Jalapeno Popper Pub Burger

What is a Pub Style Burger?

The main difference of a pub style burger to other hamburgers is the thickness of the patty. Traditionally, thicker than a classic burger or smash burger, pub style burgers also do not use ketchup or cheese and are loaded with sautéed onions or mushrooms.

Now, that doesn’t mean you have to follow these criteria exactly. Make it your own. Add toppings, sauces and condiments that you like best. Just remember the thicker juicy beef patty.

Why You’ll Love This Burger

• Juicy, thick pub style burger patty
• Creamy, spicy jalapeno popper topping
• Crispy bacon in every bite
• Perfectly grilled flavor
• Melted cheese + cream cheese combo
• Restaurant quality at home

Ingredients needed to make a Jalapeno Popper Pub Burger

• Beef: I used a premade pub style beef patty with jalapeno and cheddar pieces in it.
• Cream cheese: creamy base for the jalapeno popper spread. Make sure it’s room temperature before mixing.
• Pickled jalapenos: tangy, spicy, salty kick to balance the creaminess of the cheese.
• Cheddar cheese: sharp cheddar for a slight pungent flavor profile that works will with the acidity and spice of the pickled jalapenos and creamy cheese.
• Bacon: a savory touch to the jalapeno popper spread adding a crunchy texture.
• Seasoning: I used an all purpose seasoning to tie all the ingredients together.

Start with the Beef Patty

When shopping for Jalapeno Popper Pub Burger, select patties that are about 1 inch in thick. You can use any kind of ground beef mixture. A 80/20 chuck roast is an economical option with a good balance of lean to fat. Or you can use ground black angus which is a more premium option and richer in flavor.

I used 2 black pub style beef patties from my local Mariano’s meat counter. These are already pre measured and formed. I like convenience. And the best part, they already had bits of jalapeno and cheddar mixed into the patty.

To add some flavor to the beef patty, I seasoned it with my Dad’s All Purpose rub. It was the savory salt, pepper and paprika flavors to enhance the overall flavor of the burger.

Grill the Jalapeno Popper Pub Burger

You can grill this Jalapeno Popper Pub Burger on the grill or smoke it low and slow. I have done both and honestly can’t pick between the two. They are so good! For the smoked version, check out my Smoked Pub Burger recipe.

Preheat the grill to 400 degrees and set for dual zone cooking. Start on the direct side keeping the patties on the grill for about 3-4 minutes then flipping them. If the grill flares up, move the burgers to the indirect side to finish cooking. Add a slice of American cheese or pepper jack cheese for extra heat and allow it to melt over the juicy, beefy patty.

Remove them off the grill at 135 degrees internal temperature.  Let them rest for 10 minutes before assembling the burger.  

How to make a Jalapeno Popper Spread

Skip the condiments and make this delicious creamy and spicy spread to elevate your Jalapeno Popper Pub Burger.

As with any traditional jalapeno popper filling, you’ll need the classic ingredients, but we are going to add a twist, pickled jalapenos.

Why pickled jalapenos? Unlike the traditional fresh jalapenos used in jalapeno popper dips, the pickled version adds acidity and saltiness that balances the heat. It’s not overpowering and less crunchy than a fresh pepper. It’s perfect for a creamy base or in a dip.

In a mixing bowl, add room temperature cream cheese, mayo, diced up pickled jalapeno, pickled jalapeno juice, shredded cheddar, precooked chopped bacon and Dad’s All Purpose rub. Mix the ingredients together. The spread should be smooth and soft. If too thick, add more pickled juice or mayo. Taste for flavor.

Assemble the Jalapeno Popper Pub Burger

Once all your ingredients are prepped and cooked it’s finally time to assemble the Jalapeno Popper Pub Burger.

Make sure to toast up the buns. I like to use Brioche buns to add some sweetness to an already spicy meal.

Start with a thin layer of the jalapeno popper spread, next goes the grilled jalapeno and cheese pub style beef patty and finish it off with more of the cream cheese spread. Take a big bite and enjoy!

Final Thoughts

This Jalapeno Popper Pub Burger is everything you want in a burger, juicy, cheesy, smoky, and just the right amount of spicy. It’s bold, indulgent, and guaranteed to impress whether you’re cooking for family or hosting a backyard BBQ.

If you’re ready to upgrade your burger lineup, this one delivers big time flavor.

Fire up the grill and get ready for your new favorite burger.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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