How Long to Cook Turkey Burgers in the Oven at 400 Degrees

Cooking juicy and flavorful turkey burgers in the oven is easy when you know the right techniques. The oven temperature and cook time play key roles in getting the perfect interior and exterior. So how long should you bake turkey burgers at 400 degrees Fahrenheit?

Overview of Cooking Turkey Burgers in the Oven

The oven provides a convenient hands-off way to cook turkey burgers evenly without needing to watch them closely on the stovetop. The dry heat from your oven helps the exterior get nicely browned while the interior cooks through gently.

Some benefits of oven baking turkey burgers include:

• Evenly cooked inside and out
• Minimal attention needed while cooking
• Ability to cook multiple burgers at once
• Easy to add toppings like cheese before baking

Factors that Affect Oven Cook Time

Several factors impact how long turkey burgers take to bake in the oven at 400°F. Consider the following when determining timing:

• Thickness – Thinner burgers will cook faster than thick burgers. Aim for 1/2 inch thickness for even cooking.

• Temperature – Higher oven temperatures shorten cook time, 400°F is ideal for getting a nice browned exterior,

• Additions – Ingredients like cheese or breadcrumbs affect cook time, More binders = longer cook time,

• Quantity – Individual patties will cook faster than a big batch. Space them out on a sheet pan.

• Appliance variation – All ovens heat up slightly differently which impacts total time.

Taking these elements into account will help you estimate the right turkey burger bake time at 400°F.

Recommended Cook Times at 400 Degrees

For most turkey burger recipes, these general cook times are a good starting point when baking at 400°F:

• Thin turkey burgers (1/2 inch): 15-18 minutes
• Thick turkey burgers (3/4 inch): 18-22 minutes
• Turkey burger patties (4 oz): 18-20 minutes
• Stuffed turkey burgers: 22-25 minutes
• Turkey slider patties: 12-15 minutes

Always rely on a food thermometer to confirm your burgers reach 165°F internally regardless of oven timing. Overcooking can dry them out quickly.

Step-by-Step Oven Baking Method

Follow these simple steps for baking juicy turkey burgers in the oven at 400 degrees:

1. Form Patties

Shape thawed ground turkey into evenly sized patties about 1/2 inch thick. Handle the meat gently when shaping to avoid dense texture.

2. Preheat Oven to 400°F

Preheating ensures the oven reaches the proper temperature before cooking begins. This helps the burgers brown and cook evenly.

3. Arrange Burgers on a Sheet Pan

Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or foil. Lightly grease the surface then place patties evenly spaced apart to allow air circulation.

4. Bake for 15-20 Minutes

Place sheet pan on the middle oven rack. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes based on thickness. Flip burgers over halfway through.

5. Check Temperature

Test the internal temperature of a patty using an instant-read thermometer. Stop baking when they reach 165°F.

6. Allow to Rest 5 Minutes

Let burgers rest for 5 minutes tented loosely with foil so juices can redistribute before serving.

Adding Flavorful Toppings

One benefit of oven-baking is how easy it is to incorporate tasty toppings into your turkey burgers. Consider mixing in or topping with:

• Shredded cheese like cheddar or pepperjack
• Minced garlic, onions, or bell peppers
• Chopped herbs like parsley, basil, or chives
• Spices like chili powder, paprika, or cumin
• Condiments like ketchup, mustard, or mayo

Get creative with your favorite flavors! The oven heat will melt and lightly cook any toppings mixed in or layered on top.

Preventing Dryness

To keep your turkey burgers tender and juicy:

• Use lean ground turkey with some fat content like 93% lean. Going too lean can dry them out.

• Handle the meat lightly when shaping to avoid over-packing.

• Add a touch of oil or egg yolk to impart moisture into the mixture.

• Cook just until 165°F, no longer. Let carryover cooking finish them off the heat.

• Allow to rest before serving so juices redistribute evenly.

Serving Suggestions

Baked turkey burgers pair nicely with all kinds of toppings and sides:

• Serve on whole wheat buns with lettuce, tomato, and onion
• Add a spread or condiment like mustard, mayo, or ketchup
• Top with sliced avocado, sautéed mushrooms, or bacon
• Pair with oven fries, a fresh salad, pasta salad, or baked beans

However you choose to serve them, oven-baked turkey burgers make for a fast, flavorful meal the whole family will love.

Oven-Baked Turkey Burgers FAQs

Should I flip the burgers when baking?

Yes, flipping the burgers halfway through ensures even cooking on both sides. Use a thin spatula to carefully flip them.

Do I need to use a baking sheet or can I use a casserole dish?

A baking sheet is ideal since it promotes air circulation. But a casserole dish can work too. Just watch closely to avoid overcooking.

What temperature should turkey burgers reach internally?

Cook until they register 165°F internally using an instant-read thermometer. This ensures they are cooked through safely.

Can I reheat leftovers in the oven?

Yes, leftover turkey burgers can be wrapped individually and reheated in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

What if my burgers are still pink inside after baking?

Return them to the oven for a few more minutes until the internal temperature hits 165°F to be sure they are fully cooked.

Get Perfectly Baked Burgers Every Time

Mastering the simple oven baking method lets you serve up tender and delicious turkey burgers anytime. For best results, bake at 400°F for around 15-20 minutes depending on size and thickness. Rely on an instant-read thermometer to avoid over or undercooking. Then add your favorite toppings and enjoy your juicy oven-baked turkey burgers!