Juicy Garlic Parmesan Turkey Burgers – Tender and Flavorful
Rethink Turkey Burgers – This One is a Game-Changer!
Who doesn’t love a good burger? With fast-food joints on every corner, it’s safe to say burgers have won the hearts (and stomachs) of many. But turkey burgers? Not so much. Let’s be honest, if you’ve had a dry, bland turkey burger in the past, I don’t blame you for being skeptical. But trust me, this is not that turkey burger. This one is packed with flavor, moisture, and, oh yes, lots of garlic. (I knew that would get your attention. 
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We’re talking a juicy, cheesy, garlicky bite that will have you rethinking your “only beef” burger rule. No more sad, flavorless turkey patties, this one is bursting with garlic, Parmesan, and the perfect blend of herbs. So, let’s switch things up, add some variety to your kitchen (and belly), and make a turkey burger that actually deserves a spot on your plate! 
How to Choose the Best Ground Turkey for Juicy, Flavorful Turkey Burgers
The wonderful thing about this garlic Parmesan turkey burger recipe is that the turkey patty itself is packed with flavor and moisture, no need for extra toppings or condiments. Let’s start by talking about the turkey meat. The best ground turkey to use for this recipe is 85/15, as the 15% fat content is the perfect balance for a juicy burger. However, if you can only find a different blend, don’t worry, 80% lean turkey works just fine, though it will be a bit fattier. On the other hand, leaner options will result in a drier burger, but we can fix that easily. If you happen to have turkey with less fat than 85/15, you may need to add a little more fat to the mix. Don’t be alarmed, fat is what makes burgers juicy and delicious! Here’s a handy list of the most common ground turkey blends you’ll find in stores:
Ground Turkey Percentages:
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85/15 (Ideal)
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80/20 (Good, fattier)
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90/10 (Lean)
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93/7 (Very lean)
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99/1 (Extra lean)
Now, let’s talk about adding extra fat to the recipe. If you’re using lean turkey, you can add more mayo than the recipe calls for, or even a little butter or olive oil. Mayo is an especially great option because it’s made from eggs and oil, giving the burger that extra richness it needs.
Perfecting the Garlic Parmesan Turkey Burger with Flavorful Toppings and Sauces
Burgers are incredibly versatile, offering the perfect opportunity to make it your way with toppings and sauces that suit your cravings. This garlic Parmesan turkey burger is no exception! I’ve taken it up a notch for garlic lovers by incorporating three key garlic components. First, I added garlic powder to the ground turkey because it has a mellow flavor that blends perfectly into the meat. I want all the garlic elements to complement each other without one being too overpowering. Next, I made garlic mushrooms—this is totally optional, but if you’re a mushroom fan (or want to be!), it’s a delicious addition. Finally, I whipped up a garlic mayo to tie it all together. You can go for a lighter version that includes yogurt (find the recipe here), or use this easy mayo mixture for a richer taste.
Garlic Parmesan Herb Turkey Burger with Garlic Butter Mushrooms
Ingredients
For the Turkey Burgers:
- 1 lb ground turkey 85/15
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise for moisture
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard adds a little tang
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
For the Garlic Butter Mushrooms:
- 8 oz mushrooms baby bella, cremini, or white, cleaned and halved if large
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 large cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder adds depth
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or thyme chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan
Instructions
For the Turkey Burgers:
- Make the patties: In a bowl, mix ground turkey with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, Parmesan, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard. Shape into patties.
- Cook: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook patties for 4-5 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Melt the cheese: Add cheese in the last minute of cooking and cover the pan to help it melt.
- Toast the buns: Lightly toast brioche or ciabatta buns for added texture.
For the Garlic Butter Mushrooms:
- Heat pan: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sauté mushrooms: Add mushrooms in a single layer and cook without stirring for 3-4 minutes (this helps them brown).
- Stir and cook another 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
- Add garlic & butter: Reduce heat to medium, add butter, garlic, salt, pepper, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika.
- Stir until the butter coats the mushrooms, cooking for 2 more minutes.
- Finish & serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley and Parmesan.
- Serve the turkey burger topped with garlic butter mushrooms for a delicious, hearty meal! Enjoy!
Notes
Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Turkey Burger: Flavorful Additions and Topping Ideas
This is a very simple recipe, but I still want to make sure you get the best possible outcome. To help you achieve a perfectly juicy and flavorful garlic Parmesan turkey burger, here are a few tips:
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Don’t overmix the meat – Gently combine the ingredients to keep the burger tender and juicy.
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Tone down the garlic – If you love garlic but want a milder punch, try using roasted garlic or garlic powder in place of raw garlic. This will still give you that rich garlic flavor without overwhelming the palate.
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Finish it off your way – Top your burger with crispy fried onions, fresh green leaf lettuce, and a juicy heirloom tomato for the ultimate crunch and freshness. For an extra tang, a dollop of spicy mustard is a great option. YUMMMEEEE!
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Add smokiness – If you're craving a smoky flavor without firing up the grill, try adding a smoked cheese like smoked Gruyère or Gouda. You can also incorporate smoked paprika into the burger and mushrooms for an added depth of flavor.
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For grill masters – This recipe is perfect for grilling! Fire up your grill and watch as those turkey burger naysayers turn into fans of your smoky, juicy creation.
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A little extra crunch – I also added a lovely Parmesan cheese chip for an additional salty, crunchy goodness. This might not be for the faint of heart, but if you’re a fan of extra crunch and flavor, it’s definitely worth trying. (LOL)
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Toasted buns for extra texture – I used slightly sweet Hawaiian buns for that perfect balance of flavor, and toasted the inside with butter to add an irresistible texture and extra richness. You can use whatever buns you prefer, but this little step really elevates the burger.
Let me know how it turns out for you! Oh, and if you need a little extra inspiration, check out the video for some tips and tricks.
Pair Your Juicy Garlic Parmesan Turkey Burger with Smoky Marinara and Fries
"Now that you’ve got the juiciest, most flavorful garlic Parmesan turkey burger on your plate, why not take it up a notch? Pair it with my smoky marinara sauce for that perfect blend of tang and richness, and serve with a side of crispy French fries to complete the meal. Whether you’re grilling for a quick weeknight dinner or having a weekend cookout, these burgers, paired with smoky marinara, are sure to impress your guests and become a new favorite!"
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Hey, if you tried this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know what you think! A quick rating helps others out too, and if you added your own twist, let’s talk about it!