One of our favorite small beach towns is Traverse City, Michigan. I say that with a little trepidation because no one thinks of Michigan as being a beach destination and those who selfishly want to keep it to themselves don’t want word spreading too far and wide. 😉 When we make a trip there, one place is always on our repeat visit list…Slabtown Burgers.
Pretty much anything you get there is good but they have this cream cheese pepper jack stuffed burger that is to die for. It isn’t unheard of for us to make it a stop before even checking in to our rental. Since we’re not lucky enough to have access to it all the time, I have made my “Ode to Slabtown” burger in attempts to get us through until our next blissful visit. I think when the hubby’s eyes light up when he realizes I’m making this means I’ve come pretty close. The video shows you how to bring it all together and what the recipe should look like in different stages.
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"Ode to Slabtown" Burger
Ingredients
- 1 lb Organic Grass Fed 85/15 Ground Beef
- 1 block softened cream cheese
- 1 jalapeno, diced
- 1 ounce shredded pepper jack cheese
- 2 slices bacon, fried crispy and crumbled
- 1- 1 1/2 tsp Chipotle Tabasco sauce
- 1 package pepper jack cheese slices
- Salt
- Pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Hamburger Buns (I used brioche)
- Preferred toppings
Instructions
- To a bowl of softened cream cheese, add your jalapenos, bacon, hot sauce and shredded pepper jack cheese and stir until well combined.
- Taste it and adjust the seasoning/add more hot sauce if necessary.
- Cover it with plastic wrap and put it in the fridge to firm up. Flavor becomes more intense if you make the day before.
- To the beef, add a 1/2 tsp garlic powder and fresh black pepper and mix until just combined.
- Gently form into a ball making sure not to over pack.
Methods to Stuffing Burger:
- The first method is the well method. Make a well in the middle of your burger making sure to make the bottom a little wider. Use a cookie scoop to scoop in the cream cheese filling. Pull beef from the bottom of the burger to cover the well and press lightly to make a tight seal so it doesn’t leak when cooking. Give a light press into a patty and check for any leaks.
- The other method is dividing the ball in half and press both into similar sized patties. Put a scoop of the filling in the middle and flatten slightly. Place the other patty on top and begin sealing the edges so it doesn’t leak during cooking.
- Season salt and pepper on top and allow to sear. When you can see a bit of brown creeping up the side of the burger, give the burger a flip.
- When you see the juices are starting to get pinkish, turn the heat down to low and place two slices of pepper jack cheese on top of the patties.
- Place a metal bowl over the top for a minute or so until the cheese gets gooey.
- Pull them onto a plate to rest for a minute and then toast your favorite buns. (I used brioche but Hawaiian and pretzel buns are also good choices.)
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34 Comments
OMG this looks amazing. As someone who lives in Illinois, I know Michigan beaches are amazing but I won’t spread the word. 🙂
Thank you Kari! See, you know what I mean! 😉
Too late – I’ve already spent time in Traverse City and loved it. Sounds like a fabulous burger – pinned and shared. Thanks for linking up at Welcome Spring Link Party.
The secret’s out! LOL We always go in the Fall because I’ve seen pics of the crowds in the summer! 🙂
Oh my, I love hot and spicey. I will be trying this one on the grill this year. And your presentation is beautiful!
Sorry forgot to mention, found you on A Little Bit of Everything. Socialized.
Thanks!
Then you will love this! It’s not too spicy unless you really load up the Tabasco (so I do! LOL). Thanks so much!
This looks amazing! Thanks for sharing at Fiesta Friday party!
It’s pretty dang good!
This Burger looks amazing! Hope you are having a great weekend and thanks so much for sharing your great post with us at Full Plate Thursday!
Miz Helen
Thank you! Hope you’re enjoying the weekend as well!
Looks juicy and delicious. Love the use of grass-fed beef, makes it even more delicious. Thanks for sharing on Fiesta Friday
It really does make a difference for us and I agree, more delicious!
This looks so delicious and I’m going to have to give it a try in our home! Great job and thanks for sharing on To Grandma’s House We Go!
I think you’ll love it!
OK – I’m hungry now. What a beautiful burger! Thanks for sharing at the What’s for Dinner party!
It’s pretty darn good!
It looks fabulous. I could have one right now…
Thank you for sharing at The Really Crafty Link Party. Pinned.
Me too! Thanks so much!
I’m very sure my husband would love this 🙂 We have a backyard party coming up in May, so that’s a good time to try this burger recipe. Pinning and tweeting this! Greetings from the Inspire Me Monday linky.
These would be perfect for your cookout! A guaranteed winner. Thanks for stopping over!
Wow this looks good!!! #totallyterrific
Thank you! It’s a fave for sure!
Oh my gosh, this looks amazingly good! Thank you for sharing it on Party in Your PJ’s. I can’t wait to try it! Be sure and enter our giveaway.
Thank you, Teresa! I think you’ll love it!
Hi, I wanted to let you know that I am featuring your Ode to Slabtown Burger on Party in Your PJ’s this week! Thank you for linking up and sharing. Pinned!
Thank you so much! I hope your readers enjoy it as much as we do!
Shhhhh, don’t tell everybody! We live about 3 hours from Traverse City and it’s a beautiful place. I’d love to go back and have a Slabtown Burger. Thank you for sharing with us this week at Celebrate Your Story, and have a Happy Easter.
I know, right!? Slabtown Burger is always our first stop in town! SOOOO good!
What a burger! I love the sound of this and wish it was bbq season! I will absolutely try this.Sometimes a good burger just hits the spot! Thank you for bringing this to Fiesta Friday!
Hey, I did it indoors in February. A good grill pan gets you through until grilling season! 🙂 I hope you love it!
I love foods that remind me of family vacation. What a great idea to try and recreate them at home. Pinned.
It’s a great way to feel like you’re revisiting even when you can’t physically go.