A beef patty with melted cheese and whole or chopped green chile, widely taken as the New Mexican cheeseburger. The state's Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail was introduced in 2009.

No one can say for certain who first put green chile and cheese on a hamburger. The Owl Bar and Cafe in San Antonio, New Mexico, which began in 1945, has one of the most convincing claims, and the Buckhorn Tavern across the street also served green chile hamburgers in the 1940s. Cheryl Alters Jamison created the state's Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail, introduced in 2009. In Albuquerque, The Owl Cafe on Eubank lists green chile cheeseburgers as its famous dish, Sadie's of New Mexico serves an award winning one on toasted French bread, and 66 Diner lists green chile burgers among what it is known for.

Where to eat Green chile cheeseburger in Albuquerque

3 editor picks for Green chile cheeseburger in Albuquerque, ranked by editorial score. All Albuquerque signature dishes · Green chile cheeseburger across every city.

Make it at home

Serves 230 minEasy

Ingredients

  • 2 brioche or potato buns
  • 300g 80/20 ground beef, formed into 2 thick patties
  • 4 slices American cheese
  • 1/2 cup roasted Hatch green chile, chopped (fresh or frozen)
  • Salt, pepper
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil or butter for the pan

Method

  1. Roast fresh Hatch green chile under a broiler until skin chars on all sides, then steam in a covered bowl 10 minutes and peel off the skin. Chop and reserve.
  2. Heat a cast iron pan or griddle over high heat until smoking. Add oil.
  3. Season patties with salt and pepper. Smash flat in the pan with a spatula. Cook 2 minutes until crusty.
  4. Flip, top with 2 slices of cheese each, then a generous spoon of green chile. Cook 1 more minute.
  5. Toast the buns face down in the pan with butter until golden. Build the burger and serve immediately.

Editor tip. Green chile is typically roasted, peeled and frozen at harvest, so frozen roasted chile works the rest of the year.

Common allergens: Gluten, Dairy.