Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Cream Cheese-Packed Burgers?
They are juicy ground beef burgers stuffed with a creamy center of softened cream cheese and zesty jalapenos.
How many burgers does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 large cream cheese-stuffed burgers.
What are the main ingredients for the filling?
The filling is made from 16 tablespoons of softened cream cheese mixed with one large seeded and finely chopped jalapeno.
Can I make these burgers less spicy?
Yes, you can skip the jalapeno entirely or remove all seeds and ribs from the pepper to reduce the heat.
What seasonings are used in the beef?
The beef is seasoned with a package of dry onion soup mix and two tablespoons of fresh minced garlic.
Should I add salt to the ground beef mixture?
No, extra salt is not recommended because the dry onion soup mix is already quite salty.
How do I assemble the stuffed burgers?
Divide the beef into 16 portions, flatten them into patties, place the cheese mixture on 8 of them, and top with the remaining 8 patties, sealing the edges.
How thick should each beef patty be before assembly?
Each of the 16 beef portions should be flattened to about 1/3-inch thickness.
How much filling goes into each burger?
Each burger is stuffed with approximately 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese and jalapeno mixture.
What temperature should the grill be?
The grill should be preheated to medium heat.
How long should I cook these burgers?
Cook the burgers for approximately 10 minutes on each side or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
Can I press down on the burgers while they are grilling?
No, avoid pressing down on the burgers so that the cream cheese filling stays intact and does not leak out.
Is it necessary to oil the grill grates?
Yes, oiling the grates prevents the meat from sticking, which helps keep the burgers sealed during flipping.
Can I prepare these burgers in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the patties in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to grill.
What type of buns should I use?
The recipe recommends using 8 split and toasted hamburger buns.
Can I add other ingredients to the beef?
Yes, you can customize the beef with Worcestershire sauce, breadcrumbs, or other favorite seasonings.
What is the best way to chop the jalapeno?
The jalapeno should be seeded and finely chopped to ensure it mixes well with the cream cheese.
What type of cream cheese is best?
A standard 8-ounce package of cream cheese, softened to room temperature, works best for the filling.
Is this recipe suitable for a barbecue?
Yes, these burgers are specifically described as a game changer for summer grilling and barbecues.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
Gently press the edges of the top and bottom patties together to create a secure seal around the cheese center.
Can I use frozen ground beef?
Fresh ground beef is recommended for the best texture, but you can use frozen beef if it is fully thawed first.
Do I need to cook the garlic before adding it to the beef?
No, use fresh minced garlic directly in the raw beef mixture; it will cook on the grill.
Can I make these into sliders?
While the recipe is for 8 full-sized burgers, you could adapt the method to make smaller stuffed sliders.
What kind of toppings go well with these burgers?
You can use any of your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, onion, or extra pickles.
Are these burgers high in protein?
Yes, using 2 lbs of ground beef for 8 burgers provides a significant amount of protein per serving.
How do I soften cream cheese quickly?
You can leave it at room temperature for 30 minutes or microwave it for 10-15 seconds on low power.
Can I use a different type of pepper?
Yes, you could substitute jalapenos with serrano peppers for more heat or bell peppers for no heat.
Why is dry onion soup mix used?
It provides a concentrated onion flavor and acts as a primary seasoning for the beef.
Is this a good recipe for a crowd?
Yes, it is considered excellent party food because the stuffed centers are a unique surprise for guests.
How many total ingredients are required?
There are 6 main ingredients: jalapeno, cream cheese, ground beef, onion soup mix, garlic, and buns.