Turkey Burger with Cheese (Printable)
Juicy turkey patties topped with melted cheese, fresh vegetables, and condiments on toasted buns for a lighter burger option.
# What You'll Need:
→ Turkey Patties
01 - 1.1 lbs ground turkey
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
05 - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
06 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
07 - 1 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
09 - 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
→ Toppings & Assembly
10 - 4 slices cheddar cheese
11 - 4 burger buns
12 - 4 leaves lettuce
13 - 4 slices tomato
14 - 4 slices red onion
15 - 4 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)
16 - 4 teaspoons ketchup (optional)
# How To Make It:
01 - In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, onion, garlic, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; do not overwork.
02 - Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into patties, slightly larger than the buns.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
04 - Cook the patties for 5–6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and they are golden brown.
05 - Place a slice of cheese on each patty during the last minute of cooking. Cover the pan to melt the cheese.
06 - Lightly toast the burger buns, if desired.
07 - Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom half of each bun, followed by the turkey patty with melted cheese, tomato slice, and red onion. Add mayonnaise or ketchup if desired. Top with the other half of the bun.
08 - Serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- These burgers stay remarkably juicy thanks to the onion and Worcestershire combo - a trick my neighbor shared over the fence years ago when he spotted me grilling.
- The flavor profile hits all the right notes without weighing you down, perfect for those evenings when you want something substantial but wont fall asleep on the couch afterward.
02 -
- Turkey burgers need to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety, but using a meat thermometer changed my life - pulling them at exactly the right moment means they never dry out.
- Adding a tablespoon of olive oil directly to very lean turkey mixtures creates an insurance policy against dryness when you cant find the ideal lean-to-fat ratio.
03 -
- Chill the formed patties for 20 minutes before cooking - this firms them up and helps them maintain their shape while developing a better sear.
- Brush the patties with a mixture of olive oil and a drop of honey before cooking to encourage caramelization and create a gorgeous brown exterior that beef burger lovers will appreciate.