Kansas Charred Jalapeño Cheddar Burgers

Introduction

Juicy Kansas-style burgers packed with sharp cheddar and smoky jalapeños, seared at 1,000°F to lock in flavor, then perfected on the Arteflame grill's smooth cooktop. This ultimate burger experience delivers bold flavors with a mouthwatering sear.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 jalapeños, finely diced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 4 brioche burger buns
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• Lettuce, tomato, and onion for toppings
• Your favorite condiments

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the oiled napkins inside the grill.
3. Stack firewood on top of the napkins.
4. Light the napkins and let the fire build. The grill will be ready in about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the burger mixture

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, shredded cheddar, diced jalapeños, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Gently mix with your hands until evenly combined.
3. Form into 4 equal-sized patties, slightly larger than your buns (they will shrink slightly when cooking).

Step 3: Sear the burgers

1. Once the grill is hot, place the burger patties on the center grill grate where temperatures reach over 1,000°F.
2. Sear each side for about 1-2 minutes until a deep crust forms.

Step 4: Finish cooking on the flat-top

1. Move the seared burgers to the flat-top griddle, closer to the center for higher heat or further out for gentler cooking.
2. Cook to desired doneness, using a meat thermometer:
3. 120°F for rare, 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, 150°F for medium-well, and 160°F for well-done.
4. Remove from heat when the internal temperature is 15°F below your desired doneness as they continue cooking off the grill.

Step 5: Toast the buns

1. Spread butter on the cut sides of the brioche buns.
2. Place them face down on the flat griddle for about 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.

Step 6: Assemble the burgers

1. Place lettuce on the bottom bun.
2. Add the charred jalapeño cheddar burger.
3. Top with tomato, onion, and your favorite condiments.
4. Complete with the top bun and serve immediately.

Tips

• Use a meat thermometer to get the perfect doneness.
• Let the burgers rest for 5 minutes before eating so the juices redistribute.
• Brioche buns enhance the juicy, cheesy burger, but pretzel buns also work great.
• For extra heat, leave the jalapeño seeds in.
• Butter the buns generously for a rich, crispy bite.

Variations

1. BBQ Bacon Jalapeño Burger: Add crispy bacon and a drizzle of smoky barbecue sauce.
2. Avocado Jalapeño Burger: Top with creamy avocado slices and replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese.
3. Tex-Mex Fiesta Burger: Add grilled poblanos, cotija cheese, and pico de gallo.
4. Mushroom Swiss Jalapeño Burger: Replace cheddar with Swiss cheese and add sautéed mushrooms.
5. Spicy Chipotle Burger: Mix chipotle peppers in adobo sauce into the beef and top with chipotle mayo.

Conclusion

These Charred Jalapeño Cheddar Burgers bring a bold Kansas twist to a classic dish. Juicy, fiery, and packed with flavor, they’re a guaranteed hit at any cookout. Fire up the Arteflame grill and enjoy the perfect sear and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness!

Best Pairings

• Grilled corn on the cob with butter and lime.
• Sweet potato fries with chipotle aioli.
• Classic cole slaw for a refreshing crunch.
• Smoky baked beans with a hint of brown sugar.
• A cold, crisp Kansas-style lager.