Juicy Baked Turkey Burger Recipe

I've got a recipe that will change the way you think about turkey burgers. Forget about dry and boring – this juicy baked turkey burger recipe is all about juicy goodness and easy, tasty vibes. Whether you're eating them right away or to meal prep for the week, these burgers are a game-changer. Let's jump right into this juicy turkey burger recipe and walk through each step. They are simple to make and so good. 

There are so many great things about these homemade turkey burgers, but one of my favorites is they are quick to make. The time it takes from start to finish makes them perfect for quick weeknight dinners. 

Other burger recipes

Ingredients

Ground turkey- I like turkey with a little more fat on it, a blend of 80/20. You can use one with less fat, just be careful not to overbake, as this will dry it out. 

Eggs- These are used as a binder, but will also provide more moisture as well. 

Bread crumbs- Panko can be used, but I prefer bread crumbs for this recipe. 

Cajun seasoning- My favorite to use is Tony Chachere's

Garlic powder and onion powder- You won't use much of either of these, but they really up the flavor.

Kosher salt and black pepper 

Soy sauce- I love using this in all my burgers as it adds so much flavor. 

Ground mustard- Another high-impact seasoning to use in the burgers. 

Toppings and buns-use whatever you like here. I will share some options below to dress up your burger. 

How to make

• Mix all ingredients in a bowl until they are well blended.

PRO TIP: Be sure not to overmix though this will make your burgers dense. 

• Form the turkey mixture into patties that are about ½ inch thick. Place them in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. 

• Bake them at 400 degrees for about 15-20 minutes, the cook time will vary depending on if you made them more thick or thin than ½-inch. If the tops are not browned as much as you like- mine weren't, finish with a sear. 
• I do this by adding a small amount of olive oil or vegetable oil to a heated nonstick pan or cast iron skillet. Sear the burgers on high heat for about 30 seconds per side. Be careful not to overcook or this will leave you with dry turkey burgers. 
• If you are worried the burgers aren't cooked all the way through, check for an internal temperature of 165 degrees with an instant-read thermometer.

You can serve this protein style with lettuce wraps, regular burger buns, brioche buns, 

Types of ground turkey

Ground turkey is available in various types and is categorized based on the percentage of fat content. The percentage indicates the proportion of fat to lean meat in the ground turkey. Here are common types of ground turkey and what the percentages typically mean:

1. Ground Turkey (93/7 or 93% lean, 7% fat): This is a lean ground turkey, with a higher proportion of meat to fat. It's ideal for those who prefer a meaty flavor and can be customized with your preferred seasonings.
2. Ground Turkey (85/15 or 85% lean, 15% fat): With a balanced ratio of lean meat and fat, this ground turkey type offers a nice compromise, providing flavor and juiciness for a variety of dishes.
3. Ground Turkey (80/20 or 80% lean, 20% fat): This ground turkey has a higher fat content, adding richness and flavor to recipes. It's a versatile choice, well-suited for dishes like burgers or meatballs.
4. Ground Turkey Breast (99% lean, 1% fat): For an extremely lean option, ground turkey breast is nearly fat-free. It's a versatile ingredient that can be used in various recipes, though it may have a drier texture.

Topping ideas for turkey burgers

You might already have your favorite burger toppings, but I wanted to share a few I love too. 

• Sautéed Mushrooms and Onions
• Crispy Bacon Strips
• Slice of cheese- There are so many great options- sharp cheddar, pepper jack, provolone, etc. 
• Grilled Pineapple Rings
• Avocado Slices
• Caramelized Onions
• Jalapeño Slices
• Sliced Tomatoes
• Fried Egg
• Blue Cheese Crumbles
• Feta cheese- feta turkey burgers, especially with sliced tomatoes and olives. 
• Red Onion Rings
• MustardThis can also include Dijon mustard and stoneground mustard, 2 of my personal favorites. 
• BBQ Sauce
• Ketchup

Tips for making the best turkey burgers

1. Choose the Right Ground Turkey: Opt for ground turkey with a slightly higher fat content, such as 85/15 or 80/20, to ensure the burgers remain moist during baking. The added fat helps prevent dryness.
2. Don't Overmix the Meat: Handle the ground turkey gently and avoid overmixing when incorporating seasonings. Overmixing can result in a denser texture.
3. Season Generously: Turkey can be a bit milder than ground beef burgers, so be sure to season your turkey burger mixture generously with your favorite herbs and spices for robust flavor.
4. Form Uniform Patties: Create evenly sized patties to ensure they cook uniformly. Press a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent it from bulging as it cooks.
5. Preheat the Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before placing the burgers in to ensure even cooking.
6. Check Internal Temperature: To avoid overcooking, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the burgers. The recommended safe temperature for ground turkey is 165°F (74°C).
7. Baste or Brush with Oil: To add extra moisture and flavor, consider basting the burgers with a bit of olive oil or melted butter before baking.
8. Let Them Rest: Allow the baked turkey burgers to rest for a few minutes after taking them out of the oven. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicy bite.
9. Make Ahead- If you want to make these ahead of time, mix the ingredients and form them into patties. Separate each burger with parchment or wax paper. Then cover with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. You can make the patties up to 2-3 hours ahead of time. 

• Dinner
• Turkey
• Baked