Cheese And Turkey Burgers: The Perfect Pairing

Turkey burgers are a great alternative to beef burgers, especially when topped with cheese. But with so many cheeses to choose from, which one goes best with turkey? According to Erika Kubick, author of Cheese Sex Death, a cheese that is very buttery and meltable is the ideal choice for a turkey burger. Kubick recommends a young cheddar, while Paris-based cheese educator Jennifer Greco suggests a smoky, salty blue cheese with caramelized onions. Other options include Swiss cheese, Fontina, Colby-Jack, Mozzarella, Havarti, Raclette, and Taleggio.

Blue cheese, feta, cheddar, and other cheeses that go well with turkey burgers

Turkey burgers are a tasty alternative to traditional beef burgers. But what kind of cheese goes well with them? Here are some ideas to elevate your turkey burgers and impress your guests.

Blue Cheese

Blue cheese is a popular choice for turkey burgers. Its strong flavour and pungent aroma add a nice kick to the dish. When combined with mayonnaise, blue cheese acts as a binder, providing moisture and enhancing the overall taste. The cheese also creates a golden crust that locks in the juices of the protein-rich meat. You can cook the blue cheese turkey burgers on a grill or stovetop, whichever you prefer.

Feta Cheese

Feta cheese is another option that pairs well with turkey burgers. Like blue cheese, feta can be mixed into the meat to add texture and moisture. The result is a juicy and flavourful burger that your guests will love. You can also experiment with different toppings to complement the feta cheese, such as lettuce, tomato, avocado slices, or pickled red onions.

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for any burger, and turkey burgers are no exception. It has a sharp flavour that pairs well with the mild taste of turkey. Cheddar cheese can be added to the patty mix or melted on top of the burger for a gooey, delicious bite. For a unique twist, try using white cheddar, which has a slightly stronger flavour than regular cheddar.

Other Cheese Options

In addition to blue cheese, feta, and cheddar, there are several other cheeses that can take your turkey burgers to the next level. Some options include Swiss cheese, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, Havarti, and Brie. You can also get creative with cheese combinations, such as a crispy Tellegio half fontina/half parmesan crisp or a slice of ham and Swiss cheese for a turkey burger cordon bleu.

So, the next time you're firing up the grill or stovetop, don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses to find your perfect turkey burger combination.

How to make a turkey burger with cheese in the middle

Ingredients

• Ground turkey
• Cheese (cheddar, Swiss, Fontina, Colby-Jack, Mozzarella, Havarti, Gruyère, etc.)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Hamburger rolls
• Iceberg lettuce
• Red onion
• Tomatoes
• Ketchup
• Mustard

Optional Ingredients

• Breadcrumbs
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Celery seed
• Oregano
• Worcestershire sauce
• Scallions
• Dijon mustard
• Mayonnaise

Method

• Cut your chosen cheese into quarters and stack.
• Divide your ground turkey into eight equal balls, then flatten into quarter-inch thick patties.
• Place a stack of cheese in the centre of four patties.
• Top the four patties with the remaining four patties.
• Pinch the edges of the patties to seal the cheese inside, then push up the sides so they are an even thickness.
• Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
• Place the patties on an oiled grill and cook for around six minutes on each side over medium heat, or until the centre is cooked through.
• Transfer to buns and add your desired toppings, but be sure to let the burger cool before biting into the centre so you don't burn your mouth!

Tips

• You can experiment with different types of cheese, but it's best to use a variety that melts well.
• Be gentle when forming the patties, as overworking the meat can make the burgers tough.
• Avoid using the leanest ground turkey breast meat, as this can make the burgers dry.
• You can swap the ground turkey for ground beef, buffalo, lamb or chicken if you prefer.
• If you want to make the dish keto-friendly, leave out the bun and serve the burger over a bed of lettuce or make a lettuce wrap.

Best cheeses to pair with turkey burgers

Turkey burgers are a great alternative to beef burgers. They are healthier, and you can still get creative with toppings. And what's a better topping than cheese?

When choosing a cheese to go with your turkey burger, you might want to opt for something with a strong flavour to complement the neutral taste of the meat. You could also go for a cheese with a good melting capability, to get that gooey centre.

Cheddar

Cheddar is a classic choice for a cheeseburger. It has a good melting capability and quite a bit of flavour. A young or medium cheddar will give you the best balance of flavour and texture, as older cheddars tend to lose their potential for a good cheese pull.

Blue Cheese

Blue cheese is a great choice if you want to add some punch to your burger. A soft blue is particularly good, and a milder blue can still pack a punch without being overwhelming. A smokier variety will complement a burger cooked on the grill.

Smoked Gouda

Smoked gouda is another cheese that will add a punch of meaty flavour to your turkey burger. It has a wonderful, buttery texture and is an even better melter than cheddar.

Gruyère

Gruyère is a Swiss cheese with a nutty flavour and a buttery texture. It's the best cheese for melting, and its rich flavour complements turkey. It's a classic in Swiss cheese fondue, so it's a great choice for your turkey burger.

Raclette

Raclette cheese is perfect for turkey burgers because of its deep meltability and mild flavour. It's often infused with herbs, peppercorns, or truffle, which will give your burger some gourmet flair.

Feta

Feta has a high acidity, so it doesn't melt in the same way as cheddar or American cheese. However, it softens with heat, turning creamy, and it maintains its salty, sheepy flavour. This makes it a great choice for adding some extra flavour to a turkey burger.

Brie

A classic pairing with cranberry sauce, brie is a good choice for a turkey burger. It melts well, becoming gooey and soft, and the combination of sweet and salty is a winner.

Taleggio

Taleggio is an Italian, aromatic, washed-rind cheese with a funky intensity. It has a creamy texture and melts smoothly when heated, becoming creamy and runny. It's a great choice if you want a luxurious burger with a strong aroma.

American Cheese

American cheese is a classic choice for cheeseburgers. It melts luxuriously without becoming stringy or oily, thanks to added emulsifiers and oils.

Pepper Jack

A derivative of mild Monterey jack, pepper jack is flavoured with sweet and hot peppers, as well as garlic. It's perfect for adding some spice to your turkey burger.

Swiss Cheese

Swiss cheese is another good melting cheese, and it's a popular choice for a Juicy Lucy—a burger with the cheese stuffed inside.

Turkey burgers with cheese: grilling, frying, or cooking methods

Turkey burgers are a great alternative to beef burgers, especially when topped with cheese and other toppings. This article will explore the best methods for cooking a delicious turkey burger with cheese, including grilling, frying, and other cooking methods.

Grilling

Grilling is a popular choice for cooking turkey burgers, as it can add a char-grilled aroma to the dish. To grill a turkey burger with cheese, follow these steps:

• Prepare the grill: Preheat your grill to a high temperature. It is recommended to use a grill with a cooler zone to prevent overcooking the burgers.
• Form the patties: Divide your ground turkey into equal portions and flatten them into patties. The thickness of the patties will impact the cooking time, so aim for about 1/4 inch thick.
• Create the cheese centre: For a melty, gooey surprise, cut your chosen cheese into quarters and stack them. Place the cheese stack in the centre of each patty, and seal the edges. You can also mix shredded cheese into the meat for extra flavour.
• Season and grill: Season the patties with salt and pepper, then place them on the hottest part of the grill. Sear for about 1-2 minutes on each side, then move them to the cooler zone to finish cooking.
• Check doneness: Turkey burgers are cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

Frying

Frying is another option for cooking turkey burgers with cheese. This method is ideal for stovetop cooking and can be done in a skillet or grill pan. Here's how to do it:

• Prepare the patties: Similar to grilling, form the ground turkey into patties of equal size and thickness.
• Add the cheese: Cut the cheese into smaller pieces and place them in the centre of each patty. You can also mix shredded cheese into the meat for extra flavour.
• Season and fry: Season the patties with salt and pepper, then place them in a hot, oiled pan. Fry for about 5 minutes on each side until lightly browned and cooked through.
• Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the burgers have reached an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Oven Baking

Oven baking is a less common but still effective method for cooking turkey burgers with cheese. This technique is useful if you don't have access to a grill or stovetop. Here's how to do it:

• Prepare the patties: Form the ground turkey into patties, making a slight indentation in the centre of each patty to help them cook evenly.
• Add the cheese: Place the cheese slices on top of the patties, or mix shredded cheese into the meat before forming the patties.
• Season and bake: Season the patties with salt and pepper, then place them on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes, or until the burgers are cooked through.
• Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the burgers have reached an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Choosing the Right Cheese

When it comes to choosing the best cheese for your turkey burger, there are many options to consider. Here are some popular choices:

• Cheddar: A classic option that pairs well with turkey. It has good melting capabilities and adds a tangy flavour.
• Blue Cheese: A bold choice that adds a zesty punch to the blander turkey burger.
• Smoked Gouda: This cheese adds a smoky flavour that complements the lean turkey. It has a high fat content and melts well.
• Gruyère: A Swiss cheese with a rich, nutty flavour and excellent melting abilities. It's a favourite among cheese experts.
• Pepper Jack: A spicy option that adds a kick to the milder turkey burger. It has excellent melting properties.
• Feta: A salty, creamy cheese that adds a unique flavour to the burger. It softens when heated but doesn't fully melt.

Cheeses to avoid putting on turkey burgers

While there are many types of cheese that pair well with turkey burgers, some cheeses may not be the best choice. Here are some cheeses to avoid putting on turkey burgers:

Fresh goat cheese: While it can be a great flavour match with turkey, it can become dry and chalky when melted. It's better suited for a cold sandwich with deli turkey.

Aged cheddar: While cheddar is a good choice for turkey burgers, an aged cheddar may not be the best option. As cheddar ages, it loses its potential for a pretty cheese pull due to the breakdown of protein strands. Instead, opt for a medium cheddar for a better balance of flavour and texture.

Low-fat cheeses: When using a lean protein like turkey, adding some fat from cheese can help enhance the flavour and juiciness of the burger. Low-fat cheeses may not provide the same flavour impact and melting capabilities as their full-fat counterparts.

Strongly flavoured cheeses: While a stronger cheese can complement the neutral flavour of turkey, be cautious of using extremely strong or pungent cheeses. Some strong blue cheeses or washed-rind cheeses can have an intense flavour or aroma that may overwhelm the burger.

Soft cheeses: Very soft cheeses, such as fresh goat cheese or brie, may not be ideal as a topping for turkey burgers. They can become creamy when heated but may not provide the desired gooey, melty texture that pairs well with the burger.

In general, it's important to consider the balance of flavours and textures when choosing a cheese for a turkey burger. Opt for cheeses that will complement the turkey without overwhelming it, and consider the melting capabilities of the cheese for the best culinary experience.

Frequently asked questions