Feta Cheese Turkey Burgers: A Mediterranean Twist on a Classic
Turkey burgers often get a bad rap for being dry and bland. But what if I told you that you could make incredibly juicy and flavorful turkey burgers with a simple addition? The secret? Feta cheese! These Feta Cheese Turkey Burgers are a game-changer. The salty, tangy feta not only adds moisture but also infuses the burgers with a delicious Mediterranean flavor profile. Combined with fresh herbs, garlic, and a hint of lemon, these burgers are a far cry from boring. Get ready to elevate your burger game!
## Why Feta Cheese Works So Well in Turkey Burgers
* **Moisture Retention:** Turkey, especially lean ground turkey, can dry out quickly during cooking. Feta cheese, with its higher fat content compared to some other cheeses, helps to keep the burgers moist and succulent.
* **Flavor Bomb:** Feta’s distinct salty and tangy flavor profile provides a wonderful contrast to the milder taste of ground turkey. It adds depth and complexity that transforms the burger from ordinary to extraordinary.
* **Mediterranean Flair:** Feta cheese is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, and it instantly adds a touch of this vibrant and healthy flavor to your burgers. Think sunshine, olive groves, and fresh herbs – all in one bite!
* **Textural Interest:** The creamy, slightly crumbly texture of feta cheese complements the ground turkey beautifully. It adds a pleasant mouthfeel that keeps things interesting.
## The Perfect Feta Cheese Turkey Burger Recipe
This recipe is designed to be easy to follow and adaptable to your personal preferences. Feel free to adjust the quantities of herbs, spices, and lemon juice to suit your taste. The key is to start with high-quality ingredients and avoid overcooking the burgers.
**Yields:** 4 burgers
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 15-20 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 1.5 pounds ground turkey (preferably 93% lean)
* 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
* 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste, remember the feta is salty!)
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing the grill or pan)
* 4 burger buns of your choice
**Optional Toppings:**
* Sliced tomatoes
* Cucumber slices
* Red onion slices
* Lettuce
* Tzatziki sauce
* Hummus
* Avocado slices
* Roasted red peppers
**Equipment:**
* Large mixing bowl
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Grill or skillet
* Spatula
**Instructions:**
**1. Prepare the Turkey Burger Mixture:**
* In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground turkey, crumbled feta cheese, red onion, minced garlic, parsley, mint, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough burgers. Use your hands to gently incorporate the ingredients until just combined. A light touch is key!
**2. Form the Patties:**
* Divide the turkey mixture into four equal portions. Gently shape each portion into a patty, about 3/4 inch thick. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb. This helps prevent the burgers from puffing up during cooking.
**3. Chill the Patties (Optional but Recommended):**
* Place the patties on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and helps the patties hold their shape during cooking. Chilling also firms up the patties, preventing them from falling apart on the grill or in the pan.
**4. Preheat the Grill or Skillet:**
* If using a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F or 190-200°C). Brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.
* If using a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
**5. Cook the Burgers:**
* **Grilling:** Place the patties on the preheated grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. Avoid pressing down on the burgers while they are cooking, as this will squeeze out the juices and make them dry.
* **Skillet:** Place the patties in the preheated skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Again, avoid pressing down on the burgers. If the burgers are browning too quickly, reduce the heat to medium.
**6. Rest the Burgers:**
* Once the burgers are cooked through, remove them from the grill or skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the burger, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy final product. Tent loosely with foil to keep them warm.
**7. Assemble the Burgers:**
* While the burgers are resting, lightly toast the burger buns if desired.
* Spread your favorite sauce (tzatziki, hummus, or even just mayonnaise) on the top and bottom buns.
* Place a cooked burger on the bottom bun.
* Top with your desired toppings, such as sliced tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, lettuce, avocado, or roasted red peppers.
* Place the top bun on the burger and serve immediately.
## Tips for the Best Feta Cheese Turkey Burgers
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the turkey mixture will result in tough burgers. Mix the ingredients just until they are combined.
* **Use High-Quality Ground Turkey:** Look for ground turkey that is 93% lean or higher. This will help prevent the burgers from being too greasy.
* **Don’t Skip the Chilling Step:** Chilling the patties helps them hold their shape and allows the flavors to meld together.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** The best way to ensure that your turkey burgers are cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the burger and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
* **Don’t Press Down on the Burgers:** Pressing down on the burgers while they are cooking will squeeze out the juices and make them dry.
* **Let the Burgers Rest:** Letting the burgers rest for 5 minutes before serving allows the juices to redistribute throughout the burger, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy final product.
* **Toast the Buns:** Toasting the burger buns adds a nice texture and prevents them from getting soggy.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings to create your own signature Feta Cheese Turkey Burger. Consider Mediterranean-inspired toppings like tzatziki sauce, hummus, roasted red peppers, and avocado.
* **Add Breadcrumbs (If Needed):** If your turkey mixture seems too wet, you can add a tablespoon or two of breadcrumbs to help absorb the excess moisture. Start with a small amount and add more as needed until the mixture holds together well.
* **Use a Food Processor (Optional):** You can use a food processor to finely chop the red onion, garlic, parsley, and mint. This will ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the turkey mixture.
## Variations and Adaptations
* **Spicy Feta Cheese Turkey Burgers:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the turkey mixture for a spicy kick.
* **Spinach and Feta Turkey Burgers:** Add 1/2 cup of chopped fresh spinach to the turkey mixture for added nutrients and flavor.
* **Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Turkey Burgers:** Add 1/4 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the turkey mixture for a burst of Mediterranean flavor.
* **Lamb and Feta Burgers:** Substitute ground lamb for ground turkey for a richer, more flavorful burger.
* **Chicken and Feta Burgers:** Substitute ground chicken for ground turkey for a lighter burger.
* **Vegetarian Option:** Use a plant-based ground meat alternative, such as Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger, to make vegetarian feta burgers. Make sure the brand can stand up to grilling.
* **Gluten-Free Option:** Use gluten-free burger buns and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
## Serving Suggestions
These Feta Cheese Turkey Burgers are delicious served with a variety of side dishes, including:
* Greek salad
* Roasted vegetables (such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers)
* Sweet potato fries
* Quinoa salad
* Coleslaw
* Potato salad
* Fruit salad
They’re also great on their own, or as part of a larger cookout spread.
## Storing Leftovers
Cooked Feta Cheese Turkey Burgers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave them, bake them in the oven, or pan-fry them in a skillet. Make sure to heat them thoroughly until they are warmed through.
Leftover burger patties can also be crumbled and used in salads, wraps, or pasta dishes.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate per burger, without bun or toppings):
* Calories: 350-400
* Protein: 35-40 grams
* Fat: 20-25 grams
* Carbohydrates: 5-10 grams
*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
## Final Thoughts
These Feta Cheese Turkey Burgers are a flavorful and healthy alternative to traditional beef burgers. The addition of feta cheese transforms the turkey from bland to brilliant, adding moisture, flavor, and a touch of Mediterranean flair. With their easy preparation and customizable toppings, they are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue. So, fire up the grill or grab your skillet and get ready to enjoy the best turkey burger you’ve ever had!
Enjoy!
## Recipe Card
**Feta Cheese Turkey Burgers**
A juicy and flavorful turkey burger with a Mediterranean twist, thanks to the addition of feta cheese, fresh herbs, and a hint of lemon.
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 15-20 minutes
**Yields:** 4 burgers
**Ingredients:**
* 1.5 pounds ground turkey (93% lean)
* 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
* 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 4 burger buns
* Optional toppings: Tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, lettuce, tzatziki sauce, etc.
**Instructions:**
1. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, feta, red onion, garlic, parsley, mint, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.
2. Form the mixture into 4 patties, about 3/4 inch thick. Make a small indentation in the center of each.
3. Chill the patties for at least 30 minutes.
4. Preheat grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Brush with olive oil.
5. Cook patties for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Let the burgers rest for 5 minutes.
7. Assemble burgers on buns with desired toppings.
**Notes:**
* Don’t overmix the turkey mixture.
* Use a meat thermometer to ensure burgers are cooked through.
* Get creative with toppings! Tzatziki, hummus, and roasted red peppers are great options.