Spicy Jalapeño Turkey Burgers

This juicy jalapeño turkey burger recipe takes ordinary turkey patties to a whole new level with spicy jalapeños, crispy bacon bits, and melty cheese all mixed right into the meat. The result is a flavorful, moist burger that will convert even the most dedicated beef burger enthusiasts.

I first made these burgers when trying to cut back on red meat but still craving something satisfying. My family was skeptical at first but now these have become our go to summer grilling recipe that everyone requests when they visit.

• Ground turkey thigh meat with 7% fat: ensures juicy burgers that won't dry out
• Fresh jalapeños: provide the perfect kick of heat that distributes throughout the patty
• Sharp cheddar cheese: adds richness and helps bind the patties together
• Streaky bacon: brings smoky flavor and additional moisture to the lean turkey
• Jalapeño hot sauce: amplifies the heat level without overwhelming the other flavors
• Garlic powder: infuses savory notes throughout the mixture
• Kosher salt: enhances all the flavors without making the burgers taste salty
• Brioche buns: provide the perfect soft yet sturdy base for these flavorful burgers

How To Make Jalapeño Turkey Burgers

Cook the bacon:

Place bacon in a frying pan over medium heat and cook for about 5 minutes until just golden but not too crispy. Transfer to paper towels to absorb excess fat and cool before chopping into small pieces. The bacon adds essential fat and flavor to the lean turkey.

Mix the patties:

Combine ground turkey, finely chopped jalapeños, shredded cheese, chopped bacon, hot sauce, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Use your hands to gently mix everything until just combined. Avoid overworking the mixture as this will make your burgers tough and dense instead of juicy.

Form and chill:

Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape into patties about half an inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up during cooking. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour to help the patties hold their shape when cooking.

Cook to perfection:

Heat your grill or griddle pan to medium high heat. Cook the burgers for 5 to 7 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Turkey must be cooked thoroughly for food safety. Add cheese slices during the final minute of cooking if desired.

Assemble and serve:

Toast the brioche buns lightly. Spread chipotle mayo on the bottom bun, add the turkey patty, then top with sliced jalapeños, smashed avocado and pickled onions. The combination of spicy, creamy, and tangy toppings complements the flavorful patty perfectly.

The jalapeños are truly the star ingredient in this recipe. I found that finely chopping them distributes the heat more evenly than slicing. My husband who usually finds turkey burgers bland actually declared these better than my beef burgers after I perfected this recipe. That was the ultimate compliment.

Make Ahead Options

These patties can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and kept covered in the refrigerator. This makes them perfect for entertaining as you can do all the prep work beforehand. You can even freeze the raw patties by placing parchment paper between them and storing in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before cooking.

Perfect Toppings Combinations

While the recipe suggests chipotle mayo, smashed avocado, and pickled onions, there are countless ways to top these burgers. Try a southwestern version with corn salsa and lime crema. For a more traditional approach, lettuce, tomato, and red onion work beautifully. My personal favorite is adding a fried egg with runny yolk that creates an incredible sauce when combined with the spicy flavors of the burger.

Heat Level Adjustments

These burgers have a medium heat level that most people enjoy. To make them milder, remove the jalapeño seeds and membranes before chopping, or reduce to just one pepper. For extra spicy burgers, keep all seeds and membranes and add an extra teaspoon of hot sauce. You can also adjust the heat level with your toppings, adding extra sliced jalapeños for spice lovers or cooling avocado and sour cream for those who prefer milder flavors.

Cooking Method Variations

While grilling gives these burgers fantastic flavor, they can also be cooked in other ways with excellent results. In a cast iron skillet, cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes per side until fully cooked through. For baking, place on a parchment lined baking sheet and cook at 375°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Always verify they reach 165°F internal temperature regardless of cooking method.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prevent turkey burgers from drying out?

Use ground turkey thigh meat with about 7% fat content instead of breast meat. Don't overmix the patty mixture, and chill the formed patties for 30-60 minutes before cooking. Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) but avoid overcooking. Adding ingredients like cheese and bacon to the mixture also helps maintain moisture.

→ Can I make these burgers less spicy?

Yes! To reduce the heat, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before chopping, use fewer jalapeños, or substitute with milder peppers like poblanos. You can also omit the jalapeño hot sauce and reduce or eliminate the sliced jalapeños used as a topping.

→ Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

You can prepare the patties up to 24 hours in advance. Form the patties, place them on a parchment-lined tray with space between each, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. You can also fully cook the patties, cool them, and refrigerate for 2-3 days, then reheat gently before serving.

→ What can I serve with jalapeño turkey burgers?

These burgers pair wonderfully with sweet potato fries, a simple green salad, grilled corn on the cob, coleslaw, or a light quinoa salad. For drinks, try a cold Mexican beer, margaritas, or even a jalapeño limeade for those who enjoy spice.

→ Can I cook these burgers in the oven instead of grilling?

Yes, you can bake these turkey burgers in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For a browned exterior, you can broil them for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking time.

→ How do I make quick pickled onions?

Thinly slice a red onion and place in a jar. Combine ½ cup red wine vinegar, ½ cup water, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer until salt and sugar dissolve. Pour the hot liquid over the onions and let sit for at least 20-30 minutes. They'll keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.