Print

Jalapeño Cheddar Turkey Burgers Recipe

4.6 from 97 reviews

These Jalapeño Cheddar Turkey Burgers are a flavorful and juicy alternative to traditional beef burgers, packed with fresh jalapeños, sharp cheddar cheese, and a blend of spices. Perfectly grilled and assembled with fresh toppings like guacamole, lettuce, and tomato on hamburger buns, they make a delicious and satisfying meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Burgers:

  • 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

For Serving:

  • 6 hamburger buns
  • Guacamole
  • Sliced cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • Tomato slices
  • Lettuce

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Grill: Heat a charcoal, gas, or pellet grill to medium-high. Lightly oil the grates if needed to prevent sticking to ensure the burgers cook evenly and don’t stick.
  2. Prepare the Burger Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, diced onion, cilantro, garlic, jalapeño, cumin, paprika, lime juice, shredded cheddar, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just evenly distributed, taking care not to overwork the meat for tender burgers.
  3. Form the Patties: Divide the mixture into six equal portions and shape each into a burger patty, adjusting size based on your buns or personal preference for thickness.
  4. Grill the Burgers: Place the patties on the preheated grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F, indicating they are safely cooked through.
  5. Rest the Burgers: Remove the burgers from the grill, loosely cover them with foil, and let them rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute for moist results.
  6. Assemble and Serve: Toast the hamburger buns, then place the rested burger patties on the buns. Top with guacamole, extra cheese slices, tomato slices, and lettuce. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Jalapeño Heat Level: For a spicier burger, keep the seeds and membranes in the jalapeño. Remove them for milder heat.
  • Homemade Guacamole: Mash 2 avocados with lime juice, salt, black pepper, and a dash of garlic powder or fresh garlic for a fresh, creamy topping.
  • Cooking Alternatives: If you don’t have a grill, cook the burgers in a stovetop skillet over medium heat for about 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 before cooking or adding a tablespoon of breadcrumbs if mixture feels too wet.

Keywords: turkey burgers, jalapeño cheddar burgers, grilled turkey burgers, spicy turkey burgers, hamburger recipe