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 get a bad rap for being dry and bland. But with the right toppings, you can transform your average turkey burger into a mouthwatering meal the whole family will love. I’ve compiled 20 of my favorite ways to jazz up a turkey burger, from healthy options to decadent delights. Keep reading for inspiration to take your turkey burgers from boring to sensational.
Healthy Turkey Burger Toppings
If you’re looking for a lighter turkey burger, start with fresh veggies and herbs. They pack extra nutrients without weighing down your burger.
1. Sliced Avocado
Creamy avocado slices add healthy fats and moisture to your turkey burger. The richness balances the lean turkey patty beautifully. For the best texture, add the avocado just before serving.
2. Tomato Slices
Fresh tomato is a classic burger topping for good reason. The sweet juiciness adds great flavor and texture contrast to turkey burgers. Beefsteak or heirloom tomatoes are ideal picks.
3. Grilled Onions
Sweet caramelized onions are a must on any great burger. Cook sliced onions over medium-low heat until deeply browned and softened. The savory-sweet flavor can’t be beat with turkey.
4. Cucumber Slices
Cool cucumber slices will help cut the richness of your turkey burger. The crunch also adds nice texture variation. English or Persian cucumbers work well since they have few seeds.
5. Sautéed Mushrooms
Meaty sautéed mushrooms like cremini or shiitake lend an umami flavor punch to turkey burgers. Simply sauté sliced mushrooms in butter or olive oil until lightly browned.
6. Fresh Herbs
Fresh basil, cilantro or dill will make your turkey burger pop with aroma and flavor. Layer whole leaves or chopped herbs over your cooked patty. Let people add more to taste.
7. Grilled Pineapple
For a tropical twist top your turkey burger with sweet grilled pineapple rounds. Turky and pineapple is surprisingly delicious. Just grill slices briefly until grill marks appear.
Savory Sauces for Turkey Burgers
What’s a burger without a good sauce? Take your turkey burger to the next level with one of these flavor-packed sauces.
8. Garlic Aioli
This rich homemade garlic mayo is easy to whip up and ideal for topping turkey burgers. The garlic flavor gives it a gourmet edge over plain mayo.
9. Chimichurri
Green chimichurri sauce made with parsley, cilantro garlic and vinegar makes a superb condiment for turkey burgers. The bright herbal flavors are fantastic.
10. Guacamole
You just can’t go wrong topping a burger with creamy homemade or store-bought guac. It adds freshness, richness and flavor.
11. Barbecue Sauce
Sweet and tangy barbecue sauce is a natural partner for turkey burgers. Go for a thick, smoky variety rather than a thin vinegar-based one.
12. Harissa Mayo
For a spicy kick, combine harissa paste with mayo. This North African sauce has delightful chili flavor that enhances the turkey burger beautifully.
13. Peanut Sauce
Creamy nutty peanut sauce makes an exciting change from ketchup. Spoon it over your turkey burger or use it as a dip for sweet potato fries.
14. Salsa
Fresh pico de gallo, mango salsa, corn salsa – so many options for adding Tex-Mex flair to your turkey burger! The chunks add great texture.
Cheesy Delights for Turkey Burgers
Melty cheese takes turkey burgers over the top. Go for these ooey-gooey ideas.
15. Sharp Cheddar
You just can’t go wrong with a slice of sharp cheddar on a burger. The nutty, mild cheddar flavor pairs perfectly with the turkey patty.
16. Pepper Jack
For a bit of heat, slice up some pepper jack cheese for your burger. The spicy kick and creaminess complement the turkey wonderfully.
17. Crumbled Blue Cheese
Bold, pungent blue cheese offers delicious richness and tang when crumbled over turkey burgers hot off the grill.
18. Brie
Sliced brie has a lovely soft texture and mild flavor that melts beautifully over turkey burgers. For an extra kick, choose a brie with herbs.
19. Goat Cheese
Creamy, tangy goat cheese adds delicious flavor and texture contrast to turkey patties. Try crumbled goat cheese or spreadable goat cheese log.
Hearty Additions for Turkey Burgers
Looking for even more flavor and texture? Mix and match these hearty ingredients.
20. Chopped Bacon
There’s a reason bacon makes everything taste better. The smoky, salty, crispy bits pair fabulously with moist turkey burgers. Sprinkle over crumbled cooked bacon.
21. Sautéed Bell Peppers
Chopped sautéed bell peppers lend sweetness and crunch to turkey burgers. Red, orange or yellow peppers are all tasty.
22. Chopped Pickles
Briny pickle chips or relish will cut through the richness of turkey burgers. Bonus points for mixing sweet and spicy pickles.
23. Chopped Olives
Chopped green or Kalamata olives offer a nice briny flavor and meaty texture to complement turkey patties.
24. Jalapeños
For heat seekers, add sliced fresh jalapeños or pickled jalapeño rings. The bright spicy flavor balances the turkey beautifully.
With endless topping possibilities, you can create the turkey burger of your dreams. I hope these ideas inspire you to take your turkey burgers to new heights! Let your creativity run wild with fresh toppings and condiments. Your taste buds will thank you.
Are these good meal prep burgers?
Yes! All four of these turkey burger variations make great meal prep burgers.
Make the burgers through forming the patties and then store in the fridge. You can also freeze a batch for easy dinners later!
Tomatoes (Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Potassium, Antioxidants)
Packed with antioxidants, tomatoes may help reduce the risk of several kinds of cancer. Furthermore, they contain vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and potassium, many of which most people dont get enough of.
Bonus tip? Combining tomatoes with healthy fats boosts absorption of tomatoes phytochemicals!
Juicy Turkey Burger Recipe
FAQ
What are good condiments for a turkey burger?
An easy turkey burger seasoning makes for tasty turkey burgers! Cook on the barbecue or indoors. Dress them up as you like with lettuce, tomato, avocado, sprouts, onion, mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, and more.
What to put on top of a turkey burger?
Stack on the condiments.
I love topping my turkey burgers with goat cheese, roasted red peppers, arugula, a sunny-side-up egg, and spicy aioli. With all these dynamic flavors and textures, I often opt to skip the bun. These simple turkey burgers will become a staple in your weeknight dinner repertoire.
What to put in ground turkey to make it taste better?
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Seasoning is key:Always start with basic seasonings like salt and pepper, and then add more complex flavors depending on your recipe.
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Veggies for moisture and flavor:Adding finely chopped vegetables like onion, bell pepper, or celery can add both flavor and moisture to the ground turkey.
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Binders for texture:A little bit of breadcrumbs or grated Parmesan cheese can help bind the ground turkey and improve its texture.
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Liquids for juiciness:Adding a small amount of liquid like broth or water can help prevent the turkey from drying out during cooking.
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Flavor enhancers:Consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a bit of Dijon mustard for extra depth of flavor.
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