Jalapeño Cheddar Turkey Burgers

$- 1 lb ground turkey - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 2 fresh jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for milder flavor) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin - Salt and pepper to taste - 4 whole wheat burger buns - Optional toppings: Lettuce, tomato, avocado Gathering these ingredients is key. Each one plays a role in making these burgers tasty. Ground turkey serves as a lean protein base. Sharp cheddar cheese adds a rich, creamy flavor. Jalapeños bring a nice kick. You can adjust the heat by removing the seeds, which I often do for a milder taste. The breadcrumbs help bind the mixture together. Fresh cilantro gives a burst of freshness. Garlic and onion powders add depth. Ground cumin adds warmth and earthiness. You can taste each layer of flavor in every bite. Don't forget salt and pepper! They enhance all the other flavors. Choose whole wheat burger buns for a healthier option, and feel free to add your favorite toppings. Fresh lettuce, juicy tomato slices, or creamy avocado all make great additions. Each ingredient brings something special, so have fun with it! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, grab a large mixing bowl. Add 1 pound of ground turkey. Next, toss in 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded. Then, add 2 finely chopped jalapeños. Remove the seeds for less heat if you prefer. Now, sprinkle in 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, finely chopped. For flavor, include 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands or a spatula. Make sure all the ingredients blend well. Once mixed, divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty. To avoid puffing, press down slightly in the center with your thumb. This keeps them flat while cooking. Now, it’s time to cook! Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Lightly brush each patty with olive oil. This helps to prevent sticking. Place the turkey patties on the grill. Cook them for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are cooked through. The patties should no longer be pink inside. During the last minute of cooking, place the whole wheat burger buns on the grill. Toast them until golden brown and slightly crispy. This adds a nice crunch! To assemble, start with a lettuce leaf on the bottom half of each bun. Then, add a cooked turkey patty on top. Next, layer on slices of fresh tomato and avocado. Feel free to get creative! You can add pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of spicy mayo if you want extra flavor. Serve your burgers hot and enjoy the delicious flavors! To make your patties perfect, keep these tips in mind. - Preventing puffing during cooking: Make a small indent in the center of each patty. This helps them cook evenly. Without this, the edges can puff up and create a ball shape. - Ensuring even cooking: Cook on medium heat for 5-6 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Aim for 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are safe to eat. You can boost the taste of these burgers easily. - Adding spices or herbs: Try adding smoked paprika or chili powder for a kick. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can also add a nice touch. - Suggesting additional toppings: Think about layers of flavor! Try pickled jalapeños for extra heat, or a creamy avocado spread. A drizzle of spicy mayo can elevate your burger further. Both cooking methods have their perks. - Advantages of each method: Grilling gives a smoky flavor and those lovely grill marks. Pan-sealing keeps the burgers juicy and allows for easy cooking indoors. - How to achieve the perfect grill marks: Make sure your grill is hot before placing the patties down. Don’t move them for the first few minutes. This helps create those beautiful marks and a nice sear. Pro Tips Use Lean Turkey: Opt for lean ground turkey to keep your burgers juicy without excess fat. This will help maintain a healthier profile while still delivering great flavor. Customize Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeños according to your preferred spice level. For a milder burger, remove all the seeds and use fewer jalapeños. Rest the Patties: Let the patties rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more moist and flavorful burger. Experiment with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to get creative with toppings! Consider adding crispy bacon, sautéed onions, or a slice of pepper jack cheese for an extra kick. {{image_4}} You can make these burgers healthier in a few simple ways. - Using lean turkey or chicken: Choose ground turkey or chicken that has less fat. This helps reduce calories and keeps the burgers light. - Alternative bread choices: Opt for whole grain or lettuce wraps instead of regular buns. These options add fiber and cut carbs. Adjust the spice to fit your taste. - Mild vs. hot jalapeños: Use mild jalapeños if you want less heat. If you love spice, choose hotter ones. - Other pepper options: Try poblano or serrano peppers for a different flavor. Both can add a unique twist to your burger. Make your burgers special by adding local flavors. - Incorporating local cheeses: Use a regional cheese to enhance the taste. For example, feta or pepper jack can add a fun twist. - Different seasoning blends: Change the spices to match your area. Adding smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning can give your burgers a new kick. To store your leftover burgers, let them cool first. I recommend placing them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh. Use a shallow container for quick cooling. Avoid stacking them; this can cause sogginess. Each burger should have its own space if possible. When it's time to reheat, use a skillet or an oven. Skillets can keep the patties juicy. Heat them on medium for about 5 minutes on each side. If using the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Bake until warm, about 10 to 15 minutes. This way, your burgers stay tasty and do not dry out. To freeze the patties, shape them and place them on a baking sheet. Make sure they do not touch each other. Freeze for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer bag. This helps keep their shape. When you're ready to cook, thaw them in the fridge overnight. This keeps them juicy and flavorful when cooked. Yes, you can use chicken instead of turkey. Ground chicken works well in this recipe. It has a similar texture and flavor. Just ensure you cook it until it reaches 165°F (74°C). This keeps your meal safe to eat. You can also season the chicken like the turkey. This will help keep the flavors strong and tasty. To make the burgers spicier, add more jalapeños. Use two or three more jalapeños, chopped finely. You can also keep the seeds in some jalapeños for extra heat. Another option is to mix in spicy sauces. Hot sauce or sriracha can add more kick. Try adding chili powder or cayenne pepper to the meat mixture, too. These small changes will really enhance the spice level. For sides, I suggest baked sweet potato fries. They are sweet and crunchy, balancing the burger's heat. A fresh salad with greens and tomatoes is another good choice. You can also serve the burgers with corn on the cob. This adds a nice touch to your meal. Lastly, a creamy coleslaw can cool down the spice and add crunch. These sides will make your meal colorful and fun! These jalapeño cheddar turkey burgers combine fresh ingredients and bold flavors. You learned how to mix ground turkey, cheese, and spices to form tasty patties. I shared tips for grilling and topping your burgers just right. You can also try healthier options or get creative with local ingredients. Remember to store leftovers properly and reheat them well. Enjoy cooking these burgers and make them your own! With practice, you'll be serving delicious meals everyone will love.$

Jalapeño Cheddar Turkey Burgers

Spicy and cheesy turkey burgers with fresh jalapeños and cheddar cheese.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 whole fresh jalapeños, finely chopped
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
to taste salt and pepper
4 whole whole wheat burger buns
as needed lettuce leaves, tomato slices, and avocado slices for toppings
as needed olive oil for grilling

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, finely chopped jalapeños, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped cilantro, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a spatula, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty. To prevent the patties from puffing up during cooking, create a slight indentation in the center of each patty using your thumb.
Preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium heat. Lightly brush the surface of each patty with olive oil to minimize sticking.
Place the turkey patties on the grill and cook for approximately 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are no longer pink inside.
During the last minute of cooking, toast the whole wheat burger buns on the grill until they are golden brown and slightly crispy.
To assemble the burgers, start with a lettuce leaf on the bottom half of each bun. Place a cooked turkey patty on top, followed by slices of fresh tomato and avocado. Feel free to add additional toppings like pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of spicy mayo if desired.
Serve your deliciously crafted turkey burgers while they're hot and enjoy the flavors!

Notes

Serve with baked sweet potato fries or a fresh salad.

Keyword cheddar, grilling, jalapeño, turkey burgers