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Caprese Turkey Burgers Recipe

5 from 173 reviews

These Caprese Turkey Burgers combine juicy, lean ground turkey patties with fresh mozzarella, basil, and a flavorful pesto mayo for a delicious twist on a classic burger. Grilled to perfection in a skillet and topped with ripe tomato slices and a balsamic glaze, these burgers are a fresh and satisfying meal option perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pesto Mayonnaise

  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons store-bought or homemade pesto

Turkey Patties

  • 1 lb. ground turkey (preferably 93% or 94% lean)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil
  • 1/2 oz. Parmesan cheese, finely grated (about 1/4 cup)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil, divided

Additional Toppings and Assembly

  • 4 (1/2-inch thick) slices fresh mozzarella (about 2 oz. each), divided
  • 4 hamburger buns, toasted
  • 4 large tomato slices
  • 4 teaspoons balsamic glaze
  • 12 large fresh basil leaves

Instructions

  1. Make the Pesto Mayonnaise: In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise and pesto until fully combined. Set this sauce aside for serving later.
  2. Prepare the Turkey Patties: In a large bowl, using clean hands or a spatula, gently mix the ground turkey, beaten egg, finely chopped basil, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper just until combined. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a round patty about 1/2 inch thick.
  3. Cook the Patties: Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large metal or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Place two patties in the skillet, spaced evenly apart. Cook without moving until a browned crust forms on the bottom, about 3 minutes. Flip the burgers, cover the pan, and cook until the internal temperature reaches 155°F, approximately 2 minutes.
  4. Add Mozzarella: Remove the pan cover and place one slice of mozzarella on each cooked patty. Cover the pan again and cook until the cheese melts and the burgers are cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F, about 1 minute more. Transfer the finished patties to a plate. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining tablespoon of oil, patties, and mozzarella slices.
  5. Assemble the Burgers: Spread the pesto mayonnaise evenly on the bottom halves of the toasted buns. Top each with a turkey burger patty, a slice of tomato, and season the tomato generously with salt and pepper. Drizzle 1 teaspoon of balsamic glaze over the tomato, add three large basil leaves, and close the burger with the top bun.

Notes

  • For best results, use fresh mozzarella and fresh basil for authentic Caprese flavors.
  • Ensure the turkey patties reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
  • You can make your own pesto or use store-bought pesto for convenience.
  • This recipe can be cooked on a grill if preferred instead of a skillet, adjusting cook times accordingly.
  • Leftover patties can be refrigerated up to 2 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.

Keywords: caprese turkey burgers, turkey burgers, pesto mayo, mozzarella burgers, basil burgers, balsamic glaze burger