Description
These Jalapeño Pepper Jack Turkey Burgers are a flavorful twist on classic turkey patties, combining spicy jalapeño, smoky paprika, and creamy pepper jack cheese for a juicy and zesty burger experience. Perfect for grilling season, these patties are packed with fresh herbs and spices, making them a crowd-pleaser for any barbecue or dinner occasion.
Ingredients
Burger Mixture
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1/3 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 Tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 jalapeño pepper, finely diced
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 2 pounds (32 oz) 93% lean ground turkey
Optional Toppings
- 6 slices pepper jack cheese
For Serving
- hamburger buns
- sliced jalapeño
- spicy mayo
- guacamole
- tomato
- lettuce
Instructions
- Prepare the Patty Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, shredded pepper jack cheese, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, diced jalapeño pepper, Worcestershire sauce, salt, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and black pepper until well combined.
- Combine with Ground Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the mixture and gently mix using your hands, a silicone spatula, or wooden spoon until everything is evenly incorporated without overworking the meat, ensuring tender patties.
- Form Patties: Shape the mixture into 6 evenly sized patties, about 1/2 cup (170g/6 ounces) each. Press a slight indentation in the center of each patty to help them cook evenly and prevent puffing up during grilling.
- Chill the Patties: Place the patties on a parchment paper–lined baking sheet or plate. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and help the patties maintain their shape during cooking. Patties can be refrigerated up to 24 hours or frozen for up to 3 months (thaw before cooking).
- Preheat and Prepare the Grill: Grease the grill grates well with vegetable oil to prevent sticking and preheat the grill to high heat.
- Grill the Patties: Place the chilled patties on the hot grill. Cook for about 5 minutes with the lid closed to retain heat. Flip the patties and continue grilling for another 3 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring food safety. To add cheese, place slices on the patties during the last 30 seconds of cooking to melt.
- Assemble and Serve: Serve the turkey burgers on hamburger buns with your preferred toppings like sliced jalapeños, spicy mayo, guacamole, tomato, and lettuce for a delicious and satisfying meal.
- Store Leftovers: Keep any leftover turkey burgers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure burgers reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Do not overmix the turkey mixture to avoid dense and tough burgers.
- If you prefer milder heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeño before dicing.
- Chilling the patties helps them hold their shape and enhances flavor blending.
- Customize toppings as desired to suit your taste preference.
- Ground turkey is lean, so monitor cooking time carefully to avoid drying out the burgers.
- Freezing patties before cooking is a great make-ahead option; thaw in the refrigerator before grilling.
