Introduction

Apple turkey burgers offer a fresh and flavorful twist on the classic turkey burger. The combination of juicy turkey, sweet honeycrisp apples, and tangy cranberry aioli makes this dish perfect for a satisfying, seasonal meal.

A close-up of a burger on a wooden board with a white marbled background. The burger has four main layers: at the bottom, a soft, light brown sesame seed bun base; above it, a layer of fresh green leafy lettuce with some light green tones; on top of the lettuce, a thick and juicy cooked meat patty with a slightly browned texture; melted white cheese draping over the patty; and a generous spread of pinkish sauce with bits visible under the top bun, which is a golden-brown sesame seed bun. In the blurred background, there is a jar with an orange beverage. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound (16 ounces) ground turkey
½ cup finely diced honeycrisp apple
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup whole cranberry sauce (homemade or from a can)
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
¼ teaspoon kosher salt (for aioli)
¼ teaspoon black pepper (for aioli)
4 hamburger buns
4 slices white cheddar cheese
Kale apple slaw

Instructions

Step 1: Make the cranberry aioli by microwaving the cranberry sauce in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds until lightly melted. Let it cool slightly, then whisk together the cranberry sauce, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the burgers.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine ground turkey, finely diced apples, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until the spices and apples are evenly distributed throughout the meat.
Step 3: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form each into a flat hamburger patty.
Step 4: To grill, preheat your grill to 350°F. Place the patties on the grill grates and cook covered for 5 minutes until they release easily. Flip and cook for another 5 to 8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Add a slice of white cheddar cheese on each burger during the last 1 to 2 minutes to melt slightly.
Step 5: To bake, preheat the oven to 400°F. Arrange the patties on a baking sheet sprayed with nonstick spray. Bake for 13 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Add cheese slices in the last 1 to 2 minutes of baking to melt.
Step 6: Spread cranberry aioli on the hamburger buns. Place the cooked apple turkey burgers on the buns and top with kale apple slaw. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Use crisp, sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for the best texture and flavor in the patties.
For a smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the turkey mixture.
Try swapping kale apple slaw with arugula or mixed greens for a different salad topping.
Make the cranberry aioli ahead of time to allow flavors to meld.

Storage

Store leftover cooked burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the cranberry aioli separate to preserve freshness for up to one week. Reheat burgers gently in the oven or on the stovetop to avoid drying out. Reassemble with fresh buns and toppings before serving.

How to Serve

Two juicy burgers sit side by side on a wooden board, each with three main layers. The bottom layer is a soft, light brown sesame seed bun. On top of the bun, there is a thick layer of fresh, curly green kale leaves with some thin white slices mixed in. Above the greens, a thick, well-cooked light brown meat patty holds a melted slice of creamy white cheese that drapes slightly over its edges. The top layer is a golden-brown sesame seed bun with a spread of pinkish sauce visible around the edges. The background shows a light, white marbled texture, and part of a clear jar with an orange drink and some fruit is slightly visible behind the burgers. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken can be used as a substitute. The flavors will remain similar, though chicken tends to be milder in taste.

How do I know when the burgers are fully cooked?

The safest way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F to ensure the turkey is fully cooked.