Bushra Griffith
Turkey burgers are a popular alternative to traditional beef burgers. However, they often get a bad rap for being dry and bland. One way to combat this is to add cheese to your turkey burgers. You can add cheese to your turkey burgers in a variety of ways, including mixing it into the meat, melting it on top, or stuffing it inside. Adding cheese to your turkey burgers can enhance their flavor and moisture, making them a tasty option for your next cookout or weeknight dinner.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Cheddar, Mozzarella, Gruyère, Swiss, Fontina, Colby-Jack, Havarti |
| Cheese placement | Topping, stuffed in the center, inserted as small cubes in the ground meat |
| Meat type | Ground turkey |
| Meat percentage | 99% lean, 93% lean, 90% lean |
| Meat part | Thighs, legs, breast |
| Meat preparation | Not overhandled, frozen before grilling |
| Add-ons | Breadcrumbs, egg, zucchini, mustard, shallots, avocado, arugula, garlic, onion, cumin, parsley, mint, dill, cilantro, oregano, celery seed, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper |
| Cooking method | Grilling, pan-frying, broiling, air fryer, oven, skillet |
| Cooking time | 5 minutes per side, 10 minutes total |
| Cooking temperature | Medium heat |
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What You'll Learn
Turkey and cheese combinations
Turkey burgers can be dry and bland, but adding cheese is a great way to add flavour and moisture. There are a few different ways to add cheese to a turkey burger. One option is to mix the cheese into the patty, which ensures that every bite has a burst of cheesiness. Another option is to top the cooked patty with cheese, allowing it to melt on top of the burger. A third option is to stuff the cheese into the centre of the patty, creating a melty, gooey cheese centre. This is known as a Juicy Lucy, which originated in Minneapolis.
When it comes to choosing a cheese to pair with turkey burgers, there are many options that can enhance the flavour of the dish. A classic option is to use cheddar cheese, which can be shredded and mixed into the patty or used as a topping. Other types of cheese that can be used include mozzarella, Gruyère, Swiss cheese, Fontina, Colby-Jack, Havarti, and co-jack. For a Mexican-inspired burger, a Mexican cheese mixture can be used.
To make a turkey burger patty, ground turkey is typically used. This can be mixed with various ingredients such as breadcrumbs, eggs, herbs, spices, and vegetables to add flavour and moisture. Some common herbs and spices used include parsley, mint, dill, cilantro, cumin, garlic, onion, paprika, and red pepper flakes. For vegetables, zucchini is a popular addition, as it helps to guarantee a juicy burger. Once the ingredients are mixed together, the mixture is formed into patties and cooked using a variety of methods such as grilling, pan-frying, or baking.
When serving a turkey burger, there are many ways to dress it up. A classic option is to serve it on a bun with lettuce, tomato, onion, and condiments such as mayo, mustard, or ketchup. It can also be served in a pita pocket with hummus, lettuce, tomatoes, and pickled peppers, or on a bed of greens with various vegetables and dressing. For a low-carb option, the bun can be replaced with a lettuce wrap or the burger can be served on a bed of lettuce with toppings.
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Best cheese type for turkey burgers
Turkey burgers are a healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers, but they often get a bad rap for being dry and bland. Adding cheese is a great way to boost the flavour and moisture of your turkey burgers.
Some popular cheeses to add to turkey burgers include cheddar, mozzarella, and gruyere. Cheddar is a strong-flavoured cheese that pairs well with the turkey and adds extra moisture to the burger. It can be shredded and mixed into the raw turkey patty or added as a slice on top of the cooked burger. Mozzarella is a mild-flavoured cheese that melts well and can be mixed into the patty or added as a topping. Gruyere is a Swiss cheese with a rich flavour that melts easily, making it perfect for mixing into the patty or adding as a topping.
If you want to get creative, you can stuff your turkey burgers with cheese. This technique, known as a Juicy Lucy, involves placing a stack of cheese in the centre of a patty and topping it with another patty before sealing the edges. This results in a melty, gooey cheese centre that will surely impress. Any cheese that melts well, such as Swiss cheese, Fontina, Colby-Jack, Havarti, or even more cheddar or mozzarella, will work for this indulgent treat.
To ensure your turkey burgers are juicy and flavourful, there are a few additional tips to keep in mind. Firstly, avoid using extremely lean ground turkey, as this can result in dry burgers. Instead, opt for ground dark meat from thighs and legs or a combination of thigh and breast meat. Secondly, be gentle when mixing and forming the patties, as overworking the meat can make the burgers tough. Finally, don't overcook your burgers, as this can also lead to dryness. Cook them on a preheated and oiled grill, flipping only once, until they are well-browned and cooked through.
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How to cook a turkey burger
Turkey burgers are a healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers, but they can sometimes have a reputation for being dry and bland. Here is a guide on how to cook a tasty and juicy turkey burger.
Preparing the Meat
Firstly, you will need to prepare the meat mixture. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey with breadcrumbs, dried onion flakes, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper. You can also add an egg to the mixture to help bind the meat together and prevent it from falling apart. Shape the mixture into four equal-sized patties, flattening them to a thickness of about half an inch. This will ensure that the burgers cook evenly in the centre. You can make these patties ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to a day or freeze them for later.
Cooking the Burgers
There are several ways to cook your turkey burgers:
- Stovetop: Heat a large non-stick skillet on medium-low heat. Lightly spray it with oil, add the burgers, and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.
- Air Fryer: Air fry the turkey burgers at 400°F for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side.
- Grill: Preheat your grill and wipe the grates with an oiled paper towel to prevent sticking. Place the burgers on the grill and let them cook undisturbed for about 5 to 6 minutes before flipping them.
Assembling the Burger
While the patties are cooking, you can prepare your buns and toppings. You can toast the buns if you prefer them crispy. Classic toppings include cheese, tomato, red onion, lettuce, sliced pickles, ketchup, mustard, caramelized onions, and avocado. However, you can get creative and experiment with different toppings and condiments to suit your taste.
Serving
Once the patties are cooked, place them on the buns, add your desired toppings, and serve immediately. Enjoy your juicy and flavorful turkey burger!
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Avoiding dry turkey burgers
Turkey burgers have a reputation for being dry and flavourless, but they don't have to be. Here are some tips to ensure your turkey burgers are moist and delicious:
Firstly, avoid using 99%-lean ground turkey, as this can produce dry and bland burgers. Instead, opt for ground turkey labelled "93% lean", which has enough dark meat mixed in to keep it moist. Using a mix of dark and light ground turkey will add flavour and fat to your burgers, making them juicier.
When preparing the meat, try not to overhandle it, as this can cause the meat to lose moisture and become tough. It is also important not to overcook the burgers, so make sure to remove them from the grill as soon as they hit 165 degrees Fahrenheit. During cooking, do not press down on the patties with a spatula, as this will squeeze out the juices.
You can also add ingredients to the meat to boost the moisture content and flavour. Try adding an egg to the mixture, as well as cheese, which will add flavour and moisture. Mayonnaise and Dijon mustard are also great additions, providing creaminess and moisture to the meat. If you're looking for a healthier option, you can skip the cheese and try soaking the breadcrumbs in almond milk instead.
Finally, when it comes to cooking, pan-frying is a better option than grilling. Grilling is suitable for fatty meats, whereas lean meats like turkey benefit from being cooked in a generous amount of olive oil, which helps the burgers retain moisture.
By following these tips, you can ensure your turkey burgers are juicy and full of flavour.
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Toppings and sides
Turkey burgers can be topped with cheese, or you can get creative and stuff the cheese inside the patty. If you're opting for a cheese topping, cheddar, mozzarella, or gruyere are popular choices. You can also try Swiss cheese, Fontina, Colby-Jack, Havarti, or a Mexican cheese mixture. To make the cheese extra gooey, insert small cubes of cheese directly into the ground meat. This way, every bite will have a burst of cheesiness.
If you're serving your turkey burger with a side of cheese, some classic options include lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo, and mustard. You can also add some crunch with a side of pita pockets, hummus, lettuce, tomatoes, and pickled peppers. If you're feeling adventurous, try a bed of greens with cherry tomatoes, radishes, cucumbers, and other refreshing vegetables tossed in your favourite dressing.
For a more filling option, make a turkey burger bowl with salad leaves, pico de gallo, salsa, avocado, and pickled red onions. Or, wrap your turkey burger in lettuce with shredded carrots and a vinegar sauce made with sambal olek and rice or white vinegar. If you're in the mood for something more traditional, serve your turkey burger with grilled corn and tomato salad, along with ketchup, mayo, and mustard.
Don't forget to experiment with different types of cheese and toppings to find your perfect combination. You can also try grilling, air frying, or baking your turkey burger to mix things up!
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can put cheese on a turkey burger. In fact, it's a popular option, as cheese adds flavour and moisture to the burger.
There are several types of cheese that complement a turkey burger. Popular choices include cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss cheese, Fontina, Colby-Jack, Havarti, and Gruyère.
You can add cheese to your turkey burger in several ways. You can place it on top, mix it into the meat, or stuff it inside the burger to create a melty, gooey centre.
Turkey burgers with cheese often include toppings such as lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, and various sauces like mayo, mustard, or ketchup. You can also get creative and experiment with different toppings, such as hummus, pickled peppers, or a simple cilantro-jalapeño slaw.
