Jalapeno Popper Burger

By littlefish

What do you get when you combine a jalapeno popper and a great burger? This fantastic recipe! It takes the classic components of a popper and encases them in a juicy patty, for a burst of flavor in every bite.—Jo Davison, Naples, Florida

Ingredients

• 3 jalapeno peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
• 1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 4 slices pepper Jack cheese
• 4 hamburger buns, split
• 4 lettuce leaves
• 1 large tomato, sliced
• 3/4 cup guacamole

Preparation

Step 1

Brush jalapenos with oil. Grill, covered, over medium heat for 3-5 minutes or until tender, turning occasionally. When cool enough to handle, finely chop. In a small bowl, combine the bacon, cream cheese and jalapeno until blended.
In a large bowl, combine the garlic, salt, lemon-pepper, pepper and paprika. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into eight thin patties. Spoon bacon mixture onto center of four patties; top with remaining patties and press edges firmly to seal.
Grill burgers, covered, over medium heat or broil 4 in. from heat for 6-7 minutes on each side or until a meat thermometer reads 160° and juices run clear. Top with pepper Jack cheese. Cover and cook 1-2 minutes longer or until pepper Jack cheese is melted.
Grill buns, cut side down, over medium heat for 30-60 seconds or until toasted. Serve burgers on buns with lettuce, tomato and guacamole. Yield: 4 servings.
Editor's Note: We recommend wearing disposable gloves when cutting hot peppers. Avoid touching your face.