Turkey Burger with Cheese (Printable)
Enjoy a lighter twist on a classic! These juicy turkey patties, topped with melted cheese, are packed with flavor and easy to prepare.
# What You'll Need:
→ Turkey Patties
01 - 1.1 pounds ground turkey
02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely minced
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
05 - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
06 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
07 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
08 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
09 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
→ Toppings & Assembly
10 - 4 slices cheddar cheese
11 - 4 hamburger buns
12 - 4 large lettuce leaves
13 - 4 slices ripe tomato
14 - 4 thin slices red onion
15 - 4 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)
16 - 4 teaspoons ketchup (optional)
# Directions:
01 - In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground turkey, finely minced onion, minced garlic, finely chopped fresh parsley, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly but avoid overworking the meat, as this can lead to dry burgers.
02 - Divide the prepared turkey mixture into four equal portions. Carefully shape each portion into a patty, ensuring they are slightly larger in diameter than your chosen hamburger buns to account for shrinkage during cooking.
03 - Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat until shimmering.
04 - Place the formed turkey patties in the hot skillet. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached.
05 - During the final minute of cooking, place one slice of cheddar cheese on top of each turkey patty. Cover the skillet to help the cheese melt evenly and become gooey.
06 - While the patties are cooking, lightly toast the hamburger buns to your preference, either in a separate pan, toaster, or under a broiler.
07 - To assemble, place a large lettuce leaf on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with a turkey patty adorned with melted cheese, followed by a slice of ripe tomato and a thin slice of red onion. If desired, spread mayonnaise or ketchup on the bun halves. Cap each burger with the top bun.
08 - Serve the turkey burgers hot and enjoy.
# Cooking Tips:
01 -
- They're incredibly juicy and flavorful, not at all like those dry turkey burgers you might be dreading.
- Plus, they come together so quickly for a weeknight meal, you'll wonder why you ever ordered takeout.
02 -
- Never overmix the turkey mixture; it makes the patties dense and dry, a lesson I learned from a very un-burger-like hockey puck.
- A small indentation in the center of each patty helps prevent it from puffing up into a sphere while cooking, ensuring an even shape.
03 -
- To prevent dry burgers, make sure your skillet is properly heated before adding the patties; this helps sear in the juices quickly.
- If you don't have fresh garlic or onion, a teaspoon of garlic powder and onion powder can be used, but fresh truly tastes best.