Burgers: Jalapeno Popper with Cream Cheese filling & Bacon

Source: Appleton Post Crescent

Not real spicy for those who can't handle heat (see Notes)
Good served with a side of potato chips or grilled corn
Mark loves these!

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. 80% lean ground beef
  • 1 t. salt
  • 1 t. garlic powder
  • 1 t. coarse black pepper
  • 1 jalapeno (seeds removed & finely chopped, divided
  • 4 hamburger buns

Cream Cheese Filling

  • 2 oz. softened low fat cream cheese
  • 1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 finely chopped green onions (yellow onion works too)

Serving Options

  • 4 pieces pre-cooked bacon, cooked crisp
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese, optional
  • lettuce, optional
  • ketchup or Sriracha for serving

Instructions

In a medium bowl, using a fork, combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, onion and half of jalapeno. Set aside.

In a large bowl, with your hands, combine the ground beef, remaining jalapeno, salt, pepper and garlic powder.

Divide meat into 4 portions. For each burger, poke an indent in the middle and add about 1 tablespoon cream cheese mixture. Wrap meat around filling and form into a patty. Press a small divot in center (to help prevent patties from shrinking). I like to refrigerate all day, so patties aren’t so fragile when grilling.

When ready to grill preheat grill or grill pan to high; grill burgers 3 minutes. Flip, top each with 1 slice cheddar cheese (optional) and continue to grill for 3 minutes or until desired doneness.

Toast buns right before serving

To Serve: Spread cut sides of 4 toasted hamburger buns with ketchup or sriracha (I like to add a little sriracha to a little mayonnaise). On each bun bottom, stack a burger with a slice of cooked bacon and lettuce if desired.

NOTE: Serves 4

If you like a lot of heat, use more Sriracha or add some of the jalapeno seeds into the meat or filling mixture