Blue Cheese Burgers

Calling all burger enthusiasts and adventurous taste buds! Today, we’re embarking on a culinary journey to the heart of Napa Valley, where the inspiration for this mouthwatering Blue Cheese Burgers recipe was born.

Blue Cheese Burger Recipe

Nestled in the charming town of Yountville, the Pacific Blues Cafe captivated our senses with its homey atmosphere and, of course, its incredible food. One bite of their signature blue cheese burger, and I knew I had to recreate this masterpiece in my own kitchen.

This recipe takes the classic burger experience to a whole new level. The creamy richness of blue cheese meets the smoky depth of the patty, all harmoniously balanced by the sweet and spicy kick of our secret ingredient: homemade jalapeño jam.

Jalapeno Jam Recipe

Beyond the Ordinary: Deconstructing the Flavor Profile

But what exactly makes this blue cheese burger so special? Let’s break down the key elements that create this symphony of flavors:

  • High-Quality Ground Beef: Opt for a lean ground beef blend (around 80/20) for the perfect balance of juicy tenderness and a satisfying sear.
  • Blue Cheese: Crumbled blue cheese, like Gorgonzola or Maytag, adds a sharp, pungent flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the burger.
  • Homemade Jalapeño Jam: This is the magic touch! The sweetness of the jam cuts through the richness and adds a touch of heat that elevates the entire experience (recipe below).
  • Classic Burger Toppings: Don’t forget the essentials like lettuce, tomato, red onion, and mayonnaise to create a textural and flavor contrast.

You can use either ground beef or turkey for this recipe. Since my wife doesn’t eat red meat, we usually use ground turkey. And to make it a little more fun, we made them mini size for some awesome turkey burger sliders!

The Perfect Pairing for Blue Cheese Burgers: Wine or Beer?

To complete the Napa Valley experience, consider pairing your Blue Cheese Burger with a bold and fruity Zinfandel wine that will complement the richness and spice of the burger. Alternatively, a Sierra Nevada Pale Ale offers a refreshing counterpoint and cuts beautifully through the creamy and smoky flavors.

Watch the Blue Cheese Burgers Recipe in Action

I’ve created a step-by-step video guide showcasing the entire process, from crafting the homemade jalapeño jam to assembling the ultimate Blue Cheese Burger.

More Easy Burger Recipes:

Ready for more Chef Tips?

Head over to my YouTube channel for video demonstrations of more than 300 recipes! I’ll guide you through each step, sharing tips and tricks, and revealing insider secrets gleaned from the chefs around the world. Let’s embark on more delicious adventures together! You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X!

Blue Cheese Burger Recipe

Blue Cheese Burgers with Jalapeño Jam

Recipe by Jason Hill – CookingSessions.com
These Blue Cheese Burgers are inspired by a dish we ate at the Pacific Blues Cafe in Yountville. The key to this recipe is the jalapeño jam, which serves as the topping and main condiment. We also top these burgers with a bit of melted blue cheese, fresh mixed greens, tomato and red onion. Serve with a Zinfandel wine or Sierra Nevada Pale Ale.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds ground turkey or beef
  • 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbled

For assembly

  • 8 slider buns such as King's Hawaiian
  • 8 tomato slices
  • 8 red onion slices
  • 1 cup spring mix lettuce leaves
  • 1 batch jalapeño jam see separate recipe
  • Mayonnaise for spreading

Instructions
 

  • Mix up the ground turkey with the panko bread crumbs, egg, pepper and salt. Form into small patties for sliders. You should get about 8 sliders or 4 burgers.
  • Heat the grill and cook the burgers on both sides, about 5-10 minutes depending on the size you are making.
  • During the last minute of cooking, top the burgers with blue cheese.
  • Remove burgers when the cheese melts.
  • Toast your buns, if desired.
  • Top each bun with a little bit of mayonnaise. Top with the jalapeño jam, lettuce, tomato and onions.
Let’s get cooking!Subscribe to my cooking videos on YouTube at @ChefTips!

Watch My Video

Keyword burgers, ground turkey, sandwiches
Join me on Facebook!Like and follow @ChefTips on all social media!

AboutJason Hill

Hi, I’m Jason Hill, host of YouTube’s “Chef Tips” series. I graduated from culinary school in 1998, and gained my experience working the lines in Southern California. I launched my cooking videos in 2007. I love sharing quick and easy recipes that get people back in the kitchen.

5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

Leave a Reply