If you crave a burger that explodes with flavor and crunch, the Green Chile Cheeseburger with Crispy Onion Rings absolutely belongs on your must-try list. This mouthwatering Southwestern creation delivers juicy, cheesy patties layered with earthy roasted green chiles and buttery sautéed onions, all hugged by warm toasted buns. Paired with a crunchy pile of perfectly golden onion rings, this feast is the ultimate blend of smoky, spicy, and savory comfort—one of those meals you’ll make for friends, then secretly wish you didn’t have to share!

Green Chile Cheeseburger with Crispy Onion Rings Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for Green Chile Cheeseburger with Crispy Onion Rings is refreshingly simple, and each one brings something vital to the table—whether it’s adding juiciness, heat, a toasty crunch, or that irresistible cheesy pull. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a little wisdom for each pick.

Ground beef (80/20 blend): The bit of extra fat in this blend ensures a juicy, flavorful patty that won’t dry out on the grill or in your skillet.
Roasted green chiles (Hatch preferred): Their mild, smoky heat gives the burger its unmistakable Southwestern personality—fresh or canned both work!
Small onion, thinly sliced and sautéed: Sweet, golden sautéed onions mellow out the heat and add caramelized depth to every bite.
Slices of cheese (American, cheddar, or pepper jack): Melting cheese atop your patty isn’t just tradition—it’s melty magic, with extra kick if you choose pepper jack.
Burger buns, toasted: A golden, toasted bun holds everything together and soaks up all those delicious juices.
Shredded lettuce: Offers welcome crunch and fresh contrast—don’t skip it!
Tomato, sliced (optional): For a cool, juicy pop—add only if you love it!
Salt & pepper, to taste: Essential for brightening and enhancing all those burger flavors.
Oil or butter for cooking: Either one works to give beautiful sear and flavor—pick your favorite.
Large onions, sliced into thick rings: These make the best, most satisfying onion rings for the ultimate side.
All-purpose flour: The first layer of your onion ring breading for that signature crunch.
Paprika: For subtle warmth and a touch of color.
Garlic powder: Because a little garlicky savor makes everything better.
Salt: Don’t forget to season your breading for crave-worthy onion rings!
Buttermilk: The tang and richness help the breading cling and deliver fabulous crispiness.
Egg: This binds your breading to each onion ring—no flaking off.
Panko or plain breadcrumbs: Panko gives a shatteringly crunchy crust; regular will work, but isn’t quite as audibly satisfying.
Oil for frying: Choose a neutral oil (like canola or vegetable) so the flavors of your onion rings shine through.

How to Make Green Chile Cheeseburger with Crispy Onion Rings

Step 1: Prepare the Crispy Onion Rings

Start with the onion rings—after all, nothing says ultimate burger night like a big pile of them! Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). In one bowl, combine your flour, paprika, garlic powder, and salt; in another, whisk the buttermilk and egg together. Dip each thick onion ring into the seasoned flour first, then the buttermilk mixture, and finally the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help them adhere. Fry the rings in batches until golden and crisp (about 3–4 minutes), then drain them on paper towels so they stay gorgeously crunchy.

Step 2: Cook the Burger Patties

Season your ground beef with a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper, then gently shape it into two fat, even patties—careful not to overwork the meat for the juiciest bite. Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high flame with a little oil or butter, then cook the patties for 3–4 minutes per side. When they’re almost done (and you see that glorious crust beginning to form), lay a slice of cheese on top of each patty so it melts into every nook and cranny.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Prep the Green Chiles

In a small skillet, sauté your thinly sliced onion with a touch of oil or butter until soft, golden, and fragrant—this takes about 8 minutes. Meanwhile, peel, seed, and chop your roasted green chiles (if you haven’t already), getting them ready for maximal chili impact. Both of these elements are what make the Green Chile Cheeseburger with Crispy Onion Rings truly sing.

Step 4: Assemble the Burgers

Now comes the fun part! Toast your buns until just golden—this step helps soak up all the juices without becoming soggy. Pile the cheesy burgers onto the bottom buns. Heap on the buttery sautéed onions and the roasted green chiles, then layer on a generous handful of shredded lettuce (and tomatoes, if you like). Crown each with a bun lid and get ready for a flavor bomb.

Step 5: Plate & Serve

Divide your Green Chile Cheeseburgers with Crispy Onion Rings between plates, stacking a mountain of onion rings alongside each burger. Serve them up right away, so the rings are at their crispiest and the cheese is still deliciously melty.

How to Serve Green Chile Cheeseburger with Crispy Onion Rings

Garnishes

Let your creativity shine with toppings! Classic burger accompaniments like dill pickle chips, thinly sliced red onions, or even a smear of chipotle mayo take the Green Chile Cheeseburger with Crispy Onion Rings to a whole new level. You can also sprinkle on fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for extra zip.

Side Dishes

Besides the star-worthy crispy onion rings, consider other fun sides to make it a true feast. Think sweet potato fries, tangy coleslaw, or a bright corn salad. Even a pile of fresh veggies and ranch dip makes a perfect, lighten-it-up contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Invite some flair to your Green Chile Cheeseburger with Crispy Onion Rings by serving the burgers on a wooden board with a basket of hot onion rings. Skewering the tower with a long pickle spear or threading a few onion rings right onto the burger itself always gets “oohs” at the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra burgers or onion rings, cool them completely before storing. Keep burgers and buns separate and place the patties, sautéed onions, and chiles in one airtight container, and the onion rings in another lined with a paper towel to absorb extra moisture. This helps preserve flavor and crispness for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap cooked burger patties tightly in plastic and store the onion rings in a single layer in an airtight container, separated by parchment. Buns can go in a freezer bag. Your Green Chile Cheeseburger with Crispy Onion Rings will keep well for about a month in the freezer—just thaw before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Warm burger patties gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F until heated through. For onion rings, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes so they regain their signature crunch. Avoid microwaving onion rings, as they’ll lose their crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use canned green chiles instead of roasting fresh ones?

Absolutely! While freshly roasted chiles (especially Hatch) offer a unique smoky flavor, canned green chiles are a fantastic and easy substitute for Green Chile Cheeseburger with Crispy Onion Rings. Just be sure to drain them well before adding to the burgers.

What’s the best cheese for these burgers?

American cheese melts beautifully and gives you that classic burger flair, but don’t hesitate to swap in cheddar for sharpness or pepper jack if you like an extra kick. Any easy-melting cheese you love will work perfectly here.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

For a veggie-friendly version of Green Chile Cheeseburger with Crispy Onion Rings, simply substitute your favorite plant-based burger patties and use dairy-free cheese. The onion rings are already vegetarian—just choose plant milk instead of buttermilk.

How do I keep the onion rings crispy?

The secret is to fry in hot oil (350°F), drain on paper towels, and serve right away! If you need to keep them warm for a bit, place the finished onion rings in a single layer on a baking sheet in a low oven (200°F), leaving the oven door cracked open slightly to prevent steam build-up.

Can I grill the green chiles myself?

Yes! Simply place whole chiles over an open flame or under your broiler, turning until the skins are blistered and blackened. Transfer to a bowl, cover to steam for 5 minutes, then peel, seed, and chop. This homemade touch adds an amazing depth of flavor to your Green Chile Cheeseburger with Crispy Onion Rings.

Final Thoughts

This Green Chile Cheeseburger with Crispy Onion Rings is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of big flavors and bold textures that brings the best of the Southwest to your kitchen. Once you try it, you’ll see why every bite deserves a happy applause. So fire up your skillet, gather your favorite people, and dig in. You’re about to discover a new burger-night favorite!

Green Chile Cheeseburger with Crispy Onion Rings Recipe