Smoked Cheddar Jalapeño Burgers

Smoked cheddar jalapeño burgers take your backyard burger to the next level. Juicy ground beef, smoky cheddar cheese, and fresh jalapeños combine for a bold, balanced flavor.

Smoking the burgers low and slow lets the flavors soak deep into the meat. Each bite is tender and packed with taste.

Cubes of sharp cheddar melt into creamy pockets inside the patty. Jalapeños add a mild kick without overwhelming the burger.

Hickory smoke, pepper jack cheese, and homemade bacon burger sauce add more texture and flavor. These burgers are perfect for outdoor cooking when you want something bold and memorable.

Bring these burgers to your grill for your next BBQ or family dinner. For a full recipe, check Grill Nation BBQ’s guide to smoked cheddar jalapeño burgers.

Why You Will Love Smoked Cheddar Jalapeño Burgers

Smoked Cheddar Jalapeño Burgers offer a unique twist on the classic burger. Smoky cheddar, spicy jalapeños, and juicy grilled beef create a flavor combination that stands out.

Smoked cheddar cheese melts inside the patty for a creamy, savory boost. Fresh jalapeños add mild heat that complements the burger.

These burgers have a crispy outside and a juicy, tender center. Pepper jack cheese and a soft toasted brioche bun make each bite balanced.

Key Reasons to Enjoy:

• Burst of flavors: Layers of smoky, spicy, and cheesy taste
• Hearty and filling: Satisfying for any meal
• Flexible: Easy to customize with your favorite toppings

Flavor Note	What Stands Out
Smoky	Cheddar and hickory smoke
Spicy	Fresh jalapeños
Creamy	Bacon burger sauce
Juicy	80/20 ground chuck patties

These burgers are simple enough for a weeknight meal and special enough for guests. Anyone who likes a little heat and a lot of flavor will enjoy them.

Serve Smoked Cheddar Jalapeño Burgers with sides like grilled corn or coleslaw for a complete meal. Find more tips and the full recipe at this easy and healthy recipe site.

How To Make Smoked Cheddar Jalapeño Burgers

Smoked Cheddar Jalapeño Burgers combine bold smoked cheddar, spicy jalapeños, and crisp bacon for a juicy, flavorful meal. This guide covers the ingredients, the right tools, and step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients

Start with quality ingredients for the best burgers. Ground chuck keeps the patties juicy, while smoked cheddar adds rich, savory flavor.

Fresh jalapeños bring heat, and thick-cut bacon adds crunch. Use brioche buns and toast them until golden.

Add all-purpose BBQ rub and Tony’s Creole seasoning to the patties for a smoky kick. Hickory wood chunks in the smoker deepen the flavor.

Shopping List:

• 2 lbs ground chuck
• 1 cup small cubes smoked cheddar
• 2-3 fresh jalapeños, diced
• 6-8 slices thick-cut bacon
• 4 brioche buns
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose BBQ rub
• 1 teaspoon Tony’s Creole seasoning
• Hickory wood chunks
• Salt and pepper

Instruments

Use a smoker for that true wood-fired taste. Hickory wood chunks add deep, savory smoke.

A cast iron skillet cooks bacon until crisp and prevents flare-ups. A burger press or your hands shape even patties.

A meat thermometer checks if burgers reach the right temperature. Tongs, a spatula, a cutting board, and a sharp knife help with prep.

Use a tray to carry patties and ingredients to and from the smoker.

Step By Step Instruction

Mix ground chuck with smoked cheddar, diced jalapeños, BBQ rub, and Tony’s Creole seasoning until blended. Form thick burger patties for juiciness.

Preheat the smoker with hickory wood chunks. Cook thick-cut bacon in a cast iron skillet until crispy, then set aside on paper towels.

Place patties in the preheated smoker at 250-275°F. Smoke burgers until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F, using a meat thermometer.

Slice and toast brioche buns while the burgers smoke. When burgers are nearly done, top with extra smoked cheddar to melt.

Layer each bun with smoked burger patties, crispy bacon, and more fresh jalapeños if you like. Serve hot for the full smoky, spicy experience.

For more flavor ideas, see these loaded smoked cheddar jalapeño burgers or try crisp bacon burger sauce ideas.

Tips & Tricks

Use 80/20 ground chuck for juicy patties and avoid pressing them down on the smoker. Mix cheddar cubes and diced jalapeños in by hand to keep the right texture.

Season patties with a simple BBQ rub right before smoking. Hickory wood chunks bring out a distinct smoky taste.

A bold burger sauce makes a big difference. Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce for a creamy base. Add sweet relish and a pinch of Creole seasoning for extra flavor. Chopped bacon bits give the sauce crunch.

Here’s a handy list for sauce mix-ins:

Ingredient	Purpose
Mayonnaise	Creaminess
Ketchup	Sweetness
Yellow Mustard	Tanginess
Worcestershire	Umami
Sweet Relish	Zest
Creole Seasoning	Spicy kick
Bacon Bits	Crunch & flavor

Lightly butter and toast brioche buns before assembling. This adds flavor and keeps the buns from getting soggy.

Use a meat thermometer and cook patties to at least 165°F for safe, juicy results. Let burgers rest a few minutes before serving to keep the juices inside.

For crisp bacon, cook it ahead and chop finely before adding to your burger sauce. This keeps the texture even in every bite.

Try adding extra jalapeño slices or pepper jack cheese for more heat. Serve with sides like smoked corn or beans for a full meal.

Swap in different cheeses or adjust spice levels to suit everyone’s taste. For more details, check out these smoked cheddar jalapeño burgers with bacon sauce from Grill Nation BBQ.

Ingredient Substitute

If smoked cheddar is hard to find, you have plenty of easy swaps for your burger recipe.

Popular Cheeses for Substitution:

• Smoked Gouda: Creamy and slightly sweet with a strong smoky note. It melts well and has a similar flavor to smoked cheddar.
• Provolone (smoked or plain): Provolone melts smoothly, and the smoked variety mimics a deep smoky taste.
• Pepper Jack Cheese: Adds spice and a smooth melt, pairing perfectly with jalapeños.
• Monterey Jack: Mild and creamy, this cheese melts easily but doesn’t have smoky flavor.

Non-Dairy Options:

• Smoked tofu: For a vegan option, smoked tofu adds smoky taste and grills well with the patty.

Here’s a quick table for easy reference:

Original Ingredient	Possible Substitutes	Key Differences
Smoked Cheddar	Smoked Gouda, Provolone	Flavor might be milder
Smoked Cheddar	Pepper Jack, Monterey Jack	Less smoky, more creamy
Smoked Cheddar	Smoked tofu (vegan)	Plant-based, different texture

Swiss, Havarti, and Edam also work, but their flavor is lighter and less smoky. Mix two cheeses, like smoked gouda and pepper jack, for a unique result.

For more on substitutes, check out this guide on smoked cheddar alternatives.

What To Serve With Smoked Cheddar Jalapeño Burgers

Smoked Cheddar Jalapeño Burgers have bold flavors, so sides should balance heat, creaminess, and crunch.

Grilled corn is a favorite pairing. Brush ears with butter, sprinkle with chili powder, and grill until slightly charred.

Add lime and cotija cheese for more flavor. The sweetness of the corn pairs well with the burger.

Mac and cheese with jalapeño popper flair is always a good choice. Creamy cheese sauce and roasted jalapeños add mild heat that complements the burger.

Sweet potato fries bring sweetness and crispiness. Bake or air fry until golden, toss with sea salt, and serve hot.

Dipping sauces like chipotle mayo or herbed yogurt go well with both the fries and the burger.

For fresh crunch, make a simple slaw. Shred cabbage, carrots, and red onions, then dress with a tangy vinaigrette.

Here’s a quick side pairing table:

Side Dish	Why It Pairs Well
Grilled Corn	Sweet and smoky, great crunch
Jalapeño Mac and Cheese	Creamy with a mild spicy kick
Sweet Potato Fries	Sweet, crispy, and pairs with dips
Simple Slaw	Light, crunchy, and refreshing

How To Store Smoked Cheddar Jalapeño Burgers

After cooking, let the burgers cool to room temperature, but keep them out for no more than two hours. This step helps prevent extra moisture in storage.

For short-term storage, place the burgers in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

For longer storage, freezing works best. Wrap each patty in foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date for easy tracking.

A simple storage chart:

Storage Method	How Long It Lasts
Refrigerator	3–4 days
Freezer	Up to 3 months

To reheat, thaw frozen burgers in the fridge overnight. Warm them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Avoid microwaving for too long, as this can make the texture rubbery and the cheese uneven.

For more tips on keeping smoked foods fresh, see this article on storing smoked cheese.

Nutrition Fact In List Form

Here are the nutrition facts for smoked cheddar jalapeño burgers, based on standard serving sizes for homemade recipes.

Typical values per burger:

• Calories: ~710 kcal
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Sugars: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Fat: 52g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
• Cholesterol: 145mg
• Sodium: 1220mg

The calorie count and macronutrients can change depending on bun size, cheese type, and toppings.

For a quick look, here’s a simple table:

Nutrient	Per Burger
Calories	~710 kcal
Protein	38g
Carbohydrates	18g
Fat	52g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	1220mg

This burger packs plenty of protein and flavor thanks to the cheese and bacon sauce. If you watch your sodium or fat intake, keep in mind that smoked cheddar jalapeño burgers have higher levels due to the cheese, bacon, and sauce.

To compare nutrition details for other brands or recipes, check sources like Eat This Much. Adjust for homemade swaps and portion sizes as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Smoked Cheddar Jalapeño Burgers bring bold flavors, melty cheese, and a pop of heat. These burgers are juicy with smoky notes and the classic pairing of cheddar and jalapeños.

What ingredients are needed for a spicy Jalapeño Cheddar burger?

To make a spicy Jalapeño Cheddar burger, use ground chuck (80/20), sharp cheddar cheese cubes, fresh jalapeños, and your favorite BBQ rub.

Add pepper jack cheese and crispy bacon bits for extra flavor. Hickory wood chunks give a smoky taste. Serve on brioche buns with creamy burger sauce. More ingredient details are on Grill Nation BBQ’s Smoked Cheddar Jalapeño Burger recipe.

How do you prepare and cook Jalapeño burgers on the grill?

Mix ground chuck, diced jalapeños, and cheddar cubes, then form into patties and season well.

Smoke the burgers at 275°F with hickory wood until the internal temperature reaches 150°F. Add pepper jack cheese and cook until the burgers reach 165°F. Toast the buns while the burgers finish cooking.

What are some recommended pairings for a Jalapeño Cheddar burger?

Serve these burgers with smoked baked beans, grilled corn, or jalapeño slaw. These sides help balance the spicy, smoky flavors.

Cold drinks like a crisp beer, sweet tea, or a spicy margarita pair well. Find more pairing ideas on this cheddar jalapeño burger recipe page.

How do you ensure the cheddar cheese is properly melted in a burger?

Use cubes of cheddar cheese instead of shredded cheese. The cubes melt slowly and create melty pockets throughout the patty.

Smoking the burgers low and slow helps the cheese melt evenly without burning or leaking out.

Can you make a vegetarian version of a Jalapeño Cheddar burger?

You can make a vegetarian version by using plant-based ground beef or black bean patties. Mix in diced jalapeños and cheddar cubes as you would with meat.

Vegetarian cheese and egg-free mayo work well for the sauce. Grill or smoke the patties the same way for great flavor.

What are the best types of buns to use for a spicy cheeseburger?

Brioche buns are a top choice for these burgers. Their soft texture and slight sweetness complement the spicy and smoky flavors.

Potato buns also work well. They add structure and hold juicy patties and toppings without falling apart.

Pretzel buns give extra flavor and sturdiness. These options help keep your burger together and add to the overall taste.