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Flavorful Grilled Jalapeño Cheddar Burgers Recipe with Easy Chipotle Aioli

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These grilled jalapeño cheddar burgers feature a perfect balance of smoky heat and creamy sharp cheddar, complemented by a homemade chipotle aioli. Ideal for casual cookouts, they deliver bold flavor without complexity.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 2 medium fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced (seeds and membranes removed for less heat)
  • 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese (about 4 oz / 115 g)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely minced
  • ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) fresh lime juice
  • 4 burger buns (preferably brioche or potato rolls)
  • Optional toppings: sliced red onion, lettuce, tomato slices, pickles

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chipotle aioli by mixing ½ cup mayonnaise, 1-2 finely minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice in a small bowl. Stir well and refrigerate while prepping the burgers.
  2. Thinly slice 2 medium jalapeños. Remove seeds and membranes if you prefer less heat. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, gently combine 1 lb ground beef with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Avoid overmixing. Divide into 4 equal portions and shape each into a ¾-inch thick patty, making a slight indentation in the center with your thumb.
  4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C). Grill patties for about 4 minutes on one side. Flip carefully, immediately top each patty with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese and a handful of sliced jalapeños. Grill for another 4-5 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Cover grill to melt cheese and soften jalapeños.
  5. Split burger buns and toast cut-side down on the grill for 1-2 minutes until golden and slightly crisp.
  6. Assemble burgers by spreading a generous spoonful of chipotle aioli on the bottom bun, placing the burger patty with melted cheddar and jalapeños on top, adding optional toppings, and finishing with the top bun.
  7. Serve immediately while hot to enjoy melty cheese and smoky aioli.

Notes

Make chipotle aioli up to a day ahead to deepen flavors. Remove jalapeño seeds and membranes to reduce heat. Avoid pressing patties while grilling to keep them juicy. Use a thumb indentation in patties to prevent puffing. Toast buns while burgers finish cooking. For dairy-free, substitute cheddar and mayo with plant-based alternatives. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or leafy greens.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled burgers, jalapeño burgers, cheddar burgers, chipotle aioli, spicy burgers, BBQ recipe, easy burger recipe

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/flavorful-grilled-jalape-n-o-cheddar-burgers-recipe-with-easy-chipotle-aioli/