Turkey Burger Cheese Dill Pickles (Printable)

A juicy turkey burger topped with melted cheese and crisp dill pickles, offering a lighter, flavorful twist on a favorite.

# What You'll Need:

→ Turkey Patties

01 - 1 pound ground turkey
02 - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
03 - 1 large egg
04 - 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
05 - 1 clove garlic, minced
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
08 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

→ Toppings

09 - 4 slices cheddar cheese
10 - 8 to 12 dill pickle slices
11 - 4 burger buns

→ Optional Garnishes

12 - Lettuce leaves
13 - Sliced tomatoes
14 - Sliced red onion
15 - Ketchup
16 - Mustard

# How To Make It:

01 - In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix gently until just combined—do not overwork the mixture.
02 - Shape the mixture into 4 equal patties. Press a slight indent in the center of each patty to prevent puffing during cooking.
03 - Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking.
04 - Cook the formed patties for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
05 - During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty. Cover briefly to allow the cheese to melt thoroughly.
06 - Lightly toast the burger buns, if desired, for added texture.
07 - Assemble the burgers by placing each cooked patty on a bun bottom. Top with dill pickle slices and any preferred optional garnishes. Add the bun tops and serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • You'll be amazed at how juicy and flavorful a turkey burger can be – no dry, bland patties here.
  • It's incredibly versatile, perfect for those nights when you want something easy but still feels like a treat.
02 -
  • Overworking the turkey mixture is a common pitfall; it makes the patties dense and less tender, a lesson I learned the hard way with my very first attempt.
  • The indent in the center of the patty isn't just for show; it's a brilliant trick I picked up years ago that keeps your burgers flat and evenly cooked.
03 -
  • Adding a tablespoon of mayonnaise directly into the patty mixture keeps turkey burgers incredibly moist and adds a subtle richness.
  • For an extra layer of flavor, try mixing a tiny bit of Worcestershire sauce into the patty mix – it adds a fantastic umami punch.