What to Put on a Turkey Burger: 15 Tasty Topping Ideas

Turkey burgers can sometimes get a bad rap for being dry and bland. But with the right toppings, you can transform your average turkey burger into a mouthwatering meal. Keep reading for 15 of my favorite ways to dress up a turkey burger.

1. Cheese

You can’t go wrong topping a burger with melted cheese. Cheddar Swiss provolone, and pepper jack are all excellent choices. The cheese adds creaminess and a delicious flavor contrast to the burger. For best results, add the cheese slice early in the cooking process so it has time to melt.

2. Avocado

Creamy avocado slices or guacamole bring healthy fats and fresh flavor to a turkey burger The richness of the avocado also helps keep the burger nice and moist.

3. Caramelized Onions

Sweet, deeply-flavored caramelized onions are an absolute must on turkey burgers. They add a savory depth that perfectly complements the lean turkey meat. Sauté sliced onions over medium-low heat until browned and softened.

4. Sautéed Mushrooms

Sautéed mushrooms lend a meaty, umami flavor to turkey burgers. Shiitake, cremini, or button mushrooms all work beautifully. Simply sauté the mushrooms in olive oil or butter until lightly browned.

5. Bacon

Crispy cooked bacon crumbles add a smoky, salty crunch and tons of flavor. Turkey and bacon are simply meant for each other. To make bacon crumbles, cook bacon until crispy, then crumble it into pieces.

6. Fried Egg

A fried egg is the ultimate burger topping. The runny yolk acts as its own sauce and adds protein. Simply fry an egg and place it gently on top of the cooked burger patty. Heavenly!

7. Grilled Pineapple

For a tropical twist, top your turkey burger with grilled pineapple rounds. The sweet and slightly charred pineapple balances the savory patty perfectly. Grill pineapple slices for 2-3 minutes per side until grill marks appear.

8. Basil Pesto

Dollop the burger bun with homemade or store-bought basil pesto. The herby garlic flavor is fantastic with turkey. Spinach pesto is also an excellent option.

9. Barbecue Sauce

Sweet and tangy barbecue sauce never fails on a burger. Opt for a thicker, smoked variety rather than a thin vinegar-based sauce. Brush both the top and bottom buns with barbecue for maximum flavor.

10. Guacamole

Homemade or store-bought guacamole adds cool creaminess and a brightness that pairs beautifully with turkey burgers. I like to mix the guacamole right on the burger bun for ease.

11. Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms

For an ultra-savory turkey burger, top it with both caramelized onions and sautéed mushrooms. The combination can’t be beat!

12. Goat Cheese and Arugula

Creamy, tangy goat cheese and peppery arugula make an amazing flavor and texture contrast to juicy turkey burgers. Try topping the patty with both after it’s cooked.

13. Jalapeños and Pepper Jack Cheese

For a spicy kick, top turkey burgers with sliced pickled jalapeños and melted pepper jack cheese. The cheese also helps cool the heat.

14. Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion

Cool sliced cucumbers, juicy tomato slices, and thinly sliced red onion make a super fresh and delicious burger topping combo. Add a smear of mayo or Greek yogurt sauce too.

15. Blue Cheese and Buffalo Sauce

Crumble bold blue cheese over turkey burgers, then drizzle on Buffalo hot sauce. The spicy and tangy flavors pair perfectly with the juicy turkey patty.

Turkey Burger Topping Combinations

Mix and match any of the toppings above to create your own signature turkey burger:

• Bacon + Cheddar + Barbecue Sauce
• Caramelized Onions + Mushrooms + Swiss
• Guacamole + Pepper Jack + Jalapeños
• Pesto + Fresh Mozzarella + Tomato
• Goat Cheese + Arugula + Fried Egg
• Pickle Chips + Blue Cheese + Buffalo Sauce

The possibilities are endless for dressing up turkey burgers! Experiment with different flavor combos until you find your favorites.

Cooking the Perfect Turkey Burger

A flavorful topping won’t save a dry, overcooked turkey burger. Be sure to start with a moist, well-seasoned turkey patty. Here are some tips:

• Choose ground turkey that’s 93% lean. The higher fat content helps keep burgers juicy.

• Add a little mayo and Worcestershire sauce to the raw turkey. They act as binders and seasoning.

• Handle the patties gently when shaping them to avoid denseness.

• Cook over medium-low heat and don’t overcook. Turkey burgers need only be cooked to 165°F.

• Let the patties rest for 5 minutes after cooking. The resting period allows juices to redistribute.

Condiments and Sauces

In addition to creative toppings, condiments and sauces help make turkey burgers extra satisfying. Here are some condiment ideas:

• Ketchup, mustard, mayo: The classic burger trifecta always hits the spot.

• Ranch dressing: Cool and creamy ranch perfectly complements turkey.

• Tartar sauce: For a tangy, creamy sauce with bacon, pickles, and herbs.

• Tomato jam: Fruity, sweet, and savory jam is fantastic on turkey burgers.

• Aiolis: Flavorful homemade aiolis like roasted garlic or chimichurri amp up the burger.

• Chutneys: Try mango chutney, curry apple chutney, or cranberry chutney on your burger.

• Relishes: Corn relish, olive relish and sweet pickle relish add great texture.

Go Beyond the Bun

While turkey burgers are tasty on buns, you don’t need to limit yourself to sandwiches. Try these creative serving ideas:

• Turkey burger lettuce wraps: Use large lettuce leaves in place of a bun for low-carb burgers.

• Turkey burger salad/bowl: Chop up the burger and add it to a salad or grain bowl along with all your favorite toppings.

• Open faced turkey melt: Top toasted rustic bread with turkey burger, cheese, and onions for an open-faced sandwich.

• Turkey burger stuffed portabella: Fill a grilled portabella mushroom cap with the burger and fixings for a hearty, low-carb meal.

• Turkey burger meatballs: Shape seasoned ground turkey into mini meatballs and simmer in your favorite sauce like marinara or Thai curry.

So don’t settle for boring turkey burgers! With endless topping possibilities, condiments, sauces, and serving ideas, you can create the turkey burger of your dreams. Get creative with combinations and flavors to keep your turkey burgers exciting. Your tastebuds will thank you.