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poblano burger

Poblano Ghost Pepper Smash Burger

This bold and flavorful poblano smash burger features crispy-edged beef patties, melty ghost pepper cheese, broiled poblano peppers, and creamy chipotle mayo on toasted brioche buns. Smoky, creamy, and perfectly spicy.
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Course Dinner
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

For the Smash Burgers

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • salt and pepper
  • chili powder
  • garlic powder
  • paprika
  • 4 slices ghost pepper cheese pepperjack as an alternative
  • 2 poblano peppers

For the Cream Cheese Cheddar Spread

  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 jalapeno diced

For the Chipotle Aioli

  • 1/2 cup mayo
  • 2 tbsp adobe chipotle sauce from canned chipotles in adobo
  • 1 clove garlic minced

For Assembly

  • 4 brioche buns
  • 2 tbsp butter for toasting

Instructions
 

  • Broil the Poblanos

    Preheat broiler to high. Slice poblanos in half and remove the seeds. Place poblano peppers on a baking sheet and broil 5–8 minutes per side until skins are blistered and charred.

  • Make the Chipotle Mayo

    In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, adobo chipotle sauce, and minced garlic. Adjust heat level to taste. Refrigerate until ready to use.

  • Make the Cream Cheese Spread

    In another bowl, mix softened cream cheese with shredded chipotle cheddar and diced jalapenos until smooth and combined. Set aside.

  • Smash the Burgers

    Divide ground beef into 4 equal balls (about ¼ lb each).
    Form beef into patties and season with chili powder, paprika, salt and pepper.
    Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot.
    Place patties onto the hot surface and cook until edges are crispy and deeply browned. Flip once. Immediately top each patty with a slice of ghost pepper cheese and cook another until melted.

  • Toast the Brioche Buns

    Butter the cut sides of the brioche buns. Toast in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and slightly crisp. Remove and set aside.

  • Assemble

    Spread chipotle mayo on the bottom bun.
    Place smash burger with melted cheese on top.
    Add a spoonful of the cream cheese chipotle cheddar mixture.
    Layer on sliced broiled poblanos.
    Top with the toasted brioche bun and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Smash burgers are meant to be thin and crispy — pressing them firmly into a hot skillet creates those golden edges while keeping the center juicy.
  • If you prefer less heat, swap ghost pepper cheese for pepper jack.
  • A cast iron skillet gives the best crust in winter months, if not able to use your blackstone. 
Keyword burger, Easy Dinner, poblano