Fire & Ice Bold Burger (Printable Version)

Bold burger combining spicy peppers, melted cheese, crisp cucumber, and a cooling yogurt dip for contrast.

# Ingredient List:

→ Burger Patties

01 - 1.1 lbs ground beef or plant-based alternative
02 - 1 small red chili pepper, finely chopped
03 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Cheese & Toppings

07 - 4 slices pepper-jack cheese
08 - 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
09 - 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
10 - 4 burger buns

→ Cooling Yogurt Dip

11 - 5.3 oz plain Greek yogurt
12 - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
13 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
14 - 1 garlic clove, minced
15 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Optional

16 - Lettuce leaves
17 - Sliced red onion

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Combine ground beef, chopped chili, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Mix gently and shape into 4 equal patties.
02 - Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 4-5 minutes per side until just cooked through.
03 - Place a slice of pepper-jack cheese on each patty and allow it to melt during the last minute of cooking.
04 - In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, fresh dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
05 - Lightly toast burger buns if desired.
06 - Spread yogurt dip on bottom bun, layer cucumber slices, place cheesy patty atop, add sliced red bell pepper, optional lettuce and onion, then cover with top bun.
07 - Serve immediately with extra yogurt dip on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The heat builds slowly and then gets rescued by cool, creamy dip in every bite.
  • You can make it vegetarian without losing any of that bold, exciting flavor.
  • It comes together faster than you'd think for something this interesting.
02 -
  • Don't skip the dimple in the patty center—burgers cook more evenly and stay juicier that way.
  • The yogurt dip tastes better if you make it a few minutes before serving so the garlic and dill can meld together.
03 -
  • If you're feeding both meat-eaters and vegetarians, shape plant-based patties the same way as beef ones—they look identical and cook with the same technique.
  • A squeeze of lime juice in the yogurt dip instead of lemon changes everything in the best way; try it next time you're feeling adventurous.
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