Jalapeno Popper Turkey Burgers

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

Enjoy boldly flavored turkey burgers stuffed with a melty jalapeño-cheese center. Ground turkey is spiced with garlic, onion, and paprika, then filled with a creamy mix of cheddar, cream cheese, diced jalapeños, and bacon for a burst of texture and taste. Grill or pan-cook until juicy, then serve on toasted buns with fresh lettuce, tomato, jalapeño slices, and your favorite sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or backyard gatherings, these burgers offer a fun twist on classic flavors.

Casey
Updated on Sun, 06 Jul 2025 12:43:39 GMT
A burger with peppers and cheese. Pin it
A burger with peppers and cheese. | cookingwithcasey.com

Jalapeno Popper Turkey Burgers are my answer to weeknight comfort food cravings with a little kick. Each burger is stuffed with a creamy blend of cheese and jalapenos then grilled or pan-seared for a juicy spicy twist on the classic turkey burger. This recipe lets you enjoy all the flavor of a favorite appetizer between two perfectly toasted buns and comes together fast enough for any busy evening.

Kids and adults both devour these every time I make them and no one ever guesses how little effort it really takes. The first time I served these at a barbecue they vanished before the buns were even cool.

Ingredients

  • Ground turkey: I always look for 93 percent lean for juicy burgers that stay moist while cooking
  • Garlic powder: gives a subtle savory base and is easier than mincing fresh garlic for quick dinners
  • Onion powder: adds sweet undertones that make the turkey taste richer
  • Smoked paprika: provides mild heat and smokiness choose Spanish smoked paprika for a more authentic flavor
  • Cream cheese: forms the rich creamy center opt for full-fat for melty texture
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: adds sharp flavor and a gooey melt try extra sharp cheddar for a punchier filling
  • Jalapenos: bring the signature heat use fresh with seeds for spicier burgers or remove seeds for milder spice
  • Bacon bits: add smokiness and crunch but leave out for a lighter feel or use turkey bacon if you prefer
  • Burger buns: are the crowning touch toast them lightly for a sturdy base that holds up well
  • Lettuce, tomato, red onion, and chipotle mayo or ranch dressing: make for classic toppings that cool the spice and add crispness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Filling
Mix softened cream cheese shredded cheddar cheese finely diced jalapenos bacon bits and a pinch of salt together in a bowl until you have a smooth even mixture. Use a rubber spatula to help make sure everything blends completely so every bite of your burger has creamy filling.
Make the Turkey Patties
Combine ground turkey with garlic powder onion powder smoked paprika salt and pepper in another bowl. Gently mix until the spices are well incorporated but be careful not to overwork the meat or your burgers will turn tough.
Shape and Fill the Patties
Divide the turkey mixture into eight portions and flatten each into a thin round patty on a parchment or wax paper lined tray. Place about two tablespoons of the cheese mixture into the center of four of the patties then top each with a second patty. Pinch and seal the edges very firmly so no filling oozes out as they cook.
Cook the Burgers
On the grill heat to medium high and cook the stuffed burgers for five to seven minutes per side with the lid closed flipping only once. On a stovetop use a nonstick skillet with a drizzle of oil over medium heat and cook each burger for about six to eight minutes per side covered to keep them juicy. The burgers are done when fully cooked through and register one hundred sixty five degrees in the center.
Assemble and Serve
Lightly toast the burger buns for texture then spread with chipotle mayo or ranch. Add lettuce tomato and red onion for crunch. Set the hot burger onto the bun and top with extra fresh or pickled jalapenos for even more popper flavor.
A stack of burgers with jalapenos on top. Pin it
A stack of burgers with jalapenos on top. | cookingwithcasey.com

I love using thick cut sharp cheddar in the filling because it turns perfectly gooey while the burgers cook. The first time I made these for my siblings we laughed about whose burger would burst with the most cheese but in the end every single one was devoured with smiles.

Storage Tips

Leftover patties can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to three days. You can reheat them gently in a covered skillet over low heat to keep the filling melty. For longer storage wrap uncooked stuffed patties in parchment then plastic wrap and freeze up to three months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before cooking as usual.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have ground turkey ground chicken works well and blends just as easily. Swap out cheddar for Monterey jack or pepper jack if you want a different flavor profile. You can leave out bacon for a lighter version or use turkey bacon as a leaner option. Greek yogurt stirred into the cream cheese can add tang and cut the richness.

Serving Suggestions

I love these with a side of sweet potato fries or a crisp cabbage slaw. For smaller appetites use slider buns for mini popper burgers great for parties or gatherings. Add avocado slices or a fried egg on top to make your burger extra hearty and special.

How Jalapeno Popper Burgers Became a Hit

Jalapeno poppers have long been a favorite party appetizer in my family and there is just something irresistible about combining that tangy cheesy filling with a juicy turkey patty. The inspiration came from experimenting after a holiday get together when we had leftover poppers and ground turkey on hand. Ever since our Jalapeno Popper Turkey Burgers are standard cookout fare.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How spicy are these turkey burgers?

The jalapeño heat is moderate but can be adjusted. Remove seeds for less spice, or add extra jalapeños for more kick.

→ Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

Yes, you can form the stuffed patties in advance and refrigerate, then cook when ready to serve for best texture.

→ What's the best way to cook the patties?

Grilling yields a smoky flavor and grill marks, while stovetop provides quick, even cooking. Both methods work well.

→ Is bacon necessary for the filling?

Bacon adds savory depth, but the burgers are delicious without it. You can omit or substitute with turkey bacon if desired.

→ What toppings go well with these burgers?

Classic lettuce, tomato, red onion, sliced jalapeños, and chipotle mayo or ranch complement the flavors perfectly.

→ Can I use a different cheese?

Cheddar offers sharpness, but pepper jack or Monterey Jack also work wonderfully for added heat or a milder taste.

Jalapeno Popper Turkey Burgers

Spiced turkey patties stuffed with jalapeño-cheese filling, grilled and topped with crisp veggies and zesty sauce.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Casey

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 stuffed turkey burgers)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Turkey Patties

01 450 g ground turkey (93% lean)
02 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
03 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
04 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 Salt, to taste
06 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Jalapeño Popper Filling

07 115 g cream cheese, softened
08 60 g shredded cheddar cheese
09 30 g cooked bacon bits (optional)
10 1–2 jalapeños, finely diced, seeds removed for less heat
11 Pinch of salt

→ Optional Toppings

12 Sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños
13 Lettuce leaves
14 Tomato slices
15 Red onion, thinly sliced
16 Chipotle mayonnaise or ranch dressing
17 4 burger buns, toasted if desired

Instructions

Step 01

In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, finely diced jalapeños, bacon bits if using, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.

Step 02

In a separate bowl, mix the ground turkey with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine thoroughly.

Step 03

Divide the turkey mixture into 8 equal portions and flatten each into a thin patty. Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of cheese filling onto the center of 4 patties. Cover each with a remaining patty and press edges together to form 4 stuffed burgers.

Step 04

For grilling: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Cook patties for 5 to 7 minutes per side, until an internal temperature of 74°C is reached. For stovetop: Heat a drizzle of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook covered for 6 to 8 minutes per side until fully cooked through.

Step 05

Lightly toast burger buns if desired. Layer with lettuce, tomato, red onion, and sliced jalapeños. Drizzle with chipotle mayonnaise or ranch dressing. Place the cooked turkey patty onto the bun and serve immediately.

Notes

  1. Removing jalapeño seeds will yield a milder filling; wear gloves when handling to avoid skin irritation.
  2. Ensure edges of patties are sealed thoroughly to prevent filling from escaping during cooking.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowls
  • Grill or stovetop skillet
  • Spatula or burger flipper
  • Measuring spoons
  • Knife and chopping board

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains milk (cream cheese, cheddar)
  • Contains gluten if using traditional burger buns

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 520
  • Total Fat: 30 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 36 g