patty. And yes, there’s bacon involved. Because of course there is.
These burgers are a weeknight favorite in my house, but they’re also impressive enough to serve at a backyard cookout or weekend hangout. The cream cheese filling melts right into the center of each patty, the cheddar adds sharpness, and the almond flour keeps everything moist with a slightly nutty texture. Add crispy bacon on top, and you’ve got yourself a next-level burger that’s bursting with flavor in every bite.
Here’s exactly how I make them—and why they’ll probably end up in your regular rotation, too.
Why These Burgers Work
There are a lot of burger recipes out there, but this one stands out for a few solid reasons:
- Spicy meets creamy: The jalapeño-cheddar-cream cheese center is melty and bold, but not overwhelming.
- Turkey gets a major upgrade: The almond flour and onions keep the patties juicy and flavorful.
- Built-in popper flavor: No need for separate toppings—everything’s inside the patty.
- Bacon as a final flourish: Because that crispy, smoky bite pulls it all together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 6 | Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 10 mins)
- 3 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1–2 jalapeño peppers, minced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lbs ground turkey
- ½ cup almond flour
- 2 tbsp finely minced onion
- 1 tsp salt
- ¾ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
How I Make Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers
Step 1: Make the Creamy Filling
In a small bowl, I mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, minced jalapeños, and garlic until everything is well combined. This is the jalapeño popper-inspired center that melts into each bite of the burger.
If I want it extra cheesy, I sometimes add a little more cheddar. If I’m making these for spice lovers, I leave in some of the jalapeño seeds.
Step 2: Season the Turkey
In a large bowl, I combine the ground turkey with almond flour, finely minced onion, salt, pepper, and cumin. I mix it gently—just enough to combine everything—so the meat doesn’t get tough.
Almond flour is great here because it keeps the burgers moist without adding carbs, and it brings just a hint of nuttiness that works so well with the spicy filling.
Step 3: Form and Fill the Patties
I divide the turkey mixture into 6 equal portions. For each one, I make a small well in the center and add a spoonful (about a tablespoon) of the cheese mixture.
Then I gently form the meat around the filling, sealing it inside and flattening the burger into a patty shape. It’s okay if a little filling tries to peek out—it just adds to the melty goodness.
Step 4: Cook the Burgers
In a large skillet, I heat 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, I cook the burgers for about 4–5 minutes per side. They should be golden on the outside and fully cooked in the center (165°F if you’re checking with a thermometer).
The cheese inside starts to melt and mix into the turkey, and the edges get beautifully browned.
Step 5: Top and Serve
Once the burgers are done, I top each one with crumbled bacon and serve immediately. These are great on their own, in a lettuce wrap, or tucked into a toasted bun with a little mayo or ranch if you’re feeling indulgent.
My Favorite Ways to Serve These
These burgers are pretty perfect as-is, but here are a few ways I dress them up depending on the mood:
- Classic bun with lettuce and tomato
- Low-carb lettuce wrap with avocado slices
- Over a bed of greens with ranch drizzle
- On a pretzel bun with extra jalapeño slices
If you’re serving a crowd, you can even make mini versions and serve them slider-style.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Use gloves when handling jalapeños: Especially if you’re working with the seeds—those oils linger.
- Don’t overwork the turkey: Gentle mixing keeps the patties tender.
- Grill it up: These hold their shape well and taste amazing with grill marks.
- Switch the cheese: Try pepper jack or Monterey Jack for a different melt.
- Make it ahead: Form the patties and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook.
FAQs From My Kitchen
Q: Can I make these with ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?
A: Absolutely! Ground chicken works just like turkey, and beef adds even more richness. Adjust cook time slightly as needed.
Q: What’s a good side dish for these?
A: I like to serve them with sweet potato fries, roasted cauliflower, or a crunchy slaw.
Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Yes! Just form the patties and freeze on a tray. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen or thaw in the fridge overnight.
Q: Can I bake them instead of frying?
A: You can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. They won’t get as crispy on the outside, but the flavor’s still great.
Why These Burgers Always Win
These Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers are everything I want in a homemade burger—bold, cheesy, and packed with flavor in every bite. They feel a little indulgent, but they’re actually light and protein-packed, which makes them a regular on my dinner table.
They’re perfect for family dinners, easy to scale for a group, and totally customizable based on your spice tolerance or what you have in the fridge. Once you try them, you’ll see why they’re not just another turkey burger—they’re the turkey burger.
How I Turn Ground Turkey Into the Ultimate Bacon-Jalapeño Burger Bombs
Ingredients
- 3 oz cream cheese
- 3 oz sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp finely minced onion
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1-2 jalapeños, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Burger buns
- Lettuce and tomato (for serving)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, minced onion, salt, jalapeños, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- In another bowl, mix the ground turkey with the cooked bacon until well combined.
- Divide the turkey mixture into 12 equal portions.
- Take one portion of turkey, flatten it in your palm, and place a spoonful of the cheese mixture in the center.
- Shape the turkey around the cheese mixture to form a patty, ensuring the cheese is fully enclosed.
- Repeat with the remaining turkey and cheese mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the patties for about 5 minutes on each side or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
- Serve on burger buns with lettuce and tomato.
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