15 Creative Ways to Make Turkey Burgers Exciting

Turkey burgers often get overlooked as boring and bland compared to juicy beef patties. But with the right ingredients and preparation, turkey burgers can be just as craveworthy! The milder flavor of ground turkey is actually an advantage, as it allows the other ingredients to shine.

If you have turkey burgers in the freezer or want to whip up a batch from scratch, don’t settle for a plain patty on a bun. With a little creativity in the kitchen, you can transform turkey burgers into all sorts of delicious meals

Here are 15 mouthwatering ways to make turkey burgers exciting

1. Stuff with Cheese

An easy way to add tons of flavor is to stuff cheese inside the turkey patties before cooking. Use a cheese that melts well like cheddar, mozzarella or pepper jack. Form turkey patties slightly thinner than usual, then place a cheese cube or slice in the center. Pinch the meat around it to seal. The melted cheese core takes these burgers over the top.

2. Mix in Fresh Herbs

Chopped fresh herbs add aromatic flavor to turkey burgers. Try basil, cilantro, sage, rosemary, oregano, chives, parsley or a blend. Let the herbs shine by keeping other seasonings light. Just a teaspoon or two mixed into the ground turkey keeps the patties moist and delicious.

3. Add Caramelized Onions

Sweet, golden caramelized onions are a perfect match for turkey burgers. Cook sliced onions in butter or olive oil over medium-low heat until deeply browned. Mix a quarter cup or more into the turkey before shaping patties for a boost of rich, sweet onion flavor.

4. Fry Up an Egg

Topping a turkey burger with a fried egg takes it from boring to gourmet in seconds. The runny yolk adds a decadent, protein-packed finishing touch. Toast the bun and add lettuce, tomato and other favorite burger toppings.

5. Make Mediterranean Burgers

Add minced garlic, Greek yogurt, feta cheese crumbles and chopped fresh dill to the ground turkey for a Mediterranean flavor twist. Shape into patties and cook to perfection. Serve in warm pita bread with tzatziki sauce, tomato, onion and lettuce.

6. Craft Southwest Burgers

Spice up turkey burgers with Southwest inspiration. Add diced green chiles, shredded pepper jack cheese, minced onion and a blend of chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic and cayenne to the meat. Top with guacamole and pico de gallo for an explosion of bold Tex-Mex flavors.

7. Coat with Crunchy Toppings

Breading or topping turkey patties adds more texture and flavor. Try rolling in panko breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, corn flakes, potato chips or shredded coconut before pan-frying. Or sprinkle shredded parmesan, sesame seeds, chopped nuts or crispy bacon bits over the cooked burgers.

8. Make Greek Burgers

Transport your palate to the Mediterranean with Greek-style turkey burgers. Add crumbled feta, minced onion, lemon zest, oregano and parsley to the meat before shaping into patties. Serve in warm pitas with lettuce, tomato, cucumber and tzatziki sauce.

9. Use Asian Flavors

Ginger, garlic, scallions and soy sauce lend an Asian flavor to turkey burgers. For spicy burgers, add sriracha or chili-garlic sauce. Top with pickled ginger and serve on bao buns or rice cakes for a fun fusion meal.

10. Craft Caprese Burgers

Inspired by classic caprese salad, add chopped fresh mozzarella, sliced cherry tomatoes and torn basil leaves to the ground turkey before cooking. Top the finished burgers with more of the tomatoes, basil and a drizzle of balsamic reduction for an instant flavor upgrade.

11. Make Bacon-Ranch Burgers

These two flavors are simply made for each other. In the turkey, mix crumbled bacon, dried ranch seasoning, minced garlic and shredded cheddar cheese. Top cooked patties with more bacon, lettuce, tomato and a drizzle of ranch dressing for finger-licking goodness.

12. Top with BBQ Baked Beans

Smoky, sweet baked beans create an easy topping to spice up turkey burgers. Heat canned beans with ketchup, brown sugar, onion and spices. Spoon over cooked patties and bun for a satisfying flavor combo that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

13. Add Grilled Veggies

Make turkey more exciting by pairing with flavorful grilled veggies. Add slices of zucchini, bell pepper, portobello mushrooms, eggplant or other garden favorites to the grill with the burgers. Pile the smoky grilled veggies on top of the cooked patties for fresh contrast.

14. Make Inside-Out Burgers

For an innovative twist, form the ground turkey into patties as usual, then place the “burger toppings” in the center before cooking. Inside-out options include things like cheese, salsa, guacamole, sauteed mushrooms, grilled onions, roasted red peppers – anything that sounds good stuffed into the middle of a juicy turkey burger!

15. Transform into Sliders

Shaping turkey into miniature slider patties allows you to pile on even more toppings. Cook the bite-size burgers just until done, then go crazy with toppings like pickles, fried onions, coleslaw, spicy mayo and barbecue sauce. Arrange on mini buns for the perfect two-bite package.

As you can see, there are endless ways to jazz up boring old turkey burgers. With the right mix-ins and toppings, you can create amazing flavor combinations to please any palate. Ditch the predictable patty and have fun getting creative with your next batch of turkey burgers!

Here are some additional tips for cooking flavorful turkey burgers:

• Season well with salt, pepper and other spices or herbs. Turkey needs more seasoning than beef.

• Add a touch of oil to keep patties moist during cooking. Olive, avocado or coconut oil work well.

• Don’t overmix the meat or it can become dense. Gently form into patties.

• Make a indentation in the center of patties to prevent bulging as they cook.

• Grill over medium heat for best results. Turn gently to prevent breaking apart.

• Let burgers rest a few minutes after cooking before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

• Add cheese, toppings or sauce just before serving so they don’t slide off during cooking.

• Try mixing in flavorful ingredients like chopped mushrooms, onions, garlic, jalapenos, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers.

• Serve on toasted brioche or pretzel buns instead of plain hamburger buns for more flavor.

• Customize with premium burger toppings like guacamole, bacon jam, crispy onion straws, arugula and fried egg.

With fresh ideas and optimal cooking techniques, you can make turkey burger night more craveworthy than ever. Get ready to be amazed by the possibilities!