Guys. Get ready to never look at a burger the same way again. I am obsessed with cheeseburgers and love eating them when I’m dining out (ask me sometime about my most recent New Year’s resolution), but cooking them at home tends to be greasy/messy enough to prevent me from doing it too often. Until now. I MUCH prefer a smash burger cooked on the stovetop to a dry, hockey puck-esque thing mangled on a grill (I have stories, can you tell?). Anyway, these Oven Baked Turkey Burgers are true-blue gems, and this recipe is an absolute back-pocket must.
Turkey burgers are quickly becoming a popular, healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers. They are lower in fat and calories while still being packed with flavor and protein. Many people enjoy cooking turkey burgers on the grill or stovetop. However, baking turkey burgers in the oven can be an easy and convenient cooking method. It helps the patties cook evenly without the need to watch and flip them constantly. But what temperature should you bake turkey burgers at to achieve ideal results?
Through trial and error in my own kitchen, I’ve found that 375°F is the perfect oven temperature for baking deliciously juicy turkey burgers. Here is a detailed guide on how to bake turkey burgers in the oven, including tips on temperature, cook times, seasonings, and more.
Why Bake Turkey Burgers in the Oven?
Baking turkey burgers in the oven has several advantages
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It allows the patties to cook evenly all the way through without having to flip them. The hot air circulation of the oven surrounds the burgers on all sides.
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You can easily cook multiple burgers at once by lining a baking sheet. This is faster than grilling or sautéing individually.
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There is less mess and splatter compared to pan frying
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The oven frees you up to prepare sides or other components of the meal while the burgers bake unattended.
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It results in less fat loss compared to grilling, keeping the patties juicier.
What Temperature is Best for Baking Turkey Burgers?
The optimal oven temperature for baking turkey burgers is 375°F. This temperature allows the outside of the patties to quickly brown and develop texture while gently cooking the interior until fully cooked and juicy.
At 375°F, turkey burgers take around 20-25 minutes to reach the recommended safe internal temperature of 165°F. If you use a lower oven temperature, the burgers will require more time to cook through which can lead to drying out. A higher temperature may burn the outside before the inside is fully cooked.
I highly recommend using an instant read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of a burger to determine doneness. This eliminates any guesswork and ensures food safety.
Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Turkey Burgers
Follow these simple steps for perfect oven baked turkey burgers:
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Preheat oven to 375°F. Be sure to give the oven enough time to fully preheat before cooking.
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Form patties that are 3/4 to 1 inch thick, 4 inches wide, and gently pack the meat. Make an indent in the center to prevent bulging as they cook.
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Season the patties on both sides with spices and herbs. I love using garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, a small amount of cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Brush both sides lightly with oil.
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Place patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Leave at least 1 inch between patties to allow air circulation.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through. Turkey burgers are fully cooked when internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps lock in the juices.
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Serve on buns with your favorite toppings and condiments.
![Baked turkey burgers][]
Baked turkey burgers ready to be topped and enjoyed!
Cooking Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Turkey Burgers
- Buy ground turkey that has some fat, ideally 7% to ensure moistness. Avoid extra lean.
- Mix in a few tablespoons of melted butter or olive oil into the raw turkey meat before forming patties.
- Don’t overwork the meat when shaping patties to prevent denseness.
- Consider adding minced garlic, diced onion, breadcrumbs, or egg to boost moisture and texture.
- Brush patties with oil or melted butter before baking to promote browning.
- Use a meat thermometer to perfectly judge doneness. Instant read thermometers are inexpensive must-haves.
- Allow burgers to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to redistribute juices.
- Add cheese slices on turkey burgers during the last 2-3 minutes of baking to melt.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to bake turkey burgers?
At 375°F, turkey burgers take 20-25 minutes in the oven. Always rely on an instant read thermometer for doneness, not just time.
Can you bake frozen turkey burgers?
Yes, though cooking times may need to be extended by 5-10 minutes if cooking from frozen. Be sure the patties are cooked to 165°F internally.
Should you flip turkey burgers while baking?
Flipping is not necessary since the hot circulating oven air surrounds and cooks them evenly.
What temperature do you bake turkey burgers at?
The ideal oven temperature for turkey burgers is 375°F. Higher can overcook, lower may cause undercooking.
How do you keep turkey burgers moist in the oven?
Brush with oil, avoid overpacking, use 7% fat meat, add moisture ingredients, and don’t overbake. Resting after cooking also helps lock in juices.
Can you bake turkey burgers from frozen?
Yes, though they will require a few extra minutes in the oven. Be sure to cook to proper internal temperature for safety and use a thermometer to check.
The Takeaway
Baking turkey burgers in the oven at 375°F produces juicy, flavorful patties in about 20-25 minutes. With the right technique, seasonings, and temperature, you can enjoy convenient oven-baked turkey burgers that rival grilled beef burgers any night of the week. Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors and mix-ins to find your favorite turkey burger recipe. Just be sure to always use a meat thermometer for safety and ideal doneness. Enjoy!
How long to bake turkey burgers?
From the few rounds of tests I ran for this recipe, I found that 11 to 12 minutes was just right for these oven baked turkey burgers, at the thickness of 1/3-inch. You really don’t want to overcook them, but I don’t know anyone who would be excited to bite into a rare turkey burger. This ain’t beef we’re dealing with here. We’re aiming for an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, if you must know. But who actually takes their burgers’ temperatures? Pretty sure there aren’t many who do, as you can eyeball things just fine.
What temperature to bake turkey burgers?
I have found that a respectably-hot-yet-not-overly-scorching temperature of 400 degrees F is perfect for these. This will give the interiors a chance to fully cook through while the exteriors can develop a good browned crust.