Introduction

Jalapeño Cheddar Turkey Burgers are a flavorful twist on classic turkey patties, packed with fresh herbs, spicy jalapeño, and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for a summer grill or a hearty weeknight meal, these burgers offer a juicy and zesty bite that everyone will love.

The image shows two grilled chicken burgers open-faced on a white marbled surface. Each burger has a bottom white bun topped with bright green lettuce leaves, thick slices of red onion, and a spread of creamy white sauce with green herbs. On top of the sauce sits a charred grilled chicken patty with visible herbs and dark grill marks. One upper white bun is placed next to the burgers, showing grill marks and a couple of yellow pepper rings on it. Around the burgers, there are extra thin rings of yellow peppers, sliced red onions, and slices of green jalapeño peppers. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lbs ground turkey
½ cup finely diced onion (white, red, or yellow)
¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (leave seeds for extra heat)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
Juice of ½ lime (about ½ tbsp)
½ to 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
6 hamburger buns
Guacamole
Sliced cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Tomato slices
Lettuce

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking if necessary.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, diced onion, cilantro, garlic, jalapeño, cumin, paprika, lime juice, shredded cheddar, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until evenly incorporated without overworking the meat.
Step 3: Divide the mixture into six equal portions and shape each into a patty sized to fit your buns.
Step 4: Grill the patties for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F using an instant-read thermometer.
Step 5: Remove the burgers and loosely cover with foil. Let them rest for 3-5 minutes to retain juices.
Step 6: Assemble the burgers on toasted buns, topping with guacamole, cheese slices, tomato, and lettuce. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, include the jalapeño seeds and membranes; omit them for milder flavor.
Try homemade guacamole by mashing avocados with lime juice, salt, pepper, and a little garlic for freshness.
If you don’t have a grill, cook the patties in a skillet over medium heat for 5-6 minutes per side, or bake at 375°F for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through.
To prevent burgers from falling apart, avoid overmixing and consider chilling patties for 20 minutes before cooking.

Storage

Store cooked turkey burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze the cooked patties wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Two grilled chicken burgers are partially assembled on a white marbled surface, each with a base layer of a grilled light brown bun, followed by a fresh green lettuce leaf, several thin slices of purple onion, and a thick layer of creamy white sauce with green herbs. On top sits a round, grilled chicken patty with dark grill marks, showing hints of herbs and seasoning. To the side, the top bun is toasted with visible grill lines and a slice of yellow pepper rings on it. Next to the burgers are scattered yellow pepper rings, thin purple onion slices, a small dollop of the herb sauce, and a few slices of green jalapeno. The scene includes a wooden utensil holding some yellow peppers, all placed on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

How do I stop my turkey burgers from falling apart?

To keep turkey burgers from crumbling, avoid overmixing the meat and use 93% lean ground turkey to maintain the right fat balance. If the mixture feels too wet, add a tablespoon of breadcrumbs or chill the formed patties for 20 minutes before cooking.

Can I make these burgers without a grill?

Yes, you can cook the patties in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-6 minutes per side or bake them at 375°F for around 12-14 minutes, flipping once halfway. Both methods yield delicious, juicy burgers.