Some recipes take three or four rounds of testing before they're ready to share, but this one was a winner from the very first try and every time after. These jalapeño burgers have quickly become a family staple, and Tom absolutely loves them. He requests them all the time, which is saying something in a house where we test a lot of recipes.
Juicy turkey, gooey cheddar, fresh corn, and cilantro all come together with the bold, smoky heat of double jalapeños chopped inside the patties and grilled on top for extra punch. This is summer grilling at its best.
Ingredient Notes
- Fresh jalapeños- chopped inside + grilled on top.
- Ground turkey- lean, high-protein base.
- Cheddar cheese- melty richness.
- Corn- sweet pops of summer flavor.
- Cilantro- fresh herb balance.
Instructions
Prep 8 chopped jalapeños for the patties.
Mix with 2 lb ground turkey, 4 oz cheddar, ½ cup corn, onion, garlic, cilantro, eggs, breadcrumbs, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Form into 8 patties.
Grill patties and 4 whole jalapeños until burgers reach 165°F and peppers blister.
Slice peppers for topping.
Assemble on 8 buns with toppings of choice.
How to Serve
- With chipotle mayo + avocado slices.
- Classic BBQ sides (corn, coleslaw, potato salad).
- Prep ahead for weekday lunches.
- Double cheese melt for indulgence.
Tips, Tricks & Variations
- Pan-fry if no grill.
- Use pickled jalapeños for tangy heat.
- Meal prep: refrigerate 3 days or freeze 2 months.
- Try guacamole or a fried egg topping.
- For less spice: use fewer jalapeños or swap in poblanos.
- Make ahead: shape patties and refrigerate up to 24 hours before grilling.
- Freezer tip: cooked patties freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in skillet or oven until hot.
These burgers are one of our all-time family favorites. For the ultimate summer spread, pair them with Jalapeño Slaw (Zesty & Creamy) and a refreshing Carrot Salad. Both add bright, crisp balance to the spicy burgers.
Recipe
Jalapeño Burger (Turkey + Cheddar)
Ingredients
- 2 lb ground turkey
- 8 fresh jalapeños seeded, membranes removed, finely chopped (about 1 ½ cups)
- 4 oz cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ cup corn kernels
- 1 medium red onion finely chopped
- 2 teaspoon garlic minced
- 1 cup cilantro chopped
- 6 tablespoon olive oil plus 2 tablespoon for brushing
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 fresh jalapeños whole (for topping)
- 8 burger buns toasted if desired
- Optional toppings: mayo cheese, tomato, red onion
Instructions
- Seed and chop 8 jalapeños (1 ½ cups).
- Mix with ground turkey, cheddar, corn, onion, garlic, cilantro, olive oil, eggs, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.
- Shape into 8 patties.
- Preheat grill to 400-450°F. Brush patties with oil.
- Grill patties and 4 whole jalapeños, 5-6 min per side, until burgers reach 165°F. Grill peppers until blistered.
- Slice grilled peppers for topping. Assemble burgers with toppings.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!