Best Cheddar Jalapeño Burgers for Summer Cookouts
Craving juicy, cheesy jalapeño burgers? This easy summer cookout recipe delivers the perfect crispy patty with a spicy kick. After making these many times for my family, I’ve discovered the trick to keeping the burgers moist and the jalapeños from being too spicy. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Grilled Corn with Chili Lime Yogurt Sauce and Easy Red Velvet Brownies with White Chocolate Drizzle.
Why This Best Cheddar Jalapeño Burgers for Summer Cookouts Is Pure Comfort
- The crispy patty with a perfect sear
- The creamy, melted cheddar cheese
- The balanced spicy kick from the jalapeños
- How easy it is to customize with your favorite toppings
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.
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 burger buns
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Optional: Lettuce
- Optional: Tomato
- Optional: Onion
- Optional: Pickles
- Optional: Aioli or your favorite condiment
📝 Ingredient Notes
- ground beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and texture.
- jalapeños: Wearing gloves, remove the seeds and membranes for a milder heat level.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Meat thermometer — Ensures perfectly cooked burgers every time. → See on Amazon
- Cast iron skillet — Gives the best sear and even heat distribution. → See on Amazon
How to Make Best Cheddar Jalapeño Burgers for Summer Cookouts
- Prepare the patties: In a bowl, combine ground beef, chopped jalapeños, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Mix gently until just combined. Divide into 4 equal portions and shape into patties. Use your thumb to create a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up while cooking.
- Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
- Grill the burgers: Grill the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium doneness, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. In the last minute of cooking, top each patty with shredded cheddar cheese to melt.
- Toast the buns: Lightly toast the burger buns on the grill for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Assemble the burgers: Place a cooked patty on each bun bottom, followed by your desired toppings. Spread some aioli or your favorite condiment on the bun tops and place them on the burgers.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Best Cheddar Jalapeño Burgers for Summer Cookouts
- General tip: To prevent the burgers from sticking to the grill, lightly oil the grates or use a non-stick grill mat.
- Common mistake and fix: Avoid overmixing the beef mixture, as it can lead to tough burgers. Mix gently until just combined.
- Time-saving tip: Prepare the beef mixture and shape the patties up to a day ahead. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to grill.
Storing & Reheating Best Cheddar Jalapeño Burgers for Summer Cookouts
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftover burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: The beef mixture can be prepared up to a day ahead. The patties can be shaped and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Freezing Best Cheddar Jalapeño Burgers for Summer Cookouts
Freeze uncooked patties for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat burgers in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Microwave: Reheat burgers in the microwave for about 45 seconds or until warmed through. This may make the bun soggy.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a smokier flavor, add a handful of wood chips to the grill before cooking.
- Best substitution: Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the beef mixture and shape the patties up to a day ahead. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to grill.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the burgers are sticking to the grill, lightly oil the grates or use a non-stick grill mat.
Want to level up this recipe?
Grill pan — Allows you to cook the burgers indoors with a similar sear as an outdoor grill. → Check price on Amazon
Best Cheddar Jalapeño Burgers for Summer Cookouts
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 burger buns
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Optional Toppings
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Onion
- Pickles
- Aioli or your favorite condiment
Instructions
- Prepare the patties: In a bowl, combine ground beef, chopped jalapeños, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Mix gently until just combined. Divide into 4 equal portions and shape into patties. Use your thumb to create a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up while cooking.
- Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
- Grill the burgers: Grill the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium doneness, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. In the last minute of cooking, top each patty with shredded cheddar cheese to melt.
- Toast the buns: Lightly toast the burger buns on the grill for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Assemble the burgers: Place a cooked patty on each bun bottom, followed by your desired toppings. Spread some aioli or your favorite condiment on the bun tops and place them on the burgers.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a smokier flavor, add a handful of wood chips to the grill before cooking.
- Best substitution: Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the beef mixture and shape the patties up to a day ahead. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to grill.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the burgers are sticking to the grill, lightly oil the grates or use a non-stick grill mat.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftover burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked patties for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
- Oven reheat: Reheat burgers in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat burgers in the microwave for about 45 seconds or until warmed through. This may make the bun soggy.
- Make ahead: The beef mixture can be prepared up to a day ahead. The patties can be shaped and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 620
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 38g
- Carbs: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sat. Fat: 18g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Best Cheddar Jalapeño Burgers for Summer Cookouts FAQs
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture and shape the patties up to a day ahead. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to grill.
This can happen if the beef mixture was too wet or not chilled enough before cooking. Make sure to drain any excess liquid and chill the patties for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
Yes, cook the patties at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Store leftover burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave as desired.
This recipe is perfect for summer cookouts! Grill the patties on the preheated grill and assemble the burgers with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
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!
