Spicy Jalapeno Burgers with Gorgonzola Recipe

Zesty Jalapeño Burgers with Gorgonzola Recipe: Sizzling Hot!

Searing beef patties meet their match in spicy jalapeño burgers with gorgonzola, a bold clash of flavors that electrifies the taste buds.

Jalapeños bring intense heat and sharp edges to these mouthwatering burgers.

The creamy, tangy gorgonzola cheese melts perfectly into the meat, creating a luxurious contrast to the fiery peppers.

Each bite promises a complex dance of spicy, creamy, and savory notes that will challenge traditional burger expectations.

Grilling these patties unleashes a smoky aroma that draws hungry souls from across the backyard.

Summer cookouts demand bold recipes that spark conversation and celebration.

Prepare to elevate your grilling game with this unforgettable burger that defies ordinary expectations.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 540 kcal

Servings: 4

Jalapeño Burgers with Gorgonzola Start with These Bold Ingredients

For Meat Base:
  • Ground Beef: Delivers hearty protein foundation with rich flavor, choose 80/20 blend for juiciest results, look for fresh, bright red meat without brown edges.
  • Jalapenos: Introduces vibrant heat and zesty punch, select firm, glossy peppers without soft spots or wrinkles, adjust quantity for personal spice preference.
For Seasoning Blend:
  • Salt: Enhances overall meat flavor, use kosher or sea salt for better texture and distribution.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and depth, freshly ground provides more intense taste.
  • Garlic Powder: Infuses savory undertones, select high-quality, pure versions without additives.
  • Smoked Paprika: Contributes smoky complexity, opt for premium Spanish varieties for authentic flavor profile.
For Cheese Element:
  • Gorgonzola: Provides creamy, tangy dimension, select soft, crumbly style for easy incorporation into burger mixture, blue cheese lovers will appreciate intense taste.
For Serving Components:
  • Burger Buns: Creates perfect vessel for holding burger, choose sturdy, fresh bakery buns that can withstand juicy patty.
  • Lettuce: Adds crisp freshness, select crisp romaine or butter lettuce for best texture.
  • Tomatoes: Introduces juicy brightness, pick ripe, firm tomatoes with deep color.
  • Onions: Delivers sharp, clean bite, red onions provide beautiful color contrast.
  • Burger Sauce/Mayo: Adds moisture and extra flavor layer, homemade or premium store-bought work well.

Tools That Help You Make Jalapeño Burgers Like a Pro

  • Grill: Essential for achieving perfectly charred burger patties with smoky flavor.
  • Large mixing bowl: Needed to combine ground beef and mix in seasonings and cheese.
  • Meat thermometer: Crucial for checking internal temperature to ensure safe cooking.
  • Burger patty press or hands: Use to form even, well-shaped burger patties.
  • Tongs: Perfect for flipping burgers safely on the hot grill without piercing the meat.
  • Cutting board: Helpful for chopping jalapenos and preparing burger toppings.
  • Sharp knife: Required for precise ingredient preparation.

How to Grill Jalapeño Burgers with Gorgonzola

  • Fire Up the Grill

Ignite your grill to a sizzling medium-high temperature, creating the perfect cooking environment for these spicy, cheesy burgers.

  • Create Flavor Fusion

Blend ground beef with zesty jalapenos, aromatic seasonings, and crumbly gorgonzola. Mix gently to keep the meat tender and prevent toughness.

  • Shape Burger Perfection

Craft four juicy patties, making a gentle indentation in the center to ensure even cooking and prevent bulging during grilling.

  • Grill to Delicious Doneness

Sear patties on the hot grate, cooking 4-5 minutes per side until they reach a safe internal temperature of 160F for well-done meat.

  • Toast and Assemble

Quickly crisp the bun halves on the grill and layer with fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and sharp onions. Spread a creamy sauce, crown with the spicy gorgonzola burger, and serve immediately.

Tips to Balance Heat and Creaminess in Jalapeño Gorgonzola Burgers

  • Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, ensuring perfectly cooked burgers every single time without guesswork.
  • Adjust jalapeno quantity based on heat preference – remove seeds for milder flavor or add extra for bolder kick, giving personalized heat experience.
  • Replace traditional buns with large lettuce wraps or grilled portobello mushroom caps for a protein-packed, carbohydrate-reduced meal that's equally delicious.
  • For gorgonzola alternatives, experiment with blue cheese, goat cheese, or smoked cheddar to create unique flavor profiles while maintaining creamy texture.
  • Prepare burger patties in advance, separating layers with parchment paper, and refrigerate or freeze until ready to grill – perfect for busy weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.

Serve These Burgers with Crunchy Slaw or Classic Fries

  • Zesty Flavor Companions: Serve with crisp dill pickles and tangy coleslaw to complement the spicy jalapeno and rich gorgonzola flavors.
  • Spicy Side Kick: Pair with grilled corn on the cob sprinkled with chili powder and lime for an extra kick that matches the burger's heat.
  • Cool Contrast Plate: Add a refreshing cucumber salad or tzatziki sauce to balance the intense burger flavors and cool down the jalapeno spice.
  • Wine and Brew Match: Enjoy with a bold red wine like cabernet sauvignon or a hoppy IPA beer that can stand up to the strong gorgonzola and pepper notes.

Store Jalapeño Gorgonzola Burgers for Flavor Later

  • Wrap uncooked burger patties individually in plastic wrap or wax paper, then store in a freezer-safe container. Keeps fresh for up to 3 months.
  • Cooked burgers stay tasty for 3-4 days when sealed in airtight containers. Separate patties with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Warm leftover burgers in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Adds back crispy edges and keeps meat juicy without drying out.
  • Mix burger ingredients and shape patties up to 24 hours before cooking. Store covered in the refrigerator to let flavors blend and develop depth.
Print
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Spicy Jalapeno Burgers with Gorgonzola Recipe

Spicy Jalapeno Burgers with Gorgonzola


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4.9 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Sizzling jalapeno burgers with gorgonzola bring spicy, creamy magic to backyard grilling. Zesty peppers and tangy cheese create a bold flavor combination that elevates classic burger nights with irresistible southwestern flair.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680 g) ground beef (80/20)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) crumbled gorgonzola cheese
  • 2 fresh jalapenos, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
  • 4 burger buns, toasted
  • ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
  • ½ tsp (2.5 ml) black pepper
  • ½ tsp (2.5 ml) garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) smoked paprika
  • Lettuce or arugula
  • Tomato slices
  • Red onion slices
  • Additional crumbled gorgonzola (optional)
  • Your favorite burger sauce or mayo

Instructions

  1. Grill Preparation: Ignite the grill to a robust medium-high temperature, targeting around 400°F for optimal cooking conditions.
  2. Flavor Fusion: In a spacious mixing vessel, tenderly blend ground beef with finely diced jalapenos, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Delicately incorporate crumbled gorgonzola, ensuring minimal manipulation to preserve meat’s tender texture.
  3. Patty Crafting: Partition the seasoned mixture into four uniform portions, sculpting each into carefully shaped burger patties. Create a subtle depression at the center of each patty to guarantee uniform heat distribution and consistent cooking.
  4. Grilling Performance: Position the patties onto the sizzling grill surface, allowing approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Monitor internal temperature, aiming for 160°F to achieve a thoroughly cooked burger while maintaining succulence.
  5. Bun Transformation: During the final moments of grilling, strategically place buns cut-side down on the grill, transforming them into golden, crisp platforms for the upcoming flavor symphony.
  6. Burger Assembly: Layer crisp lettuce, vibrant tomato slices, and zesty onion rings. Generously spread burger sauce or mayonnaise, crown with the expertly grilled patty, and serve immediately to capture peak flavor and temperature.

Notes

  • Wear gloves when chopping to prevent skin irritation and avoid touching eyes after handling spicy peppers.
  • Create a gentle indentation in patty centers to help them cook evenly and maintain structural integrity during grilling.
  • Fold gorgonzola gently into meat mixture to ensure even flavor without overworking the ground beef, which can make burgers tough.
  • Remove jalapeno seeds for milder heat or add more for extra kick, adapting to personal spice tolerance and preference.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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