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Flavorful Hatch Chile Smash Burgers with Pepper Jack and Avocado Crema

Hatch chile smash burgers - featured image
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These Hatch chile smash burgers combine smoky roasted chiles, melty pepper jack cheese, and a creamy avocado crema for a quick, easy, and unforgettable homemade burger experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 2–3 roasted, peeled, and chopped Hatch chiles (fresh or jarred)
  • 4 slices pepper jack cheese
  • 1 ripe avocado, mashed
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (dairy-free yogurt optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 sturdy burger buns (brioche or potato buns recommended)
  • Optional toppings: thinly sliced red onion, lettuce, tomato slices

Instructions

  1. Roast the Hatch chiles over a gas flame or under a broiler until blackened on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Place in a bowl covered with plastic wrap for 10 minutes to steam, then peel off skins, remove seeds, and chop finely. Skip if using jarred roasted chiles.
  2. Make the avocado crema by mashing the avocado with sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth but slightly chunky. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  3. Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each) and loosely form into balls without compacting.
  4. Heat a cast iron skillet or heavy-duty nonstick pan over medium-high heat until very hot (about 5 minutes).
  5. Place each beef ball into the skillet and immediately smash down with a spatula or burger press until patties are about 3/4-inch thick. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Cook patties for 2-3 minutes until crispy and browned on the bottom.
  7. Flip the patties, top each with a slice of pepper jack cheese, and cook another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and burgers reach desired doneness (medium recommended).
  8. Toast the buns face-down in a clean skillet or under the broiler until golden and slightly crisp.
  9. Assemble the burgers by spreading avocado crema on the bottom bun, adding the smash burger with melted pepper jack, a spoonful of chopped Hatch chiles, and optional toppings. Cap with the top bun.
  10. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to maintain crispy edges; cook in batches if needed. Smash patties immediately after placing in the pan for best crust. Let cooked burgers rest for 2 minutes before assembling. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. For dairy-free, use coconut yogurt and vegan cheese. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hatch chile burgers, smash burgers, pepper jack cheese, avocado crema, homemade burgers, quick dinner, easy burger recipe, smoky burgers

Find it online: https://ariaappetite.com/flavorful-hatch-chile-smash-burgers-with-pepper-jack-and-avocado-crema-recipe-for-the-best-homemade-burger-experience/