Big, juicy, and positively over-the-top, these Queso Burgers are pure bliss for anyone who loves a little Tex-Mex flair in their burger routine. Picture a thick, flame-grilled patty smothered in silky homemade queso, topped with rich bestrami, creamy avocado, tangy red onions, jalapeños, and sandwiched in a bakery bun—get ready, because after the first bite, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Flavor Bomb: Savory burgers oozing with creamy queso, double-layered with rich bestrami and fresh toppings in every single bite.
- Easy, Crowd-Pleasing Queso: The homemade queso sauce comes together in minutes—so much better than anything in a jar!
- Customizable for Any Craving: Whether you like it spicy, extra cheesy, or loaded with veggies, these Queso Burgers are a creativity playground.
- Restaurant-Worthy at Home: No need for dinner reservations—these burgers deliver that gourmet, indulgent vibe right from your own grill.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Queso Burgers is how a handful of well-chosen ingredients come together to create big flavor. Each one pulls its weight—adding incredible taste, juicy texture, or irresistible color to your finished masterpiece.
- Pub Burgers: These thick, juicy patties are the heart of the dish—look for them freshly made in the service meat case for that ultimate homemade feel.
- Hamburger bakery buns: Pick a soft but sturdy bun to hold up to all the saucy, cheesy goodness.
- Bestrami: Layering in 8 slices of rich, smoky bestrami adds a meaty, salty punch that takes these burgers over the top.
- Avocado: Sliced thin for ultra creaminess—this cools and balances the heat from the jalapeños and queso.
- Jalapeño: Thin slices bring just the right touch of spicy freshness; adjust the amount to your heat-level comfort zone.
- Red onion: A handful of crisp, tangy slices add vibrant crunch and color.
- White American cheese: The star of the queso, cubed for easy melting and super-smooth texture—find it in the deli section.
- Roundy’s milk: Helps create that classic creamy queso consistency; use whole milk for the richest result.
- Butter: Just a touch boosts flavor and gives the queso its silky finish.
- Diced green chiles: These mild, canned chiles add a subtle green chili flavor and lovely flecks of color.
- Cumin: Infuses the queso with earthy warmth and Southwest flair.
- Red pepper flakes: For a little extra kick that wakes up the cheesy sauce.
- Garlic salt: Brings a gentle savoriness and ties all the queso ingredients together.
Variations
One of the most fun things about Queso Burgers is how easily you can make them your own. Whether you want to play with the toppings, level up the heat, or change up the protein, this burger lets your creativity shine.
- Tex-Mex Some More: Swap out the bestrami for crispy bacon, or combine both for a super savory bite.
- Cheese Adventure: Blend pepper jack or sharp cheddar with the American cheese for a twist on the classic queso flavor.
- Veggie Boost: Add grilled peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or even charred corn kernels for a garden-inspired version.
- Lighter Option: Try using ground turkey or a plant-based patty for a lighter but still outrageously delicious burger.
How to Make Queso Burgers
Step 1: Crisp Up the Bestrami
Before you fire up the grill, start by cooking your bestrami in a skillet over medium heat. Get it sizzling and lightly crispy—this layer adds so much texture and savory depth, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been throwing it on every burger.
Step 2: Fire Up the Grill
With the bestrami set aside, heat your grill to medium-high. Place the Pub Burgers directly on the grates and cook until they reach your desired doneness—juicy medium is a crowd favorite, but you do you! Remember to toast the buns on the grill for that perfect golden edge.
Step 3: Make That Silky Queso
While burgers are sizzling away, make the creamy queso magic happen. Combine cubed white American cheese, milk, and butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring until smooth and velvety. Once melted, add green chiles, cumin, red pepper flakes, and garlic salt. Stir gently and let all those bold Tex-Mex flavors mingle. Need it a little thinner? Splash in more milk until it pours dreamily.
Step 4: Assemble and Pile High
Now for the best part—building your Queso Burgers! Layer each grilled patty with crispy bestrami, creamy avocado slices, a handful of red onions, jalapeños, and (of course) a generous ladle of that warm, melty queso sauce. Crown it all with the top bun and serve immediately—messy hands are worth it!
Pro Tips for Making Queso Burgers
- The Creamy Queso Touch: Chop cheese into small, even cubes—you’ll get ultra-smooth, quick-melting queso without stubborn lumps.
- Grill Heat Sweet Spot: Medium-high heat caramelizes burger exteriors while keeping the centers juicy; avoid pressing down on patties to lock in those flavorful juices.
- Toast Those Buns: Brush the cut sides with a bit of butter and toast briefly on the grill—it prevents soggy bottoms and adds that extra touch.
- Avocado Trick: Slice avocado right before serving and give it a quick splash of lime juice to keep the vibrant green color beautiful.
How to Serve Queso Burgers
Garnishes
To really let these Queso Burgers shine, finish with a flurry of fresh cilantro leaves, a sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes, or even a little crumbled cotija cheese. These final touches add bright flavor and a pop of color that makes every bite more exciting.
Side Dishes
Think crispy fries, sweet potato wedges, or a tangy slaw to balance the richness of the burger. If you’re looking to keep the Tex-Mex theme going, serve with tortilla chips and extra queso, or a chilled black bean and corn salad on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Queso Burgers on a big platter lined with parchment paper and bowls of extra toppings so everyone can build their own masterpiece. Or, try slider buns for a party tray—mini Queso Burgers make the ultimate crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store extra cooked patties and bestrami wrapped tightly in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep queso sauce in a separate container—it may thicken when cold but will regain its creamy texture when warmed.
Freezing
Absolutely! Cooked burger patties freeze beautifully—wrap each one in parchment and pop in a zip-top bag. The queso sauce won’t freeze as smoothly, but you can prepare it fresh in minutes while the burgers reheat.
Reheating
Warm burger patties and bestrami in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Reheat queso gently on the stove or in short microwave bursts, stirring frequently until smooth—then pile everything together for a fresh-off-the-grill vibe.
FAQs
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Can I make Queso Burgers without a grill?
Yes, absolutely! Sear the burgers in a hot cast-iron skillet or grill pan inside. You’ll still get plenty of delicious browning and that irresistible seared crust.
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Is there a good substitute for white American cheese in the queso?
If you don’t have white American cheese, try a blend of mild cheddar and Monterey Jack. Just be sure to add a splash more milk if it thickens up too much.
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How spicy are these Queso Burgers?
The spice level is easy to adjust! Use fewer jalapeños and less red pepper flakes for a milder burger, or add extra for more kick. The beauty of homemade is making it perfect for your taste buds.
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Can I make the queso ahead for a cookout?
Yes! The queso can be made a day ahead—store covered in the fridge and reheat gently, stirring and adding a little milk to bring it back to dippable, silky perfection.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to make these Queso Burgers—they’re the definition of a comfort food treat that’s as fun as it is flavorful. Invite some friends, fire up the grill, and let the queso flow (literally!). It’s burger night, upgraded—enjoy every mouthwatering bite!
Print
Queso Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Queso Burgers are a delicious twist on classic burgers, featuring a flavorful queso topping with a hint of spice. Perfect for a summer barbecue or a casual weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Burgers
- 4 Pub Burgers
Toppings
- 4 hamburger bakery buns
- 8 slices of pastrami
- 1 avocado, thinly sliced
- 1 jalapeno, thinly sliced
- 1/2 small red onion, sliced
Queso
- 1/2 pound White American Cheese, cubed
- 1/4 cup Roundy’s milk
- 1/2 tablespoon butter
- 4 ounces diced green chiles
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic salt
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: Cook bacon until crispy. Set aside.
- Grill Burgers: Heat grill; grill burgers over medium-high heat to desired temperature.
- Prepare Queso: Combine cheese, milk, and butter in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring regularly, until cheese is melted. Reduce heat to low; add green chiles, cumin, red pepper flakes, and garlic salt. Adjust consistency with milk.
- Assemble Burgers: Top each burger with pastrami, avocado, red onion, jalapeno, and queso.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 1548 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 2857mg
- Fat: 85g
- Saturated Fat: 34g
- Unsaturated Fat: 42g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 98g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 97g
- Cholesterol: 342mg
