Turkey Burgers Recipe

Introduction

These turkey burgers are packed with bold flavors thanks to jalapeños, sharp cheddar, and crispy bacon. Juicy and satisfying, they make a great alternative to traditional beef burgers. Perfect for a weekend barbecue or a tasty weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey thigh meat (7% fat, 454g)
• 2 jalapeños (finely chopped)
• ½ cup grated sharp cheddar cheese (extra mature)
• 4 slices streaky bacon
• 1 teaspoon jalapeño hot sauce (optional)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 4 brioche burger buns
• 4 slices cheddar cheese
• 4 tablespoons chipotle mayo
• 1 jalapeño (sliced)
• 1 large avocado (smashed)
• 1 cup pink pickled onions

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the bacon in a frying pan over medium heat until golden and crisp. Remove and place on kitchen paper to drain excess fat, then chop into small pieces once cooled.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, finely chopped jalapeños, grated cheddar, chopped bacon, jalapeño hot sauce (if using), garlic powder, kosher salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, avoiding overworking the meat.
3. Step 3: Shape the mixture into 4 even patties, about half an inch thick. Place them on a plate or baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour to firm up.
4. Step 4: Preheat your grill, barbecue, or griddle pan to medium-high heat (around 200-225°C or 400-450°F). Cook the burgers for 5-7 minutes on each side, until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) and no pink remains.
5. Step 5: During the last minute of cooking, top each burger with a slice of cheddar cheese to melt.
6. Step 6: Lightly toast the brioche buns. Assemble the burgers with chipotle mayo, sliced jalapeños, smashed avocado, and pink pickled onions. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeños before chopping.
• For a smoky flavor, swap the chipotle mayo for a smoky barbecue sauce.
• Ground turkey breast can be used, but adding a little olive oil helps keep the patties juicy.
• Adding finely chopped fresh cilantro or parsley to the mixture adds a fresh herbal note.

Storage

Store cooked turkey burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Patties can also be frozen before cooking; thaw in the fridge overnight and cook as directed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey breast instead of thigh meat?

Yes, you can use ground turkey breast. Since it is leaner, consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil or an extra egg to help keep the burgers moist.

How can I tell when the turkey burgers are fully cooked?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 74°C (165°F). The burgers should be firm to the touch and have no pink inside.

Turkey Burgers Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 150 reviews

These flavorful turkey burgers feature ground turkey thigh meat mixed with jalapeños, sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon. Grilled to perfection and topped with melted cheddar, chipotle mayo, sliced jalapeños, smashed avocado, and quick pickled onions, they offer a spicy, cheesy twist on a classic favorite, perfect for a tasty and satisfying meal.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Turkey Burger Patties

• 1 pound ground turkey thigh meat (7% fat, 454g)
• 2 jalapeños (finely chopped)
• ½ cup grated sharp cheddar cheese (extra mature)
• 4 slices streaky bacon
• 1 teaspoon jalapeño hot sauce (optional)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Burger Assembly

• 4 brioche burger buns
• 4 slices cheddar cheese
• 4 tablespoons chipotle mayo
• 1 jalapeño (sliced)
• 1 large avocado (smashed)
• 1 cup pink pickled onions

Instructions

1. Cook the bacon: Place the streaky bacon slices in a frying pan over medium heat and cook gently for a few minutes until the bacon is cooked through and just slightly golden. Remove the bacon from the pan and place on kitchen paper to absorb excess fat and cool slightly. Then chop into small pieces.
2. Mix the burger ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, finely chopped jalapeños, grated sharp cheddar cheese, cooled and chopped bacon, optional jalapeño hot sauce, garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together gently until just combined – avoid overworking the mixture.
3. Shape and chill patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions, shaping each into a patty about ½ inch thick or roughly 5 ounces each. Place the patties on a plate or baking sheet and transfer to the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes to an hour. This helps the patties hold together during cooking.
4. Preheat the grill: Heat your grill or barbecue to medium-high heat, around 200-225°C (400-450°F). If using a griddle pan on the stovetop, place it over medium heat and allow it to become very hot.
5. Cook the burgers: Grill the patties for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) to ensure they are fully cooked and no longer pink inside. During the last minute of cooking, optionally place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty to melt.
6. Assemble the burgers: Lightly toast the brioche buns on the grill or in a toaster. Spread chipotle mayo on the buns, then add the cooked turkey burger topped with melted cheddar cheese. Garnish with sliced jalapeños, smashed avocado, and pink pickled onions. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Using ground turkey thigh meat, which contains some fat, helps keep the burgers juicy and flavorful compared to lean breast meat.
• Chilling the patties before cooking improves their structure and reduces the risk of falling apart on the grill.
• Cooking the burgers to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) ensures they are safe to eat and fully cooked.
• If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of jalapeños or omit the jalapeño hot sauce.
• The chipotle mayo offers a smoky, creamy complement, but you can substitute with regular mayonnaise or another sauce of your choice.
• For added crispiness, toast the brioche buns lightly on the grill before assembling.

Keywords: turkey burgers, jalapeño turkey burger, grilled turkey burger, spicy turkey burger, chipotle mayo burger, avocado burger, bacon turkey burger