Italian Turkey Burgers

There’s something special about the summer when the scent of grilled meat fills the air. It reminds me of family gatherings, laughter, and a sense of community. That’s why I love making Italian Turkey Burgers during these warm months. They’re juicy, flavorful, and perfect for a backyard barbecue or a casual dinner with friends. The blend of spices in these burgers captures the essence of Italian cuisine, offering a delightful twist to the traditional burger. Imagine the aroma of grilled turkey, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese coming together, making your mouth water with anticipation. When I first experimented with this recipe, I didn’t expect it to become such a hit among my family. Every bite transports me to a sun-soaked terrace in Italy, where food and life are celebrated. I can’t wait to share this recipe with you!

What You Need for Italian Turkey Burgers

When it comes to crafting the perfect Italian Turkey Burgers, the right ingredients make all the difference. Each one plays a crucial role in building flavor and texture. The star of the show is undoubtedly the ground turkey, which provides a lean and healthy base. Adding turkey sausage infuses the burgers with a savory richness that complements the spices beautifully. Fresh vegetables and cheese round out the dish, making each burger not just a meal, but an experience.

• 1 pound 99% lean ground turkey – The lean meat keeps the burgers healthy while still delivering a satisfying bite.
• 1 pound turkey sausage (sweet or spicy with casings removed) – Adding turkey sausage brings depth and flavor to your burgers.
• ⅓ cup panko bread crumbs – These crumbs help bind the mixture together while keeping the burgers tender.
• 2 teaspoons ground basil – A staple in Italian cuisine, basil adds a fragrant touch.
• 2 teaspoons ground oregano – This herb provides a warm, earthy flavor that’s perfect for grilling.
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds – Fennel adds a subtle sweetness and anise-like flavor that enhances the turkey.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – A classic seasoning that brings out the umami in the meat.
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt – Enhances all the flavors in the burgers.
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper – A little heat to balance the flavors.
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes – Adds a kick that complements the other flavors.
• 8 ounces Asiago cheese – Melts beautifully over the burgers, adding richness and a tangy flavor.
• 8 ounces Mozzarella cheese – Creamy and mild, this cheese pulls everything together.
• 6 whole wheat hamburger buns (for serving) – Healthier than regular buns, these are the perfect vessel for your burgers.
• 1 large red onion, halved and thinly sliced – Offers a sweet crunch when grilled.
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced – Adds a crisp texture and fresh flavor.
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced – Brings sweetness and color to your plate.
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil – Drizzling this over veggies enhances their flavor while grilling.

The Process for Making Italian Turkey Burgers

Making Italian Turkey Burgers is not only straightforward but also a fun cooking adventure. I love to get my hands in there, mixing everything up. You can feel the love in each step, from prepping the ingredients to grilling the perfect patties. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get started!

1. Start by preheating your grill to medium-high. This is crucial as it gives the burgers a nice sear and helps keep them juicy. While that’s heating up, you can prepare the burger mixture.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, turkey sausage, panko bread crumbs, ground basil, ground oregano, fennel seeds, garlic powder, kosher salt, ground black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Gently mix with your fingers. Be careful not to overwork the meat, or your burgers could become tough.
3. Shape your mixture into six equal patties. The trick here is to make them slightly larger than your buns since they will shrink a bit while cooking. Set the patties aside while you prepare the grill.
4. Once the grill is hot, carefully place the patties on it. Grill over medium-high heat until the bottoms are browned, which should take about five minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should sizzle beautifully!
5. After five minutes, flip the burgers and continue grilling for an additional five minutes, or until they are cooked through. Just before they finish cooking, add slices of mozzarella and Asiago cheese on top, letting them melt.
6. While your burgers are cooking, take the sliced vegetables (the red onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper) and place them in a medium bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
7. Place the seasoned veggies in a grill basket and grill them until softened and lightly charred, about eight minutes. Make sure to stir them occasionally to prevent burning.
8. As everything cooks, you can toast the whole wheat hamburger buns on the grill for a minute or two until golden brown. This adds a lovely texture and flavor.
9. Once everything is ready, assemble your burgers by placing the patties on the toasted buns. Top with the grilled veggies and any additional toppings you wish.
10. Enjoy immediately! These burgers are best served hot off the grill, bursting with flavor and juicy goodness. I always make sure to save a few for leftovers!

Making Adjustments

Every cook has their own preferences, and this recipe is no different. Here are some tips for adjusting the Italian Turkey Burgers to fit your taste:

• Storage: Leftover cooked turkey patties may be stored in a container with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator for up to three days. This makes it easy to grab a quick lunch!
• Freezing: Uncooked patties can be frozen on a baking sheet until firm, then transferred to a freezer-safe container for storage for up to three months. To cook, defrost overnight in the refrigerator, then grill as directed.
• Cooking Methods: If grilling isn’t an option, these burgers can be baked in the oven at 375°F for about twenty minutes or until fully cooked.
• Spicing It Up: Feel free to experiment with spices! If you enjoy a kick, try adding more crushed red pepper flakes or even some chopped jalapeños to the mixture.
• Variations: Consider adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an extra layer of flavor.
• Pairing: Serve these burgers with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh salad to balance out the meal.

How to Enjoy Italian Turkey Burgers

Serving Italian Turkey Burgers can be as creative as you want. Here are a few suggestions to help you enjoy them to the fullest:

• Perfect Pairings: These burgers pair wonderfully with side dishes like a crisp Caesar salad or grilled corn on the cob. The freshness complements the grilled flavors beautifully.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, enjoying a casual lunch with friends, or simply having a family dinner, these burgers are perfect.
• Seasonal Sides: In the summer, serve with light sides like pasta salad or caprese salad. In colder months, pair with hearty mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
• Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them properly in an airtight container. Reheat in a skillet with a little water to keep the burgers moist and delicious.
• Garnishes: Try adding a slice of fresh mozzarella or a sprinkle of balsamic glaze to elevate your burger experience.
• Serving Style: Serve the burgers open-faced with toppings on the side for a fun DIY approach that guests will love.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Italian Turkey Burgers are the perfect blend of flavor, health, and simplicity. This recipe not only satisfies your cravings but also brings a taste of Italy to your dinner table. I encourage you to try making them; they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the process, share them with loved ones, and celebrate the joy of good food together!

Italian Turkey Burgers

The ultimate comfort food for summer grilling! These Italian Turkey Burgers are juicy, packed with flavor, and perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. Enjoy the delightful blend of spices, turkey, and fresh veggies that make this dish irresistible. Try them tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound 99% lean ground turkey
• 1 pound turkey sausage sweet or spicy with casings removed
• ⅓ cup panko bread crumbs
• 2 teaspoons ground basil
• 2 teaspoons ground oregano
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 8 ounces Asiago cheese
• 8 ounces Mozzarella cheese
• 6 whole wheat hamburger buns for serving
• 1 large red onion halved and thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Equipment

• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl
• Frying Pan

Method

 

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high. While heating, combine the ground turkey, turkey sausage, panko bread crumbs, ground basil, ground oregano, fennel seeds, garlic powder, kosher salt, ground black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes in a large mixing bowl. Mix gently with your fingers, being careful not to compact the meat.
2. Shape the mixture into six patties and set aside. Place the patties on the hot grill and cook until browned on the bottom, about five minutes.
3. Flip the burgers and grill for another five minutes, adding slices of Mozzarella cheese and Asiago cheese just before they finish cooking.
4. In a medium bowl, toss the sliced red onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper with extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill in a basket until charred, about eight minutes.
5. Toast the wheat hamburger buns on the grill until golden brown.
6. Assemble the burgers by placing patties on buns and topping with the grilled veggies. Serve hot!

Notes

• Tip 1: Leftover cooked turkey patties may be stored in a container with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Tip 2: Uncooked patties may be frozen on a baking sheet until firm, then transferred to a freezer-safe container for storage for up to three months.
• Tip 3: If grilling isn’t an option, these burgers can be baked in the oven at 375°F for about twenty minutes.
• Tip 4: Feel free to experiment with spices! If you enjoy a kick, try adding more crushed red pepper flakes.
• Tip 5: Serve these burgers with a side of sweet potato fries.

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Meet Blaire Holloway

Taking traditional feast recipes and giving them a modern, vibrant twist is what drives me. I want to keep your menu exciting and fresh. I handled the cooking and photography for this recipe, working to bridge the gap between classic comfort and contemporary flavor for your table.