Bushra Griffith
Turkey burgers are a popular alternative to traditional beef burgers, especially for those looking for a healthier option. While turkey burgers can sometimes be dry and bland, adding cheese is a great way to boost both the flavour and moisture of the meat. But with so many cheeses to choose from, which one is the best for turkey burgers?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Smoked gouda, cheddar, co-jack, Mexican cheese mixture, Colby, Swiss, provolone, Monterey Jack, gouda |
| Cheese texture | Buttery, meltable |
| Toppings | Bacon, avocado, tomato, red onion, roasted red peppers, pickle chips, pickled jalapeños, arugula, Bibb lettuce, spinach, coleslaw, iceberg lettuce, romaine |
| Bread | Burger buns, English muffins, gluten-free buns |
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What You'll Learn
Best cheeses for turkey burgers
Turkey burgers are a great alternative to beef burgers, especially when topped with cheese. While choosing a cheese to go with your turkey burger, it is recommended to opt for something very buttery and meltable. The cheese should also have a robust flavour to complement the mild taste of the turkey.
Cheddar is a popular choice for turkey burgers. It has a good melting capability, and its tanginess adds flavour to the burger. A medium cheddar is ideal, as older cheddars tend to lose their potential for a pretty cheese pull due to the breakdown of protein strands.
Smoked gouda is another excellent option, as its smokey flavour adds a punch of meaty taste that complements the lean turkey. Gouda has a higher fat content than cheddar, making it an even better melter.
If you're looking for something with more zip, a zesty blue cheese can add a nice punch to a blander burger. You can also experiment with other cheeses like Swiss, provolone, Monterey Jack, Colby, or co-jack.
For a truly indulgent bite, try inserting small cubes of cheese directly into the ground meat so that every bite has a burst of cheesiness. You can also mix shredded cheese into the turkey mixture to give it a great flavour and moisture.
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How to cook turkey burgers
Turkey burgers are a great alternative to beef burgers, especially if you're looking for something leaner. They can, however, have a reputation for being dry and bland, so it's important to get the recipe and cooking technique right. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cook delicious turkey burgers:
Preparing the Turkey Burger Mixture:
Start by mixing your ground turkey with flavourful ingredients. You can use a combination of garlic, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and egg. Breadcrumbs are also a common addition to help bind the mixture and add texture. If you're feeling adventurous, you can add some crumbled blue cheese to the mixture for a flavour punch.
Forming the Patties:
Use your hands to shape the mixture into flat, round patties. Aim for a thickness of about 1/2 inch. You can make these patties ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day, or even freeze them for future use.
Cooking the Turkey Burgers:
There are several ways to cook your turkey burgers:
- Grilling: Grease your grill grates and heat them to medium-high. Place the patties on the grill and cook for a few minutes on each side until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (or 165°F according to some sources).
- Skillet/Stovetop: Heat some canola or vegetable oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the patties on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes. Then, sear the patties in a hot pan for 2 minutes on each side to get a nice crust.
- Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 400˚F and cook the patties for about 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165˚F.
Toppings and Cheeses:
Turkey burgers pair well with a variety of toppings and cheeses. As for cheese, a young cheddar is a popular choice as it has a good balance of flavour and melting capability. Smoked gouda is another excellent option, adding a punch of smoky flavour that complements the lean turkey. If you want something with more tang, go for a medium cheddar. To take your burger to the next level, try adding bacon, avocado, and tomato.
Don't be afraid to get creative with your toppings. Classic options include lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and condiments like mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, or BBQ sauce. If you want some spice, add jalapeños to the patty mixture or serve it with a Thai-style slaw on the side.
Enjoy your juicy and flavourful turkey burgers!
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Toppings for turkey burgers
Turkey burgers can be a great alternative to beef burgers, especially if you're looking for a healthier option. While they may have a reputation for being dry and bland, choosing the right toppings can elevate the flavour of your dish. Here are some topping ideas and suggestions to transform your turkey burgers into a delicious meal:
Cheese
Cheese is a classic topping for burgers, and with thousands of varieties to choose from, you can easily find one that suits your taste. For turkey burgers, it is recommended to choose a cheese that is buttery and meltable. Cheddar is a popular choice as it brings a nice tang and has a good melting capability due to its neutral pH. Go for a medium cheddar to balance flavour and texture, as older cheese may have less potential for a pretty cheese pull due to the breakdown of protein strands. If you want to add more flavour, consider a zesty blue cheese, which can also complement the flavour of a grilled burger patty. Smoked gouda is another excellent option, adding a punch of meaty flavour that pairs well with lean turkey.
Vegetables
Vegetables can add crunch, freshness, and extra flavour to your turkey burger. Sliced tomatoes and red onions are classic choices, but you can also try roasted red peppers, pickle chips, or pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick. If you're looking for a healthier option, leafy greens such as romaine lettuce, Boston lettuce, Bibb lettuce, green leaf lettuce, baby spinach, or arugula are great choices. Sautéed mushrooms and quick-pickled cucumbers can also add a unique flavour to your burger.
Condiments
Condiments can enhance the flavour of your turkey burger and bring all the toppings together. Avocado or guacamole adds a creamy texture, while mayonnaise, either regular or vegan, is a popular choice. You can also try something different like dijon mustard or 1000 island dressing. If you like your burgers spicy, add some hot sauce, sriracha, harissa, or chili paste. Don't forget to season your burger with salt and pepper to taste.
Extra Tips
If you're feeling adventurous, try inserting small cubes of cheese directly into the ground meat before cooking to create a burst of cheesiness in every bite. You can also experiment with different types of buns, such as English muffins or gluten-free options. Finally, don't be afraid to get creative and add your favourite toppings. After all, as Erika Kubick says, "it's really all about personal preference."
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Why turkey burgers?
Turkey burgers are a great alternative to traditional beef burgers, especially if you're looking for a healthier option or want to reduce your environmental impact. Here are some reasons why you might choose a turkey burger:
Health Benefits
Turkey is a leaner meat than beef, meaning it has less fat content. This can be a healthier option, especially if you're conscious of your red meat intake due to health concerns such as the increased risk of heart disease or cancer. While the lower fat content can make turkey burgers drier and less flavourful, this can be easily remedied with toppings and the right cooking methods.
Environmental Impact
The beef industry has a significant environmental impact, and choosing turkey over beef can help reduce this impact. By opting for turkey burgers, you can contribute to a more sustainable food choice.
Versatility
Turkey burgers offer a versatile base that pairs well with various toppings and cheeses. This allows you to get creative and experiment with different flavours. Whether you prefer mild or strong cheeses, there are numerous options to enhance your turkey burger experience.
Juiciness
While turkey has a reputation for being dry, this can be easily addressed by adding an egg to the mixture, using darker meat with higher fat content, or incorporating cheese. Cheese not only adds flavour but also moisture, resulting in juicy and flavourful turkey burgers.
Healthier Indulgence
If you're a cheese lover, turkey burgers provide the perfect opportunity to indulge. The lower fat content of turkey means you can generously top your burger with cheese without feeling too guilty. This way, you can enjoy the best of both worlds—a delicious, cheesy burger that's a bit healthier too.
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Turkey burger alternatives
Turkey burgers are a great alternative to beef burgers. They are a healthier option, with ground turkey having a lower saturated fat content than ground beef. Turkey burgers are also leaner than ground chicken.
However, turkey tends to be drier than beef, so it's important to add ingredients to keep the meat moist. Breadcrumbs are often used to hold the patty together, but eggs can be used as a healthier alternative. Other ingredients such as garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce can also be added for flavour.
If you're looking for a turkey burger alternative, here are some options:
- Veggie burgers: For a vegetarian option, veggie burgers are a great choice. They can be made from a variety of ingredients such as beans, quinoa, or vegetables.
- Black bean burgers: Black bean burgers are a popular vegetarian option that is high in protein and fibre. They can be flavoured with various spices and herbs and are often served with avocado or salsa.
- Salmon burgers: For a fish option, salmon burgers are a healthy choice, rich in omega-3 fatty acids. They can be served with a variety of toppings such as dill, lemon, and capers.
- Portobello mushroom burgers: Portobello mushrooms have a meaty texture and can be grilled or baked to create a vegetarian burger option. They can be served on a bun with various toppings such as cheese, lettuce, and tomato.
- Chicken burgers: If you're looking for another lean protein option, chicken burgers are a great choice. Ground chicken can be formed into patties and grilled or pan-fried. They can be served with a variety of toppings and cheeses.
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Frequently asked questions
Some good cheeses to use for turkey burgers include cheddar, gouda, blue cheese, and smoked gouda.
A medium cheddar is best for turkey burgers as it provides the best balance of both flavour and texture.
Yes, some alternatives to cheddar cheese in turkey burgers include Monterey Jack, Colby, Swiss, provolone, and mozzarella.
Some good toppings to go with cheese in a turkey burger include avocado, tomato, red onion, lettuce, and mayonnaise.
