Im sharing 4 takes on juicy turkey burgers: Mediterranean, Cajun, Mushroom Shallot, & Parmesan Turkey Burgers. Check out my favorite turkey burger toppings as well.
I love a good turkey burger. Its nice to have some variation in flavor profile and my wallet certainly appreciates it with the price of beef these days.
That said, Ive had some bad turkey burgers in my day and I bet you have too. Turkey is quite a bit leaner than beef which means turkey burgers can easily turn out dry. Thats why I always mix things in with my turkey burgers. Whether its avocado mayo, parmesan, feta or veggies cooked in olive oil, ground turkey needs a little something extra to make a truly delicious, juicy turkey burger.
Im sharing my Mediterranean turkey burgers today which get extra moisture from sundried tomatoes and feta. Im also sharing 3 other variations on turkey burgers though so you can satisfy whatever craving strikes!
Also, feel free to sub ground chicken in any of these recipes if its what you have on hand or if youd rather make juicy chicken burgers.
Personally, when I grill I love grilling my side dishes as well. Whether its grilled fruit or a simple grilled veggie side, grilling the entire meal just makes dinnertime so simple. For some seriously tasty inspiration, check out this article on How to Grill Vegetables from Carnivore Style. It walks you through exactly how to grill different veggies, without undercooking or burning.
Turkey burgers are quickly becoming a popular healthy alternative to traditional beef burgers. With less fat and calories, they make a great option if you’re watching your weight or just looking to eat better. However, turkey burgers can easily turn out dry and bland if you don’t add the right toppings. That’s why choosing delicious, flavor-packed toppings is key for making an insanely tasty turkey burger that will have you drooling with every bite.
After scouring recipes and ideas online I’ve rounded up 12 of the absolute best toppings that will take your turkey burger from boring to sensational. From melted cheese and crispy bacon to flavorful pesto and sweet caramelized onions there’s an endless number of ways to deck out your turkey burger. This list has got you covered whether you like it classic or want to get creative. Trust me, your tastebuds will thank you.
So let’s dive right in to the mouthwatering world of turkey burger toppings! Keep reading for 12 sensational ideas that you’ll want to try ASAP.
1. Melted Cheese
You simply can’t go wrong topping a juicy turkey burger with melted cheese. The creamy richness pairs perfectly with the lean turkey meat, adding a delicious flavor infusion in every bite. Sharp cheddar, pepper jack, provolone, and Swiss are all excellent melted cheese choices. To prevent the cheese from sliding off, place it on the burger during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking so it gets nice and melty.
2. Crispy Bacon
For an indulgent savory crunch you can’t beat crispy bacon on a turkey burger. Cook the bacon until super crispy then crumble it up and sprinkle it on top of your burger. You could also lay full bacon strips across the patty. Either way, the smoky saltiness of the bacon beautifully complements the turkey. Plus, the rendered bacon fat helps keep the lean patty nice and moist.
3. Caramelized Onions
Sweet, softened caramelized onions are one of my absolute favorite turkey burger toppings. Slowly sauté sliced onions in olive oil or butter until they turn a deep brown color and become toothsome and sweet. Pile these irresistible onions onto your turkey burger for the ultimate flavor and texture combo. The natural sugars in the onions also help add moisture and prevent a dry burger.
4. Avocado or Guacamole
Creamy, smooth avocado – mashed or sliced – makes a perfect turkey burger topping. The healthy fats balance out the leanness of the turkey for a more satisfying burger. For even more flavor, make some fresh guacamole by mashing avocados with lime juice, cilantro, garlic, and salt. The cool, tangy guac is delicious dolloped onto your hot turkey patty.
5. Sautéed Mushrooms
Meaty, earthy sautéed mushrooms are a unique and tasty choice for topping a turkey burger. Cook sliced mushrooms in olive oil or butter with garlic, thyme, salt and pepper until lightly browned. The umami flavor of the mushrooms adds lots of depth and moisture that complements the turkey wonderfully.
6. Tomato and Lettuce
Going classic with juicy tomato slices and fresh, crisp lettuce is always a solid choice for topping a turkey burger. Not only does this add color and crunch, but the moisture from the tomato also helps keep the burger tender and prevents it from drying out. For added flavor, toast the burger buns first.
7. Tangy Sauces
Condiments like ketchup, mustard, mayo and BBQ sauce are essential for bringing acidity, creaminess and sweetness to turkey burgers. Drizzle the sauce directly onto the cooked patty or use it to dress the top bun for lots of flavor in every bite. Chipotle mayo, pesto and harissa are also delicious unique options.
8. Pickles
For a tangy crunch that cuts through the richness of turkey burgers, you can’t beat pickles. Dill pickle slices or relish add a nice vinegary bite. Pickled jalapenos, carrots or red onions are also tasty options if you like things spicy and exotic. The pickles’ acidity also helps cut through fattier toppings like cheese or bacon.
9. Sautéed Peppers and Onions
For amazing flavor and texture, sauté a mix of sliced bell peppers and onions in olive oil until softened and lightly charred. Pile these sweet, smoky veggies onto your turkey burger along with melted cheese for a stellar flavor combo. They add a delicious meatiness while also keeping the burger nice and moist.
10. Fried Egg
Fried eggs make any burger better, and turkey burgers are no exception. Cook the egg gently in olive oil or butter, keeping the yolk runny. Put the fried egg right on top of your cooked patty and slice into it so the egg yolk oozes all over. The rich, velvety yolk takes your turkey burger to the next level.
11. Grilled Pineapple
For a sweet, tropical twist, top your turkey burger with grilled pineapple rings. The grill caramelizes the natural sugars, giving the pineapple an irresistible charred flavor that balances beautifully with the savory turkey patty. Add a schmear of tangy teriyaki mayo to bring it all together.
12. Pesto
Herby basil pesto is a quick way to pack massive flavor into a turkey burger. Dollop the pesto onto the cooked patty or spread it on the burger bun for fresh garlic, basil and nutty richness in every bite. The pesto’s creaminess also helps keep the turkey burger nice and moist.
Time to Get Topping!
So there you have it – 12 sensational turkey burger topping ideas that will take your burgers from bland to brilliant. With options like gooey cheese, smoky bacon, tangy sauces and caramelized veggies, you’re guaranteed to create a mouthwateringly delicious turkey burger. Don’t be afraid to get creative and combine multiple toppings to take your burger over the top. Your tastebuds will thank you with every incredible bite. Now get topping and get ready to drool!
Mushroom Shallot Turkey Burgers
With mushrooms and tamari, these burgers pack in a ton of savory, earthy flavor. Its really nicely offset with a slice of melty swiss cheese. So good!
Saute 3 chopped shallots, 16 oz sliced mushrooms, 2T tamari, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper in 1 T olive oil for ~12 minutes over medium-high heat.
Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes. Mix 1# ground turkey with 1/2c sautéed mushroom/shallots (reserve the remainder of sautéed vegetables for topping). Combine turkey mixture w/ 1T tamari + 1/2tsp salt + 1/4tsp pepper + 1/2tsp garlic powder. Form into 4 patties.
Cook burgers on large sauté pan over med-high heat for 4-5 mins/side or until cooked through. (Or bake in 425F oven for ~20 min).
Top each burger w/ 1 slice Swiss cheese (optional) and mushroom/shallot topping. Serve on GF bun or in a lettuce wrap.
Mint (Vitamin A, Iron, Manganese)
Rich in vitamin A, iron and manganese, mint is a delicious way to add a little nutrient boost to your meals. Since vitamin A is fat soluble, its best absorbed when consumed with fat – for instance, the feta cheese in this recipe! Moreover, mint can help with IBS and indigestion.
Juicy Turkey Burger Recipe
FAQ
What goes well on turkey burgers?
- Grilled fruit: I love grilled fruit and it makes the perfect juicy turkey burger topping. …
- Guacamole: For a Tex-Mex inspired burger, top it with some fresh guac! …
- Caramelized Onions: The sweetness from caramelized onions pairs nicely with savory turkey burgers.
What can I add to ground turkey to make it taste better?
Chopped yellow onions, scallions, cilantro, and red bell pepper all help add flavor.
What is a good topping for a burger?
Common toppings for a hamburger include: Lettuce – Adds crunch and freshness. Tomato – Provides juiciness and flavor. Onions – Can be raw, grilled, or caramelized for different flavors. Pickles – Adds a tangy crunch. Cheese – Popular options include cheddar, American, Swiss, and blue cheese.
How to improve turkey burgers?
… though: You have to up the fat (just a little), season it with MSG (that extra bit of glutamate makes a world of difference), and smash the heck out of itJun 22, 2021
What to put on a turkey burger?
A fried egg is the ultimate burger topping. The runny yolk acts as its own sauce and adds protein. Simply fry an egg and place it gently on top of the cooked burger patty. Heavenly! 7. Grilled Pineapple For a tropical twist, top your turkey burger with grilled pineapple rounds.
How to make a healthy burger?
There are different ways to make a healthy burger. Traditional bread can be replaced by wholemeal bread or skillet bread rich in fiber or other similar preparations. The sauce used can be a homemade avocado sauce or beet hummus for example. Meat can be prepared at home with ground beef and natural seasonings or you can use shredded chicken breast or canned tuna. Lettuce, tomato and onion are also welcome and a healthy burger.
How do you make a good turkey burger?
Sautéed mushrooms lend a meaty, umami flavor to turkey burgers. Shiitake, cremini, or button mushrooms all work beautifully. Simply sauté the mushrooms in olive oil or butter until lightly browned. 5. Bacon Crispy cooked bacon crumbles add a smoky, salty crunch and tons of flavor. Turkey and bacon are simply meant for each other.
What are the best Turkey Burger toppings?
The best turkey burger toppings are the ones that are both healthy and delicious. 1. Grilled Jalapenos Let’s start with something spicy. I love a good hot pepper, but roasting jalapenos will bring out their sweetness and cut the heat a fair amount.
What is a good seasoning for turkey burgers?
Some popular wet seasonings for turkey burgers include Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, ketchup, mustard, and honey. * Compound butters: Compound butters are a great way to add flavor and richness to turkey burgers. To make a compound butter, simply mix softened butter with your favorite herbs, spices, and other ingredients.
Can you put a topping on a turkey burger?
A flavorful topping won’t save a dry, overcooked turkey burger. Be sure to start with a moist, well-seasoned turkey patty. Here are some tips: Choose ground turkey that’s 93% lean. The higher fat content helps keep burgers juicy. Add a little mayo and Worcestershire sauce to the raw turkey. They act as binders and seasoning.