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jalapeño popper turkey burgers

Tasty Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers

Delicious Tasty Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers recipe with step-by-step instructions.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 52 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 2370
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the filling
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 3 oz cheddar cheese, shredded from a block
  • 2 jalapeños, finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
For the burger patties
  • 2 lb ground turkey (93/7 lean)
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 3 tbsp onion, finely minced
  • 1 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
For cooking and assembly
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy
  • Large butter lettuce leaves for wrapping

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, finely diced jalapeños, and minced garlic. Mix until well combined and uniform. This filling mixture can be made ahead and refrigerated, but I recommend making it fresh just before assembling the burgers so the jalapeños stay vibrant and the cheese doesn't separate.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, almond flour, minced onion, sea salt, black pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently with your hands until just combined—don't overwork the mixture, as this will make the burgers tough and dense. The mixture should hold together but still feel tender.
  3. Divide the turkey mixture from Step 2 into 6 equal portions. For each burger, use about two-thirds of one portion to form a thin patty in your palm. Make a shallow indent or hole in the center of the patty, then spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture from Step 1 into the hole. Cover the filling with the remaining third of turkey, then gently press and seal the edges by bringing the turkey up and around the filling, creating a cohesive patty. I like to work quickly here so the cream cheese doesn't soften too much from the warmth of your hands.
  4. While preparing the burgers in Step 3, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Drain on paper towels and set aside. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F) and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  5. Lightly brush both sides of each burger with olive oil. Place the burgers on the preheated grill and cook for 7-8 minutes on the first side without moving them—this allows the turkey to develop a nice crust and the cheese filling to start melting. Flip carefully and cook for another 7-8 minutes on the second side until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reaches 165°F. The internal temperature is critical for food safety with poultry, and the cheese will be perfectly melted at this point.
  6. Place each grilled burger on a large butter lettuce leaf. Top with a piece or two of the crispy bacon from Step 4, then fold or wrap the lettuce around the burger to create a handheld wrap. Serve immediately while the burgers are still warm and the cheese is melted through.