Apple Turkey Burgers with Cranberry Aioli and Kale Apple Slaw Recipe
These Apple Turkey Burgers are a delicious twist on a classic, combining lean ground turkey with sweet honeycrisp apples and aromatic spices. Topped with a creamy cranberry aioli and complemented by kale apple slaw, they offer a perfect balance of savory and fruity flavors. Ideal for grilling or baking, this recipe makes a flavorful, healthy meal sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
For Apple Turkey Burgers
- 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
For Cranberry Aioli
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup whole cranberry sauce (homemade or from a can)
- ½ teaspoon dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Other Toppings
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 slices white cheddar cheese
- Kale apple slaw
Instructions
- Make the cranberry aioli: Microwave cranberry sauce in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds until lightly melted. Allow it to cool slightly. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, warmed cranberry sauce, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Place the aioli in the refrigerator to chill while preparing the burgers.
- Prepare the turkey mixture: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, finely diced honeycrisp apple, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the spices and apples are evenly distributed throughout the meat.
- Form the patties: Divide the turkey mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion gently into flat hamburger patties, ensuring they are compact but not overly dense for tender results.
- Cook the burgers – Grilling method: Preheat your grill to 350°F (175°C). Place the turkey patties on the grill grates and cover. Cook for 5 minutes or until the burgers release easily from the grill. Flip and cook for another 5 to 8 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). During the last 1 to 2 minutes of cooking, add a slice of white cheddar cheese on top of each burger to melt slightly.
- Cook the burgers – Baking method: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with nonstick spray and place the patties on it. Bake for 13 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Add a slice of white cheddar cheese on each patty during the last 1 to 2 minutes of baking to allow it to melt.
- Assemble and serve: Spread a generous layer of cranberry aioli onto the bottom half of each hamburger bun. Place the cooked turkey burger topped with melted cheese over the aioli, then add a helping of kale apple slaw on top. Finish with the top bun and serve immediately for a flavorful, juicy burger experience.
Notes
- Use honeycrisp apples for the best balance of sweetness and crunch, but other crisp apples like Fuji or Gala can be substituted.
- Internal cooking temperature of 165°F is essential for safely cooking ground turkey.
- Both grilling and baking work well; choose based on your available equipment and preference.
- Kale apple slaw adds a refreshing crunch that complements the flavors but can be replaced with any crisp leafy slaw if desired.
- Leftover cranberry aioli makes a great spread for sandwiches or a dip for fries.
Keywords: turkey burgers, apple turkey burgers, cranberry aioli, healthy burgers, grilled turkey burgers, fall recipes, fruit in burgers
