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Flavorful Hatch Green Chile Smash Burgers Recipe with Pepper Jack and Avocado Crema

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A quick and easy southwestern-inspired smash burger featuring smoky Hatch green chiles, melty pepper jack cheese, and a creamy avocado crema, perfect for casual gatherings and weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 2–3 fresh Hatch green chiles, roasted, peeled, seeded, and chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 slices pepper jack cheese
  • 4 soft hamburger buns, lightly toasted
  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Water, as needed to thin the crema
  • Optional toppings: fresh lettuce leaves, thinly sliced red onion, tomato slices

Instructions

  1. Roast the Hatch green chiles by placing them under the oven broiler or directly on a gas stove flame, turning occasionally until the skin is blistered and charred (about 8-10 minutes). Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let steam for 10 minutes. Peel off the skin, remove seeds, and chop finely.
  2. Prepare the avocado crema by combining avocado, sour cream, lime juice, and minced garlic in a bowl. Mash and blend until smooth. Add water a teaspoon at a time until creamy and spreadable. Season with salt to taste and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  3. Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each). Gently mix in the chopped Hatch chiles and season with salt and pepper, avoiding over-mixing.
  4. Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes until hot.
  5. Place one portion of beef in the skillet and press down firmly with a spatula to flatten to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until edges are crispy and browned.
  6. Flip the patty, place a slice of pepper jack cheese on top, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and burger is cooked through.
  7. Toast the buns lightly on a grill pan or toaster until golden and slightly crisp.
  8. Assemble the burgers by spreading avocado crema on the bottom bun, adding the burger with melted cheese, and topping with optional lettuce, tomato, and onion. Finish with the top bun.
  9. Serve immediately while hot and cheese is gooey.

Notes

Use a solid metal spatula for smashing and flipping to get crispy edges. Avoid over-mixing the meat to keep patties tender. Roast fresh Hatch chiles for best flavor; canned can be used but less smoky. For gluten-free, swap buns and check condiments. Avocado crema can be made ahead and stored refrigerated.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burgers, Hatch green chile, pepper jack cheese, avocado crema, southwestern burger, quick dinner, easy recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/flavorful-hatch-green-chile-smash-burgers-recipe-with-pepper-jack-and-avocado-crema/