Smoked Poblano Popper Burgers (Girls Gone Grillin’ Style)

Smoked Poblano Popper Burgers (Girls Gone Grillin’ Style)

 Ingredients

For the poblano poppers

  • 4 poblano peppers

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack

  • 4 slices bacon, cooked & crumbled

  • 1–2 tsp BBQ rub or Girls Gone Grillin’ S.P.G. Plus a Kiss of Onion

  • Optional: diced green onions

  • For the burgers

  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 is perfect)

  • 1½–2 tbsp burger seasoning or SPG

  • 6–8 burger buns (brioche or potato buns rock)

  • Butter for toasting buns

Optional toppings

  • Extra bacon

  • Lettuce

  • Tomato

  • BBQ sauce or chipotle mayo

Step 1: Smoke the Poblanos

Preheat smoker to 225–250°F

Place whole poblanos directly on the grates

Smoke for 30–45 minutes, until softened and lightly blistered

Remove, cool slightly, then slice lengthwise and remove seeds

Step 2: Make the Popper Filling

Mix together:

Cream cheese

Shredded cheese

Bacon

Seasoning

Green onions (if using)

Stuff the mixture generously into the smoked poblanos.

Set aside (you can chill them slightly to help keep their shape).

Step 3: Form the Burgers

Gently form beef into patties (don’t overwork)

Season both sides well

Make them a little wider than the buns—they’ll shrink

Step 4: Smoke the Burgers

Place patties on smoker at 250°F

Smoke for 45–60 minutes, until internal temp hits 135°F

Move burgers to a hot grill or crank smoker to 375–400°F

Sear both sides for a nice crust

Step 5: Stack It Up

Place a stuffed poblano popper on each burger

Add extra cheese if you want (do it )

Close lid for 5 minutes until melty and glorious

Step 6: Toast & Build

Butter and toast buns

Assemble burgers with your favorite toppings

Add sauce if desired (chipotle mayo is here)

Pro Tips

Want less heat? Mix cheddar + mozzarella

Want more heat? Add diced jalapeños to the filling

These are AMAZING as smash-style sliders too

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