Best Cheddar Jalapeño Burgers for Summer Cookouts
Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, these Cheddar Jalapeño Burgers are the star of any summer cookout. After making these many times, I’ve discovered the secret to the perfect patty and creamy, spicy sauce that’ll make your guests beg for more. The warm, smoky flavors and fresh toppings will transport you to your favorite BBQ joint. Keep reading for my tips or jump to the recipe card. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Try these Maple Bacon Pork Chops next and Pair with these Easy Baked Chicken Roll Ups.
Why This Best Cheddar Jalapeño Burgers for Summer Cookouts Is Pure Comfort
- The perfect balance of crispy and juicy
- Creamy, spicy sauce that's out of this world
- Easy to customize with your favorite toppings
- Better than takeout and ready in 20 minutes
What You'll Need for Best Cheddar Jalapeño Burgers for Summer Cookouts
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 80/20 ground beef
- Jalapeño poppers
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Burger buns
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Mayonnaise
- Sriracha
- Lime juice
- Optional: Lettuce
- Optional: Tomato
- Optional: Red onion
- Optional: Pickles
- Optional: Bacon
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Jalapeño poppers: Use store-bought or make your own for extra flavor.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Cast iron skillet — Even heat distribution for perfect searing. → See on Amazon
- Meat thermometer — Ensures juicy, perfectly cooked burgers every time. → See on Amazon
How to Make Best Cheddar Jalapeño Burgers for Summer Cookouts
- Prepare the patties: Combine ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Form into 4 equal patties. Press a thumbprint into the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up.
- Cook the patties: Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat. Add the patties and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium doneness. Top with shredded cheddar and jalapeño poppers in the last minute of cooking.
- Make the sauce: Mix mayonnaise, Sriracha, and lime juice. Spread onto the bottom half of the burger buns.
- Assemble the burgers: Place the cooked patties onto the bun bottoms. Top with lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, and bacon (if using). Spread the remaining sauce onto the bun tops. Serve immediately.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Best Cheddar Jalapeño Burgers for Summer Cookouts
- Common mistake and fix: Don't press down on the burgers while cooking. This squeezes out the juices and leads to dry patties. Instead, let them cook undisturbed.
- Pro tip: Chill the patties in the fridge for 30 minutes before cooking to help them hold together.
- Pro tip: For extra crispy buns, toast them in the skillet after the patties are done.
Storing & Reheating Best Cheddar Jalapeño Burgers for Summer Cookouts
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Prepare the patties up to a day ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to cook.
Freezing Best Cheddar Jalapeño Burgers for Summer Cookouts
Freeze cooked patties for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 30-45 seconds.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicier burger, add some of the jalapeño popper filling to the patty mixture.
- Best substitution: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the sauce and chop the toppings ahead of time for a quick assembly.
- Scaling: Easily double or triple the recipe for a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the patties are falling apart, try adding an egg or some breadcrumbs to the mixture.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality ground beef — The key to juicy, flavorful burgers that pays for itself vs takeout. → Check price on Amazon
Best Cheddar Jalapeño Burgers for Summer Cookouts
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 80/20 ground beef
- Jalapeño poppers
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Burger buns
Seasonings
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Mayonnaise
- Sriracha
- Lime juice
Optional Toppings
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Red onion
- Pickles
- Bacon
Instructions
- Prepare the patties: Combine ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Form into 4 equal patties. Press a thumbprint into the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up.
- Cook the patties: Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat. Add the patties and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium doneness. Top with shredded cheddar and jalapeño poppers in the last minute of cooking.
- Make the sauce: Mix mayonnaise, Sriracha, and lime juice. Spread onto the bottom half of the burger buns.
- Assemble the burgers: Place the cooked patties onto the bun bottoms. Top with lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, and bacon (if using). Spread the remaining sauce onto the bun tops. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicier burger, add some of the jalapeño popper filling to the patty mixture.
- Best substitution: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the sauce and chop the toppings ahead of time for a quick assembly.
- Scaling: Easily double or triple the recipe for a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the patties are falling apart, try adding an egg or some breadcrumbs to the mixture.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked patties for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 30-45 seconds.
- Make ahead: Prepare the patties up to a day ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to cook.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 750
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 50g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1500mg
- Cholesterol: 140mg
- Sat. Fat: 20g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Best Cheddar Jalapeño Burgers for Summer Cookouts FAQs
Yes, these burgers are perfect for the grill. Preheat to medium-high heat and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side.
You're probably pressing down on them while cooking. Let them cook undisturbed for juicier patties.
Yes, the sauce can be made up to a week ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to use.
Yes, but make sure they're thawed before adding to the patties. You can also use canned jalapeños for a milder flavor.
Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Also, consider using whole wheat buns and adding more lettuce and veggies.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Best Cheddar Jalapeño Burgers for Summer Cookouts and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
