Turkey Cheese Burger on Bun (Printable Version)
A lighter take on the classic burger featuring seasoned ground turkey patties topped with melted cheese and fresh toppings.
# What You'll Need:
→ For the Turkey Patties
01 - 1 lb ground turkey
02 - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
03 - 1 large egg
04 - 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
07 - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
→ For Assembly
10 - 4 slices cheddar cheese
11 - 4 burger buns, split
12 - 1 cup lettuce leaves
13 - 1 large tomato, sliced
14 - 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
15 - 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
16 - 2 tablespoons ketchup
17 - 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
18 - 1 tablespoon butter
# Directions:
01 - In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
02 - Form the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties, approximately 1/2 inch thick. Handle gently to maintain a tender texture.
03 - Heat a grill or skillet over medium heat. Lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking.
04 - Cook the patties for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked with an internal temperature reaching 165°F. Avoid pressing down on the patties during cooking.
05 - During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and cover to allow the cheese to melt completely.
06 - While the patties cook, butter the cut sides of the buns and toast them on the grill or skillet until golden brown.
07 - Spread mayonnaise, ketchup, or mustard on the toasted buns as desired. Layer with lettuce, tomato slices, and red onion.
08 - Place the cheese-topped turkey patties on the prepared buns and serve immediately while the patties are warm and the buns are crispy.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- These burgers stay remarkably moist even though turkey can sometimes dry out, a little trick I discovered after many test batches in my kitchen.
- You can customize every element from the cheese to the toppings, making everyone at your table feel like the burger was made just for them.
02 -
- Never press down on turkey burgers with your spatula while cooking, as this forces out precious moisture that cant be recovered.
- Letting the patties rest for 5 minutes after mixing but before cooking allows the ingredients to meld together and makes them easier to shape.
03 -
- Grate a frozen stick of butter directly into your turkey mixture for pockets of richness that make these taste more like traditional beef burgers.
- Chill the formed patties for 20 minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape and develop a better crust when they hit the heat.