Turkey Burger Cheese Pickles (Print Version)
Juicy turkey patties with cheddar and pickles served on toasted buns, perfect for a lighter flavorful meal.
# What You Need:
→ Turkey Patties
01 - 1.1 lbs ground turkey
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 1 clove garlic, minced
04 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
05 - 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
06 - 1 tsp salt
07 - ½ tsp ground black pepper
08 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
09 - 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
→ Assembly
10 - 4 slices cheddar cheese
11 - 4 burger buns, split
12 - 8–12 dill pickle slices
13 - 4 lettuce leaves
14 - 4 tomato slices
15 - 2 tbsp mayonnaise (optional)
16 - 2 tbsp ketchup (optional)
# Preparation Steps:
01 - In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, onion, garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and parsley until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
02 - Shape the mixture into 4 equal patties, slightly larger than the buns.
03 - Heat olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
04 - Cook patties for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
05 - Place a slice of cheddar on each patty during the last minute of cooking and cover to melt.
06 - Toast the burger buns until golden brown.
07 - Spread mayonnaise and ketchup on buns if desired, then layer lettuce, tomato, turkey patty with melted cheese, and pickle slices. Top with bun.
08 - Serve immediately while warm.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- They're ready in 30 minutes flat, which means dinner happens without the usual scrambling.
- Ground turkey stays tender and juicy when you treat it gently, making these taste nothing like those dry turkey burgers you might have had before.
- The cheese melts right into the meat, creating pockets of richness that make the whole thing feel indulgent without being heavy.
02 -
- Don't skip the Worcestershire and Dijon mustard—they're what separate these from bland poultry; they add a savory complexity that makes people pause mid-bite.
- The cheese needs to sit on the patty while it's still hot enough to melt completely; if you add it after the pan, it just sits on top like decoration.
- Ground turkey from different sources has varying fat content, so watch your first batch closely to know how your particular meat cooks.
03 -
- Make a small well in the center of each patty before cooking—it prevents them from puffing up and cooking unevenly, a trick that actually works.
- If your kitchen runs hot, place the cooked burgers on a warm plate loosely covered with foil instead of stacking them; it keeps them moist while you finish everything else.