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Cheddar Green Chile Stuffed Hatch Pepper Smash Burgers on Pretzel Buns

cheddar green chile stuffed hatch pepper smash burgers - featured image
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These flavorful smash burgers are stuffed with melty sharp cheddar and smoky Hatch green chiles, served on sturdy pretzel buns for a juicy, spicy, and crunchy burger experience that’s quick and easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded or sliced
  • 2–3 medium roasted Hatch green chiles, diced (or canned fire-roasted green chiles)
  • 4 pretzel buns
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, favorite burger sauce

Instructions

  1. Roast and dice Hatch green chiles if not using canned. Shred the sharp cheddar cheese and set aside. Slice any toppings and have pretzel buns ready.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to taste. Mix gently to avoid overworking the meat.
  3. Divide the beef into 8 equal portions (~2 oz each). Flatten one portion into a thin patty about 3 inches in diameter. Place about 1 tablespoon of shredded cheddar and diced Hatch chile in the center. Top with another flattened portion and pinch edges to seal, forming a stuffed ball.
  4. Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot and slightly smoking.
  5. Place one stuffed ball in the skillet, immediately smash it down firmly with a spatula until about 1/4 inch thick. Repeat with remaining balls, cooking in batches if needed.
  6. Cook patties for 2-3 minutes without moving to get a golden crust. Flip carefully and cook another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and burger is cooked through to desired doneness.
  7. Brush pretzel buns with melted butter and toast cut-side down on the skillet until golden and slightly crispy.
  8. Assemble burgers by placing patties on toasted buns. Add optional toppings and sauces as desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Do not over-handle the meat to keep patties tender. Smash patties firmly and quickly on a very hot pan for a crispy crust. Seal edges tightly to prevent cheese leakage. Toast buns with melted butter just before serving to prevent sogginess. Avoid pressing patties while cooking to retain juices. Leftovers keep best refrigerated and reheated gently in a skillet or oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed burgers, smash burgers, Hatch chiles, cheddar cheese, pretzel buns, smoky burgers, easy burger recipe, spicy burgers

Find it online: https://milacook.com/cheddar-green-chile-stuffed-hatch-pepper-smash-burgers-recipe-easy-homemade-pretzel-bun-burger/