Jalapeño Cheddar Turkey Burgers
Somehow I blinked and summer is already almost gone! I have to say, inside I'm kind of doing a happy dance. I love me some fall, and all of the coziness it brings with scented candles, fuzzy socks, football and soups galore #basicbitchforlife.
Meanwhile, it's still summer for at least a minute or two. And I do have to say the highlight of my summer has been grilling up a storm! We've made some pretty darn tasty meals, if I do say so myself. From grilled herb prawns, to Asian-style halibut to Hawaiian chicken kebabs, our grill has really put in overtime. To send summer off in style, I thought it was only fitting to whip up another amazing grill-worthy recipe: jalapeño cheddar turkey burgers. For my spicy food and cheese lovers out there, this one is for you!!
These turkey burgers are not only juicy and ultra flavorful as any great burger should be, with smoky, spicy roasted jalapeños, sharp cheddar cheese (and even more sharp cheddar cheese) and a smoky, sweet mayo, but they're super simple to throw together, per ushe (did you expect anything less?!) As you've seen with some other tried and true turkey burger recipes before this, I absolutely adore how easy it is to build layers upon layers of flavor to just your standard package of ground turkey breast to make for one tasty burger. These jalapeño cheddar turkey burgers were no different, and might have topped my list of favorite turkey burger recipes!
The best part about these burgers though, is that they really pack a spicy punch! If you're a spicy food convert, like me, you'll appreciate the kick, especially when it's mellowed out by the creamy, sharp cheddar. So spicy food lover or no, I think you'll still be addicted to these showstopping burgers upon that first bite.
Jalapeno Cheddar Turkey Burgers
Makes 4 1/4 lb. burgers or 3 1/3 burgers
Ingredients
1 pound 93% ground turkey breast
1/2 onion, chopped
1/4 cup panko
2 jalapenos
2 teaspoons Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus 3-4 thick slices
To serve
"Good" buns - Yes. Yes, I did pull an Ina Garten. Before you turn your nose at this pretentious-seeming suggestion, hear me out! I can't emphasize the use of a "good" bun enough. Whether you choose a brioche, pub bun or Kaiser, a "good" bun is the difference between an amazing burger and a blah burger. TRUST ME.
Shredded iceberg or butter lettuce leaves
Thinly sliced white onion
Campfire Sauce = 1/4 cup mayo + 2 teaspoons BBQ sauce
Directions
Heat grill over medium high heat (or turn on broiler if you prefer to do in the oven). Drizzle jalapenos with olive oil, then grill for about 5 minutes, turning on each side. Do the same thing in the oven on broil if you go this route. Remove from heat and immediately put in a Ziploc bag to steam at room temperate for at least 20 minutes.
In a medium bowl, add ground turkey, onion, panko, salt, pepper, cumin, garlic powder and shredded cheddar. Remove jalapenos from bag and carefully remove skins, seeds and dice. Add diced jalapenos to bowl and combine all ingredients. Form into 3-4 patties.
Heat a grill over medium high heat and grill turkey burgers for about 4 minutes a side. Add sliced cheddar cheese and cook until melted. Serve on toasted buns with lettuce, thinly sliced white onion and Campfire sauce.
