Holly and I have shared a TON of burger recipes over the years, and somehow never shared a proper, classic turkey burger. Until today! If you were, like me, a child of the ‘80s or ‘90s, I bet you ate more turkey burgers than beef ones. Or maybe I am the only one whose mom had the “lets use ground turkey in place of beef at all times” thing going on? Anyway, I actually love to use ground turkey and now that I am a mom myself, I do love that it’s both healthy and satisfyingly meaty. I make turkey breakfast patties pretty often, and in the winter, turkey meatloaf is a go-to.
For summer, though, it’s got to be a classic, loaded, cheese-topped turkey burger! They’re healthier than regular beef burgers, so I feel like I can make them a lot more often, which is good because everyone in my household loves burgers. My turkey burger recipe is quick, simple and absolutely foolproof! It turns out a burger that’s every bit as moist, juicy and delicious as a classic cheeseburger. It just happens to be substantially healthier.
The secret to making ground turkey burgers really satisfying? Add tons of flavor to the patty itself, and do not hold back on toppings! I’m talking about using the best squishy bun, and I always add caramelized onions, creamy avocado and burger sauce, too.
Turkey Burger Patty Ingredients & Substitutions
- Ground turkey: You can use 93% or 85% lean turkey, it’s up to you. Either way, they will still be juicy! Avoid the 99% lean ground turkey, it is just too lean and will result in dry turkey burgers.
- Onion: Grating the onion helps it meld into the turkey patty mixture, adding tons of flavor.
- Seasoning: Garlic powder, mustard powder, salt and pepper
- Worcestershire sauce: For an extra dose of umami!
- Egg: This really helps the turkey burgers stick together.
- Breadcrumbs: Another binding ingredient to help the patties hold their shape.
Toppings Galore
Like any burger, a turkey burger is only as good as the toppings! If you’re trying to keep these burgers really healthy, skip the cheese. But if you aren’t too worried, a lot of cheeses are so delicious melted on top of one of these patties! Pepper Jack is a fave, as are Swiss and of course sharp cheddar. Blue cheese can be fun, or try feta like on my Mediterranean turkey burger. Burger sauce is a great upgrade from regular ketchup and mayo, too. Or even a slather of pickle relish, or a spoonful of sautéed mushrooms! Basically, any burger toppings you love will be great on a turkey burger.
Tips For Turkey Burger Success
- Wet your hands slightly before forming the burger patties just as you would for meatballs, so the meat mixture doesn’t stick to your hands.
- Form the patties to be a bit larger than buns, because the turkey burgers will shrink when cooked.
- Unlike a smash burger, don't press down on the turkey burgers with a spatula, it can dry them out! Turkey is so lean as it is, you need all that moisture.
- If you can let burgers chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes before cooking, if you have time, it will help make sure they don’t fall apart when cooked.
- Freeze extra patties for up to 3 months. Freeze the patties on a parchment-lined baking tray, then stack with parchment in an airtight container or zip-top freezer bag.
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