Turkey Burger Recipe

Mix

In a medium bowl combine ground turkey, minced shallot, parsley, Worcestershire, Dijon, breadcrumbs, half an egg (beat a whole egg and use half), kosher salt, and black pepper. Gently mix with your hands or a fork until just combined; avoid overworking which makes patties dense.

Form Patties

Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each). Form each into a patty roughly 3.5 inches in diameter and about 3/4 inch thick. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent doming while cooking.

Cook Patties

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. When shimmering, add patties (do not overcrowd; cook in two batches if necessary). Cook 4–5 minutes on the first side until browned, flip, reduce heat to medium, and cook another 4–5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). In the last 2 minutes of cooking, top each patty with 2 ounces of Brie (slice thinly or tear) and cover the pan with a lid to melt the cheese gently.

Rest

Transfer cooked patties to a plate and let rest 3 minutes so juices redistribute and Brie finishes melting.

While patties rest, whisk together mayonnaise, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, grated garlic, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth and slightly glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning — add a little more honey if you prefer sweeter or more balsamic for tang. Keep refrigerated until assembly.

Prepare Apples

Core and very thinly slice the apple into rounds or half-moons (use a mandoline if available for uniform thin slices). If you prefer, toss slices in a teaspoon of lemon juice to prevent browning.

Toast Buns

Butter the cut sides of the burger buns lightly. In a separate skillet over medium heat or on the griddle, toast buttered cut sides until golden, about 1–2 minutes. Toasting time may be shorter if pan is hot—watch closely to avoid burning.

Assemble Burgers

Spread about 1 tablespoon of balsamic aioli on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place the Brie-topped turkey patty on the aioli. Spoon 3/4 teaspoon of strawberry jam over the melted Brie (distribute the 3 tablespoons among 4 burgers). Layer 3–4 thin apple slices on top of the jam for crunch and bright flavor. Add a small handful of mixed greens if using. Spread a little aioli or a light smear of jam on the top bun if desired, then close the burger.

Serve

Serve immediately while patties are warm and Brie is melty. Offer extra aioli and jam at the table if preferred.