Juicy Turkey Burgers with Avocado and Swiss Cheese Recipe
Indulge in succulent turkey burgers topped with creamy avocado and melted Swiss cheese.
Turkey burgers are a fantastic alternative to the traditional beef burger, offering a lean yet juicy and flavorful option. When properly prepared, turkey burgers can be every bit as delicious and satisfying. The addition of avocado and Swiss cheese takes these burgers to the next level, providing a creamy and slightly nutty complement to the moist turkey patty.
This recipe ensures that your turkey burgers remain succulent and bursting with flavor, avoiding the dryness that is often associated with turkey. Follow these detailed instructions to make a burger that will have your family begging for more. With fresh ingredients and a few key techniques, you’ll master the art of the perfect turkey burger in no time.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 whole wheat burger buns
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Olive oil or cooking spray for grilling
Nutrition
Calories: ~450 calories
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by preparing all your ingredients. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Slice the avocado and set aside. Crack your egg into a small bowl and beat it lightly.
- Mix the Turkey Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can lead to tough burgers.
- Form the Patties: Divide the turkey mixture into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty about 1/2 inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent it from puffing up during cooking.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are evenly distributed and have a light coating of ash. For a gas grill, heat until the internal temperature reaches about 400°F.
- Grill the Patties: Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the patties on the grill, indentation-side up. Grill for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Avoid pressing down on the patties, as this can squeeze out the juices.
- Add the Cheese: About one minute before the patties are finished cooking, place a slice of Swiss cheese on each patty. Close the grill lid to allow the cheese to melt.
- Toast the Buns: While the cheese is melting, place the burger buns on the grill cut-side down for about 1-2 minutes, until they are toasted and slightly charred.
- Assemble the Burgers: Remove the patties and toasted buns from the grill. On the bottom half of each bun, place a lettuce leaf and a slice of tomato. Top with the turkey patty and a few slices of avocado. Finish with the top half of the bun.
- Serve: Serve the turkey burgers immediately while they are hot and the cheese is gooey. Enjoy with a side of fries, a salad, or your favorite side dish.
There you have it, a delicious and juicy turkey burger topped with creamy avocado and Swiss cheese. This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household and will change your perception of turkey burgers forever.
Here are some tips to ensure your turkey burgers turn out perfect every time:
1. Fat Content: Opt for ground turkey that contains both white and dark meat for a balance of flavor and juiciness. Lean ground turkey can become dry if overcooked.
2. Handling the Meat: Handle the meat as little as possible to prevent the proteins from breaking down and making the burgers tough. Gently mix the ingredients and form the patties with care.
3. Don’t Skip the Indentation: Making a small indentation in the center of each patty helps them cook more evenly and prevents them from puffing up on the grill.
4. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, onion, and avocado make a world of difference in flavor. Although it’s tempting to use dried versions, fresh is best for this recipe.
5. Monitor the Cooking Temperature: The key to juicy turkey burgers is not overcooking them. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, the safe internal temperature for poultry.
6. Let the Cheese Melt Fully: Closing the grill lid for the last minute of cooking ensures the Swiss cheese fully melts and coats the patty, adding a rich, creamy texture to each bite.
Feel free to customize these burgers to your liking. You can add your favorite condiments such as mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, or even a slice of crispy bacon for an extra layer of flavor. Enjoy your culinary creation, and don’t be surprised if these burgers become a staple at your cookouts and family dinners!