Kicking Back With Jersey Joe: The BK Jalapeno Cheddar Stuffed Angus Burger

Last year, I wrote about Burger King’s new marketing strategy to add premium items to their restaurant’s menu.  Over the summer, we were treated to BBQ Ribs and at that time the company had also announced plans to create stuffed burgers.  Well, Happy New Year, because with the start of 2011 the first one is out and you know I had to give it a try!

On Monday, January 10^th (although the restaurant near me in New Jersey had it on the menu the previous Friday), Burger King officially unveiled the first of what it plans to be a line of stuffed burgers: the Jalapeño and Cheddar BK Stuffed Steakhouse.

In all honesty, many other smaller chains have had stuffed burgers on their menus for years.  I’ve seen them in many local eateries all over New York City.  But, this is the first time that one of the major fast food chains have tried it.

The Jalapeño and Cheddar BK Stuffed Steakhouse sells for $3.99, which is the same introductory price that was charged for their premium Angus sandwiches when they were released last year.  They are also offered in a combo meal with fries or onion rings with a drink for $2 more.  I purchased mine on New York City’s Upper East Side and ending up paying $7.17 with tax.

The man who took my order at the register was quick and friendly.  I waited less than 3 minutes in total for my meal and that was during the busy NYC lunch rush.  I chose onion rings as my side and I was off.

When I first opened the sandwich, I looked to see if I could spot any pieces of jalapeño and cheese like you easily can in the company’s marketing photos.  I could, but not as pronounced as in the ads.  Also of note, this is not a stuffed burger per se.  There are chunks of peppers and cheese, but they are ground up with the meat and then shaped into a patty.  A true stuffed burger, like the ones I’ve eaten at other places, has the cheese and other toppings stuffed in the middle of the patty, not all ground up like a flat meatball.

That aside, I took a bite and was quite pleased.  I instantly could taste the heat from the peppers and definitely could detect the cheddar cheese.  Both were in the perfect amount.  It was a little hot, but not overpowering.

The sandwich is dressed with lettuce, tomatoes, and a special creamy poblano sauce.  To me, that sauce tasted like Taco Bell’s Mild Taco sauce, mixed with a bit of mayonnaise.  Don’t get me wrong, it’s perfect for this sandwich.

I would love to tell you the nutritional information; however Burger King has not yet made that public.  I did not see the calorie count posted in the store, although that is required by New York law.  It may be in a pamphlet or something, but if it is, it’s not on prominent display.  The closest sandwich on their menu, the Steakhouse XT burger with one slice of cheese has 860 calories and 54 grams of fat, so I would up those numbers for this.  Just don’t say I didn’t warn you for those that are on a New Year’s diet!

In the United States, this sandwich was test marketed in Indianapolis back in August.

Thanks to new broilers that have been installed in all restaurants, this is the just the beginning in a new line of bigger and better menu items that BK will offer.  The first was the rocky launch of the BBQ ribs last summer.  (Read my original review HERE)  With this new sandwich, however, the cooking time was right on and there were no problems when I ordered.

While Burger King hasn’t officially announced any more stuffed sandwiches; the company has spent millions on these new broilers and therefore is not just going to walk away from them.  My stomach would tell me a bacon and cheese stuffed burger can’t be far behind.  The only other new product I’ve read about is a possible bacon and chicken grill sandwich and testing more Whopper options at their spin-off BK Whopper Bars in the United States.

In order to entice customers to try their new Jalapeño and Cheddar BK Stuffed Steakhouse, BK turned to their Facebook page, posting an announcement of when first come-first served customers at certain locations could try one for free.

The company is using the slogan “In it.  Not on it,” to push the new product.  However, that would lead one to believe that the lettuce, tomato, sauce is all inside (similar to Kentucky Fried Chicken’s Double Down Sandwich).  I think they to come up with some better prepositions to describe their product.

But, applause to BK for introducing a sandwich that’s a win-win for everyone.  The taste is great, the price is right, and the meal is filling.  I hope it sells well and keeps inspiring the company test kitchens to roll on!  Let’s see what other stuffed sandwiches they can cook up with their new broilers and I’ll let you know when I see them!

THE 411

What: BK Jalapeño and Cheddar BK Stuffed Steakhouse burger

Where: Burger King restaurants

Price: $3.99 / or $5.99 for the combo meal with prices higher in NYC, AK, and HI

JERSEY JOE RECOMMENDS: Yes, give this one a try!  If you love jalapeños and cheese, you will like this.  Those who are not a fan of spicy foods might want to steer clear and go with one of their other Angus burgers.  Also, the peppers do have a little kick!

The price is a good deal for what you get.  I found the sandwich filling and their line of Angus burgers are some of the best quality on the market.  If you’re on a diet, unfortunately, this one might not be the best option.  But, you can tell they worked on this one for a while and it’s a much better rollout and product than the ribs.

Mark my words, the other chains will now come up with their own once they see how well these stuffed burgers will most likely sell.  The idea will spread fast — like bed bugs and court shows!