Jalapeño Cheddar Turkey Burgers
Turkey burgers get a bad rap for being dry and boring, but this Jalapeño Cheddar Turkey Burger is anything but!
Juicy, flavorful, and packed with just the right amount of spice, this burger is the perfect balance of smoky, cheesy goodness with a fresh kick of lime.
Topped with creamy guacamole, crisp lettuce, and melty cheese, these burgers are a must-try for your next cookout—or just a quick weeknight dinner.
Whether you like it mild or want to turn up the heat, this burger is guaranteed to become a favorite.
Let’s get cooking!
For Jalapeño Cheddar Turkey Burgers
- Ground Turkey – A lean, protein-packed alternative to beef that stays juicy with the right seasonings.
- Onion – Adds subtle sweetness and moisture to the burgers. You can use white, red, or yellow onion.
- Cilantro – Brings a fresh, herby flavor that complements the jalapeño.
- Garlic – Enhances the depth of flavor in every bite.
- Jalapeño – Adds a mild kick; keep the seeds for extra spice or remove them for a milder taste.
- Ground Cumin – Gives a warm, smoky undertone to the burger patties.
- Paprika – Adds subtle smokiness and color; use sweet or smoked based on preference.
- Lime Juice – A splash of citrus brightness that balances the richness.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese – Provides melty, cheesy goodness throughout the burger.
- Salt & Black Pepper – Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors.
For Serving
- Hamburger Buns – Soft, slightly toasted buns make the perfect base.
- Guacamole – Creamy and flavorful, it pairs perfectly with the spicy, cheesy burger.
- Sliced Cheese – Use extra cheddar or swap for Monterey Jack for a milder option.
- Tomatoes – Adds a juicy, fresh contrast to the rich flavors.
- Lettuce – Gives the burger a crisp, refreshing bite.
Jalapeño Cheddar Turkey Burgers
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Ingredients
For the Burgers:- 2 lbs ground turkey
- ½ cup finely diced onion (white, red, or yellow)
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (leave seeds for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
- Juice of ½ lime (about ½ tbsp)
- ½ to 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 6 hamburger buns
- Guacamole
- Sliced cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Tomato slices
- Lettuce
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a charcoal, gas, or pellet grill to medium-high. Lightly oil the grates if needed to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Burger Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, diced onion, cilantro, garlic, jalapeño, cumin, paprika, lime juice, shredded cheddar, salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly distributed but avoid overworking the meat.
- Form the Patties: Divide the mixture into six equal portions and shape them into burger patties. Adjust the size based on your buns or preference.
- Grill the Burgers: Cook the patties on the preheated grill for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F.
- Rest the Burgers: Remove the burgers from the grill, loosely cover them with foil, and let them rest for 3-5 minutes.
- Assemble and Serve: Place the burgers on toasted buns and top with guacamole, cheese slices, tomatoes, and lettuce. Enjoy!
- Jalapeño Heat Level: If you prefer more spice, keep the seeds and membranes in the jalapeño. For a milder flavor, remove them.
- Homemade Guacamole: Mash 2 avocados with the juice of ½ lime, a pinch of salt, black pepper, and a dash of garlic powder or minced fresh garlic. Adjust to taste.
- Cooking Alternatives: If you don’t have a grill, cook the burgers in a stovetop skillet over medium heat for about 5-6 minutes per side, or bake at 375°F for approximately 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Nutrition
Calories: 216 kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g Cholesterol: 93mg | Sodium: 525mg | Potassium: - | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g
1. How do I stop my turkey burgers from falling apart?
Nobody wants a crumbly burger! The trick? Don’t overmix the meat, and make sure you’re using 93% lean ground turkey—the perfect balance of lean and fat. If your mixture feels too wet, add a tablespoon of breadcrumbs or chill the patties for 20 minutes before grilling. Problem solved!
2. How do I make sure my turkey burgers stay juicy?
Turkey has a sneaky way of drying out, but we’re not letting that happen here! The secret? Shredded cheese right in the mix—it melts as it cooks, keeping the burgers moist. Also, a splash of lime juice and a little bit of oil help lock in the juiciness.
3. Do I have to cook turkey burgers all the way through?
Yep! Unlike beef, turkey burgers must be fully cooked. That means an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)—use a meat thermometer to check. No guesswork, no dry burgers, just perfection!
4. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Shape the patties, place them on a tray, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Want to freeze them? Stack the patties with parchment paper in between, pop them in a freezer bag, and they’ll be good for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight before cooking.
5. What are some epic topping ideas?
Take these burgers to the next level! Try:
- Classic: Lettuce, tomato, pickles, and a slice of sharp cheddar.
- Spicy Kick: Extra jalapeños, chipotle mayo, and pepper jack cheese.
- Low-Carb: Ditch the bun and wrap it in crisp lettuce for a fresh, light option.
- Next-Level: A spoonful of homemade guacamole for a creamy, flavorful finish.
Now that you’re a pro, let’s get grilling!