Sharing is caring!

If you love a burger that combines smoky, spicy, sweet, and savory flavors, this Spicy Cowgirl Burger needs to be on your grilling menu. A juicy grilled burger gets topped with melty pepper jack cheese, fresh tomato and lettuce, grilled onions, and a generous helping of my homemade Pineapple Cowgirl Candy.

The pineapple cowgirl candy is what really sets this burger apart. It adds a sweet pineapple flavor along with a spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the pepper jack cheese and smoky grilled beef.

This is the kind of burger that tastes like something you'd order at a fun little roadside burger joint—but it's incredibly easy to make at home.

Why You'll Love This Spicy Cowgirl Burger

There are plenty of delicious burger combinations out there like my Bistro Brunch Burger or my BBQ Cowboy Burger, but this one is all about the toppings.

You get the juicy beef burger and melted cheese you expect, but then you add grilled onions and spicy-sweet pineapple cowgirl candy. The fresh lettuce and tomato help balance everything out.

It's:

• Sweet and spicy
• Perfect for summer grilling
• Easy to customize
• Loaded with fresh toppings
• A great way to use homemade Pineapple Cowgirl Candy

Serve these burgers with homemade fries, potato wedges, onion rings, pasta salad, or your favorite summer side dish.

What Is Pineapple Cowgirl Candy?

My homemade Pineapple Cowgirl Candy is a fun variation of traditional candied jalapeños. The combination of sweet pineapple and spicy peppers creates an incredible condiment that can be used for so much more than burgers.

The sweetness of the pineapple mellows some of the heat while still leaving you with that delicious spicy kick.

And on this burger? It's fantastic.

The combination of pineapple cowgirl candy, pepper jack cheese, and grilled onions gives you layers of sweet heat in every bite.

Ingredients

To make these Spicy Cowgirl Burgers, you'll need:

• Ground beef
• Salt and black pepper
• Pepper jack cheese
• Sliced tomatoes
• Onion
• Lettuce
• Homemade Pineapple Cowgirl Candy
• Hamburger buns
• Butter or oil for grilling the onions and toasting the buns, if desired

I like using an 80/20 ground beef blend for grilled burgers. The extra fat helps keep the patties juicy while they're cooking.

How to Make a Spicy Cowgirl Burger

1. Make the Burger Patties

Divide the ground beef into equal portions and gently shape them into burger patties.

Try not to overwork the beef. The more you handle it, the more compact the burger can become.

Make each patty slightly larger than your hamburger bun because it will shrink as it cooks.

Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

2. Grill the Onions

Slice your onion into rings or thick slices.

Place the onions on the grill and cook until they're tender and lightly charred. Depending on how thick you slice them, this should only take a few minutes per side.

You can also cook them in a skillet with a little butter if that's easier.

3. Grill the Burgers

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

Place the burger patties on the hot grill and cook until they reach your preferred level of doneness.

During the last minute or two of cooking, place a slice of pepper jack cheese over each burger.

Close the grill lid and let the cheese get nice and melty.

4. Toast the Buns

While the burgers finish cooking, place the hamburger buns cut-side down on the grill for a minute or two.

This step is optional, but I highly recommend it. Toasting the buns adds flavor and helps keep them from becoming soggy underneath all those delicious toppings.

How to Assemble Your Spicy Cowgirl Burger

Now comes the best part!

Place your grilled burger with melted pepper jack cheese onto the bottom bun.

Top it with:

1. Grilled onion
2. Sliced tomato
3. Lettuce
4. A generous spoonful of homemade Pineapple Cowgirl Candy

Add the top bun and dig in.

You can also spoon a little of the sweet-spicy liquid from the cowgirl candy over the burger—but don't go overboard or your bun can get soggy.

How Spicy Is This Burger?

The heat level will depend largely on your Pineapple Cowgirl Candy and the pepper jack cheese you use.

If you like things extra spicy, pile on more cowgirl candy. You could even add fresh or pickled jalapeños.

For a milder burger, use less cowgirl candy or swap the pepper jack for Monterey Jack.

That's one of the things I love about homemade burgers—you can easily adjust them for everyone at the table.

What to Serve With Spicy Cowgirl Burgers

These burgers are perfect for cookouts, summer dinners, and backyard get-togethers. Pair them with some of your favorite burger sides, including:

• French fries
• Sweet potato fries
• Onion rings
• Potato salad
• Pasta salad
• Coleslaw
• Corn on the cob
• Baked beans
• Grilled vegetables
• Chips and dip

A cold glass of lemonade or sweet tea alongside this burger doesn't hurt either!

Can I Make These on a Blackstone?

Absolutely!

These Spicy Cowgirl Burgers would be fantastic cooked on a Blackstone or other flat-top griddle.

Cook your sliced onions on one section of the griddle while your burgers cook on another. Once the burgers are almost done, add the pepper jack cheese and cover them briefly with a melting dome.

Toast the buns right on the griddle before assembling everything.

You could even turn these into smash burgers by using smaller balls of ground beef and smashing them directly onto the hot griddle.

Tips for the Best Grilled Burgers

Don't overwork the meat. Gently shape the patties instead of packing them tightly.

Season right before grilling. A generous sprinkle of salt and pepper is really all a good beef burger needs.

Don't constantly flip the burgers. Let them develop a nice crust before turning them.

Add the cheese at the end. Pepper jack only needs a minute or two to melt.

Toast those buns. With juicy burgers and Pineapple Cowgirl Candy, a toasted bun holds up much better.

Don't skimp on the cowgirl candy. It's the star of this burger!

A Sweet and Spicy Burger for Your Next Cookout

The Spicy Cowgirl Burger isn't your basic backyard cheeseburger. The pepper jack brings the heat, the grilled onions add a little smoky sweetness, and the fresh tomato and lettuce keep everything balanced.

But that homemade Pineapple Cowgirl Candy is what takes it over the top.

It's sweet, spicy, tangy, and absolutely delicious piled onto a hot-off-the-grill burger.

The next time you're firing up the grill and want something a little different, give these Spicy Cowgirl Burgers a try. Just make sure you have extra Pineapple Cowgirl Candy on the table—you're probably going to want another spoonful.

Love Burger Recipes? Check these out!

• Bistro Brunch Burger
• BBQ Cowboy Burger with Pimento Cheese, Bacon, and Grilled Onions
• Best Burger Joints in Kentucky