The Ultimate Guide to BLT Turkey Burgers: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Favorite
Smoky bacon and garden-fresh layers transform lean patties into a crowd-pleasing meal.
BLT Turkey Burgers: A Delicious Spin on the Classic Burger
Turkey burgers have long been a favorite as a lighter, yet equally satisfying alternative to beef burgers. But, when you blend the classic flavors of a BLT—bacon, lettuce, and tomato—with juicy ground turkey, plus a spicy sriracha mayo, you get a burger that’s hearty, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible for year-round meals.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to make perfect BLT turkey burgers at home, including tips for ensuring juiciness, the best way to cook bacon for burgers, customizable topping ideas, serving suggestions, and answers to your most burning burger questions.
What Makes BLT Turkey Burgers Special?
A BLT turkey burger is not just a turkey patty with traditional toppings; it’s a masterful combination of savory bacon folded into the burger, cool, crunchy lettuce, garden-fresh tomato slices, creamy avocado, and a spicy, tangy sriracha mayo sauce. All of these delicious layers are stacked on a soft, toasted brioche bun and served alongside crisp sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
- Bacon adds saltiness and texture, both in the patty and on top.
- Lettuce provides crunch and a cool contrast.
- Tomatoes bring juiciness and brightness to each bite.
- Sriracha Mayo delivers creamy heat that wakes up the taste buds.
- Avocado lends a velvety texture that complements the other elements.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bacon | 12 oz. | Cooked crisp, half for patties, half for topping |
| Sriracha | 2 tsp. | Mixes with mayo for the sauce |
| Mayonnaise | 5 Tbsp. | Divided: sauce, binding, and topping |
| Ground Turkey | 1 lb. | Lean, for making patties |
| Chives | 1/4 cup | Thinly sliced, fresh for flavor and color |
| Kosher Salt | 1/2 tsp. | Seasoning |
| Black Pepper | To taste | Freshly ground |
| Brioche Buns | 4 | Sliced, for serving |
| Avocado | 1 | Thinly sliced, optional |
| Beefsteak Tomatoes | 1-2 | Large, sliced thick |
| Sweet Potato Fries | 20 oz. frozen | For serving, optional but recommended |
| Olive Oil | 1 Tbsp. | For fries |
| Chili Powder | 1/2 tsp. | Spices fries |
Step-By-Step Directions
- Cook the Bacon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange bacon slices on a wire rack set over a sheet pan and bake for 12–15 minutes, turning halfway through, until just crisp. Remove and let cool before chopping. Reserve some bacon for your burger patties and the rest for topping.
- Prepare Sriracha Mayo: In a small bowl, whisk together sriracha and 4 tablespoons of mayonnaise until smooth. Adjust the sriracha to your desired spice level.
- Bake Sweet Potato Fries: Toss the frozen sweet potato fries with olive oil and chili powder on a baking sheet. Cook according to the package instructions until crispy and golden.
- Make Turkey Patties: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, chopped cooked bacon, chives, 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined—avoid overmixing, which can make patties tough. Shape the mixture into 4 even patties, about 3/4-inch thick.
- Toast the Buns: Wipe a large nonstick skillet clean and heat over medium. Place brioche buns cut-side down and toast until lightly golden, 2–3 minutes. Set aside.
- Cook the Turkey Burgers: In the same skillet, add the turkey patties over medium heat. Sear for about 5 minutes on one side until browned, then flip. Cover loosely and cook 4–5 minutes more, until the middle is no longer pink and an internal thermometer reads 165°F (74°C).
- Assemble the Burgers: Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom half of each bun. Top with a turkey patty, tomato slice, avocado, and a generous spoonful of sriracha mayo. Finish with the reserved bacon and top buns. Serve immediately with sweet potato fries.
Tips for Perfect BLT Turkey Burgers
- Don’t Overwork the Meat: Handle the turkey mixture as little as possible to keep burgers tender and juicy.
- Use Mayonnaise as a Binder: Mayo not only adds flavor but helps the burgers hold together.
- Check Doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure burgers reach 165°F for safe and moist results.
- Crisp Bacon is Key: Baking bacon on a rack in the oven yields perfectly crisp texture and even cooking.
- Customize the Spice: Adjust sriracha in the mayo to taste, or try other hot sauces for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions & Sides
While these BLT turkey burgers are a meal in themselves, balancing flavor and texture, pairing with a simple side can make it feel even more special. Here are some favorite ideas:
- Sweet Potato Fries: Naturally sweet, they add a beautiful color and contrast.
- Crispy Oven Potato Wedges: Classic pairing with any burger.
- Simple Green Salad: A fresh, zesty salad with vinaigrette complements rich toppings.
- Coleslaw: Try a tangy, vinegar-based slaw for crunch and brightness.
- Quick Pickles: Refrigerator pickles can cut through the richness with a touch of acid.
What others are reading
Variations: Making the Recipe Your Own
Once you master the base BLT turkey burger, try these creative variations to switch up your routine:
- Swap the Bun: Try whole wheat, ciabatta, or pretzel buns for variety, or serve lettuce-wrapped for a low-carb version.
- Add Cheese: Melt cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella on the patties in the final minute of cooking for extra richness.
- Go California Style: Add sprouts, cucumber, and hummus for a West Coast vibe.
- Try Caprese Toppings: Basil pesto, roasted red pepper, and fresh mozzarella are a winning combo.
- Add Fried Egg: A runny fried egg on top adds decadence and moisture.
Expert Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Turkey Burgers
- Moisture Matters: Turkey is much leaner than beef, so adding mayo and not overcooking are key to juicy burgers. If you have time, chilling patties before cooking helps them hold their shape.
- Don’t Flatten While Cooking: Pressing down on patties squeezes out precious juices.
- Let Patties Rest: Letting burgers sit for a couple of minutes off the heat before building keeps them juicy and flavorful.
- Use Fresh Toppings: Crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and creamy avocado enhance texture and taste.
Nutritional Information
Turkey burgers are generally lighter than their beef counterparts. The addition of bacon and mayo does increase the calorie count, but by using lean ground turkey and fresh vegetables, you get great flavor without excess fat. If you’re looking to make the meal lighter still, see the suggested variations above for bun and topping swaps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How can I keep my turkey burgers from falling apart?
A: Use mayonnaise as a binder and avoid overmixing the meat. Chill patties for 15 minutes before cooking if grilling, and always use a hot, preheated pan or grill for the initial sear.
Q: How do I know when turkey burgers are done?
A: Cook turkey burgers until an instant-read thermometer registers 165°F (74°C) in the center for food safety and juiciness.
Q: Do turkey burgers taste dry?
A: Not if you add moisture to the mix from ingredients like mayo and chives, and avoid overcooking. Proper seasoning and flavorful toppings also ensure every bite is delicious.
Q: Can I make these burgers ahead?
A: You can shape the patties and store them, covered, in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Cooked burgers also reheat well for meal prep.
Q: What other sauces pair well with turkey burgers?
A: Beyond sriracha mayo, try barbecue sauce, honey mustard, garlic aioli, or pesto mayo for different flavor profiles.
More Turkey Burger Tips and Inspiration
If you enjoyed this version of the BLT turkey burger, explore even more flavor-packed turkey burger recipes featuring different herbs, spice blends, or cheese. Turkey pairs beautifully with bright, herby flavors like dill, parsley, and chives; stronger cheeses like cheddar or gouda; and nearly every classic burger topping. Don’t hesitate to customize according to what’s in season or your personal tastes.
Summary Table: BLT Turkey Burger At-a-Glance
| Component | Role | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Bacon | Salty, smoky crunch | Oven bake for best texture |
| Lettuce | Cool, crisp contrast | Use sturdy leaves like Romaine |
| Tomato | Juicy brightness | Slicethick for maximum flavor |
| Turkey Patty | Lean, tasty base | Add moisture with mayo & chives |
| Sriracha Mayo | Creamy, spicy finish | Customize heat to taste |
| Bun | Soft, slightly sweet foundation | Brioche is rich and makes a great base |
| Avocado | Creaminess and healthy fats | Optional but highly recommended |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make these burgers gluten-free?
A: Yes, substitute gluten-free buns or serve burgers lettuce-wrapped. Most major condiments are gluten-free, but check ingredient labels to be sure.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A: Leftover patties keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
For More BLT-Inspired Ideas
If you love the BLT theme, consider trying variations like BLT salads, BLT wraps, or even BLT breakfast sandwiches. The combination of bacon, lettuce, and tomato with different proteins and sauces opens a world of possibilities for home cooks and food lovers alike.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a60788177/blt-turkey-burgers-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a35812659/turkey-burgers/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a35746622/ranch-turkey-burgers-with-bacon-and-cheddar-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g65595186/blt-recipes/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a78959/chipotle-bacon-turkey-sliders/
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