As the crisp autumn air begins to weave its way through the trees, bringing with it the earthy scent of fallen leaves and the promise of cozy gatherings, I find myself reminiscing about one of my favorite seasonal traditions: our family’s annual fall cookout. Every year, as the leaves turn golden and the weather calls for sweaters, we gather in our backyard to celebrate the season with a feast that brings together the flavors of autumn in the most delightful way.
It was during one of these heartwarming cookouts that I first stumbled upon a combination that seemed almost serendipitous: the crisp sweetness of Honeycrisp apples paired with the savory richness of cheddar cheese, all nestled inside a juicy turkey burger. My grandmother, who has always had an uncanny knack for turning simple ingredients into extraordinary meals, was the mastermind behind this unique creation. She would often talk about how the blend of apple and cheddar in a burger was inspired by her childhood memories of sweet and savory combinations at harvest festivals.
The magic of this Apple Cheddar Turkey Burger lies in its simplicity and the way it beautifully encapsulates the essence of autumn. Imagine biting into a tender turkey patty, infused with the subtle sweetness of grated apples and a hint of Dijon mustard, crowned with a melting slice of Wisconsin cheddar. Each bite is a symphony of flavors—a balance of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy from the Maple Dijon Mayo, which adds just the right touch of richness.
As the patties sizzle and caramelize in the skillet, the kitchen fills with the comforting aroma of Thanksgiving-like spices—dried thyme, onion powder, and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. The experience is not just about eating; it’s about reliving those cherished moments with family and friends, gathered around the table, sharing stories, laughter, and of course, delicious food.
The toasted brioche buns, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, hold everything together beautifully, while the green leaf lettuce and thin apple slices provide a fresh crunch that perfectly complements the rich, cheesy patty. This burger is more than just a meal; it’s a reminder of those special fall gatherings and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones.
So, whether you’re hosting a fall barbecue or just looking for a comforting weeknight dinner, these Apple Cheddar Turkey Burgers will bring a touch of autumn magic to your table. Enjoy each bite, knowing you’re not just savoring a meal, but reliving a tradition that’s filled with warmth, flavor, and the essence of family.
Making Apple Cheddar Turkey Burger
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Ingredients
- 16 oz. ground turkey (94% lean)
- 1 cup finely grated Honeycrisp apple
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 4 oz. sliced Wisconsin cheddar cheese
- 4 toasted brioche buns
- Green leaf lettuce
- Thinly sliced apples
Directions
- Combine the ground turkey, grated apple, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix the ingredients gently with your hands until everything is well incorporated, creating a slightly moist mixture. Shape the mixture into four patties.
- Heat a nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat, and lightly coat with oil spray or nonstick cooking spray. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the patties to ensure a good sear and prevent sticking.
- Cook the patties on one side for 5 minutes. Flip them, reduce the heat to medium, and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty to melt.
- To make the maple Dijon mayo, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the burgers by spreading the maple Dijon mayo on the toasted brioche buns. Layer with green leaf lettuce, thin apple slices, and the cooked turkey patties with melted cheddar cheese.
Storing Suggestion
Store leftover turkey patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving. The mayo can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Cooking Tips
To enhance flavor, consider adding a dash of paprika or a pinch of garlic powder to the turkey mixture. For a juicier burger, avoid overmixing the ground turkey. Ensure the skillet or grill pan is properly preheated to achieve a nice sear on the patties.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these turkey burgers with a side of sweet potato fries or a crisp salad. They pair well with a refreshing apple cider or a light lager.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you prefer a different cheese, try using Swiss or provolone instead of cheddar. You can also substitute the Honeycrisp apple with another sweet apple variety like Fuji or Gala.
Seasonal Variations
During fall, add some cinnamon to the turkey mixture for a seasonal twist. In summer, top the burgers with fresh, grilled vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy (cheddar cheese) and may contain gluten (brioche buns). Use gluten-free buns and dairy-free cheese for allergen-free alternatives.
FAQ:
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground chicken or pork for the turkey. Adjust cooking times as needed based on the type of meat used.
Can I prepare the patties in advance?
Absolutely. You can form the patties up to a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
How can I make the burgers spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the turkey mixture for an extra kick.
Can I freeze the cooked patties?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked patties. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to an airtight container. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
How do I make the mayo spicier?
Add a little hot sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper to the maple Dijon mayo to increase the heat level.
What can I serve with these burgers?
Consider serving the burgers with a side of coleslaw, pickles, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Apple Cheddar Turkey Burger
Ingredients
- 16 oz. ground turkey 94% lean
- 1 cup grated Honeycrisp apple
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly cracked
- 4 oz. sliced Wisconsin cheddar
- 4 toasted brioche buns
- Green leaf lettuce
- Thinly sliced apples
For the Maple Dijon Mayo:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- n a large bowl, mix together the ground turkey, grated apple, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Gently combine the ingredients with your hands until well blended. The mixture will be slightly moist. Form the mixture into 4 patties.
- Preheat a nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and apply a light coat of oil spray or nonstick cooking spray. Ensure the pan is hot before placing the patties in it to achieve a good sear and prevent sticking.
- Cook the turkey patties on one side for 5 minutes. Flip the patties, lower the heat to medium, and cook for an additional 5 to 6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty.
- For the mayo, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup until well combined.
- Assemble the burgers on toasted brioche buns with green leaf lettuce, thin apple slices, and a generous spread of maple Dijon mayo.
