If you’re craving a juicy, flavorful burger that steps outside the ordinary, this Turkey Burger with Goat Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe is your new go-to. It combines tender, lean ground turkey with the tangy richness of goat cheese and the intense, slightly sweet chewiness of sun-dried tomatoes, creating a harmony of flavors that’s simply irresistible. What’s more, it’s a healthier alternative to beef burgers without sacrificing an ounce of deliciousness. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet key ingredients is all you need to whip up this crowd-pleaser. Each one plays a special role, from adding moisture and texture to boosting the flavor profile and visual appeal of your turkey burgers.
- Panko crumbs: These light, airy breadcrumbs help keep the patties tender and perfectly moist without weighing them down.
- Egg (beaten): Acts as a gentle binder so the turkey patties hold together beautifully on the grill.
- Ground turkey: Lean and packed with protein, it’s the wholesome base for these savory burgers.
- Italian seasoning: Adds an herby, fragrant depth that complements the turkey’s mild flavor.
- Salt: Enhances every other ingredient and brings out the natural flavors in the turkey and toppings.
- Pepper: Offers a subtle kick to balance the creaminess from the goat cheese.
- Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped): These little bursts of concentrated tomato flavor infuse the patties with a delightful tangy sweetness.
- Goat cheese (softened): Creamy and tangy, this is what transforms a regular turkey burger into a gourmet delight.
How to Make Turkey Burger with Goat Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
Start by combining Panko crumbs, the beaten egg, ground turkey, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and those chopped sun-dried tomatoes in a large bowl. Mixing everything thoroughly ensures your flavor is evenly distributed and that the crumbs absorb just the right amount of moisture for juicy, tender patties.
Step 2: Form and Chill the Patties
Shape the mixture into six equally sized patties and pop them into the refrigerator for at least one hour. This chilling time is crucial—it helps the patties set, so they hold together perfectly during grilling and don’t fall apart when flipped.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
Fire up your grill to medium-high heat and cook each burger for about three to four minutes per side. This quick grilling keeps the turkey moist and juicy, with a nice golden crust on the outside without overcooking the delicate meat inside.
Step 4: Let Them Rest
Once off the grill, tent your turkey burgers loosely with foil and let them rest for five minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the patty, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor and tenderness.
Step 5: Top with Goat Cheese and Serve
Finally, slather a generous dollop of soft goat cheese on top of each warm burger. The tangy, creamy cheese melts slightly against the heat of the patty, making every bite decadent in the best way.
How to Serve Turkey Burger with Goat Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Boost your turkey burger’s flavor and texture by adding fresh greens like arugula or baby spinach for a peppery crunch. You can also add thinly sliced red onions or roasted red peppers, which pair beautifully with the sun-dried tomatoes’ rustic sweetness and the tang from the goat cheese.
Side Dishes
These burgers shine alongside simple sides such as sweet potato fries, a crisp garden salad, or even grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. Each side adds color, texture, and extra nutrients to round out your meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your turkey burger with goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes on toasted brioche buns or ciabatta rolls to add a buttery, chewy contrast. You can also try serving them open-faced with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a restaurant-worthy presentation that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any turkey burgers left over, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days and make for an easy lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
Want to prepare ahead in bulk? Freeze the raw patties individually on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can grab exactly how many you need later, and they’ll keep well for up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat cooked turkey burgers, warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven to avoid drying them out. You can also microwave them on medium power, covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, but be careful not to overdo it.
FAQs
Can I use regular dried tomatoes instead of oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes?
While oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes provide extra moisture and richness, you can use regular dried tomatoes—just rehydrate them in warm water first to soften and chop finely. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Is goat cheese necessary or can I substitute it?
Goat cheese adds a unique tang and creaminess that complements the turkey and tomatoes, but if you’re not a fan, creamy feta or ricotta are great alternatives. Avoid harder cheeses, as they won’t melt as nicely.
How do I know when the turkey burgers are fully cooked?
The safest bet is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The burgers should be browned on the outside and no longer pink inside.
Can I prepare the patties ahead and freeze them before cooking?
Absolutely! Form your patties and freeze them raw in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before grilling for best results.
What’s the best bun to pair with these turkey burgers?
Soft brioche buns work beautifully to complement the creamy goat cheese and juicy turkey. For a healthier option, whole wheat or multigrain buns add texture and heartiness without overwhelming the flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey Burger with Goat Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe is a perfect blend of wholesome ingredients and gourmet flair that’s easy enough for any weeknight and special enough to impress friends and family. Once you try it, you’ll see how quick it is to elevate simple turkey into a superstar meal, bursting with flavor and texture at every bite. Don’t just take my word for it — give it a go and savor all the delicious layers this recipe offers!
Print
Turkey Burger with Goat Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 burgers
- Category: Main Course, Sandwiches
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and juicy turkey burgers enhanced with sun-dried tomatoes and creamy goat cheese. This recipe combines lean ground turkey with flavorful seasonings and Italian herbs, grilled to perfection for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ¾ cup Panko crumbs
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1 ½ pounds ground turkey
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- ½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
- 6 ounces goat cheese (softened)
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the Panko crumbs, beaten egg, ground turkey, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form Patties: Shape the mixture into 6 evenly sized patties. Place the patties on a plate or tray and refrigerate them for at least one hour to help them set and hold their shape during grilling.
- Grill Burgers: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Cook the turkey patties for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are fully cooked through and have nice grill marks.
- Rest Burgers: Remove the cooked turkey burgers from the grill and tent them loosely with aluminum foil. Allow them to rest for 5 minutes to retain their juices and ensure tenderness.
- Add Goat Cheese: Spread the softened goat cheese generously on top of each turkey burger just before serving. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Refrigerating the patties before grilling helps them hold together and develop better texture.
- Ensure the internal temperature of the turkey burgers reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Use softened goat cheese for easy spreading and enhanced creaminess.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy sweetness and depth of flavor to the turkey patties.
- Serve with your choice of buns, lettuce, or additional toppings for a complete meal.
