The Popper Burger Recipes

JALAPENO POPPER BURGERS

Steps:

• 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 8 thin patties. Spoon bacon mixture onto center of 4 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 thermometer reads 160° and juices run clear. Top with pepper jack cheese. Cover and cook 1-2 minutes longer or until 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.

THE POPPER BURGER

Steps:

• For the pepper jelly: In a small bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, raspberry jam, crushed red pepper flakes and garlic powder until well incorporated. Cover and set aside.
• For the breaded jalapeños: Cut the jalapeños into 1/4-inch slices, removing the stems. Place in a small bowl and add the buttermilk. Cover and soak the jalapeños at room temperature for 1 hour or refrigerated up to 48 hours. Drain off the buttermilk and add the jalapeños to a bowl with the flour. With gloved hands, mix the jalapeños into the flour making sure they are well coated. Let them rest in the flour for 5 to 7 minutes, then sift off the excess flour to prepare for frying. (This resting time helps the flour to hold to the jalapeños during frying.)
• In a small saucepan, heat the oil to 325 degrees F.
• Add the jalapeños to the oil and fry, gently turning and mixing the jalapeños to ensure even cooking, until they are light golden brown, 2 to 4 minutes. Strain from the oil and place on paper towels.
• For the burgers: In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, garlic and onion powders, seafood seasoning and seasoned salt. Set aside.
• Form eight 1/4-pound patties from the meat. Sprinkle the seasoning on one side of each of the patties.
• Heat a griddle to medium-high heat (or a large frying pan, or grill).
• Cook the patties 2 minutes on each side or to the desired doneness. To assemble the burgers, stack 2 cooked patties on each bun, then top with 1 to 2 tablespoons cream cheese, 6 to 7 slices of fried jalapeños and 1 to 2 tablespoons of pepper jelly. Enjoy!