Turkey burgers get a bad rap for being boring. Rest assured, THIS Jalapeno Turkey Burger is anything but boring. This is the turkey burger that will have you hooked!
We are only a few days into June and I've already been on a major burger kick. Usually, this doesn't set in until mid July-ish. We can have weeks where I just don't feel like being in the kitchen much, so we will throw burgers on a few times during the same week. In years past, I've just thrown some frozen burgers on the grill and that was that, but lately I've been feeling like experimenting more (like with my {Almost} Chicken Parmesan Burger). I'm sure there will be some frozen burger out of the box days this summer, but for now while I'm feeling adventurous, we'll be having ridiculously delicious burgers, much like this Jalapeño Turkey Burger.
As if the Jalapeño Turkey Burger title didn't already entice you, wait until I tell you what else I put in it.....Okay, you don't have to wait, Turkey Bacon! Yes, I did! I was going to use regular bacon, but then I decided not to bog this burger down with heavy, fatty pork bacon. Don't get me wrong, heavy, fatty pork bacon has a place, this burger just isn't it.
Here's a great bacon TIP: If you only have a few slices to cook (as in this recipe), zap it in the microwave. I place my bacon slices on a paper towel lined paper plate and then place another sheet of paper towel on top, then cook on high power for 2 minutes. Super crispy every time. Pork bacon takes a bit longer (about 4-5 min), but the method also works for that too. If you aren't up for my paper towel method, they actually sell a microwave bacon cooker for cheap money.
Let's talk heat for a minute. The heat in a jalapeño pepper lies in the seeds. If you like things spicy, use some of the seeds in the mixture. However, if spice isn't your thing or you're preparing this for small children, make sure you leave those seeds out. And, it should go without saying, always wash your hands right after you handle peppers. Take it from the girl who once scratched an itch on her eyelid while slicing up a hot pepper, it's not fun.
About the cheese: I used a Pepper Jack Cheese on top for a little extra kick. However, I used plain old sliced deli American cheese on the kids burgers. My point is, use whatever the heck cheese you like.
See how I have guacamole smeared all over the top of my Jalapeño Turkey Burger? Well, guess what? I was lazy and bought it at the store (gasp!). I know, I know, control your outrage. It's a good thing I have some great blogger friends who have some great guacamole recipes, so if the mood should strike to keep things nice and fresh, pay them a visit and check out their homemade guacamole recipes. If using a mix is your thing, you can check out this guacamole mix for a semi homemade version.
Goat's Cheese Guacamole by Amuse Your Bouche
Tableside Guacamole by the Complete Savorist
Holy Guacamole by Real Food Girl: unmodified
Printable Recipe Card
Jalapeño Turkey Burger
Ingredients
Instructions
Jalapeno Turkey Burger is just one of my burger creations. For more burger recipes visit my collection of burgers.
foodyschmoody says
Thanks so much Brooke, I appreciate that
Amanda @the_kitcheneer says
LOVE turkey burgers!!! I make them all the time! I will have to try the addition of turkey bacon on mine next time! Looks ahhmazing!
Jenn @ Deliciously Sprinkled says
YUM, my husband would love these jalapeno burgers!:)
claire @ the realistic nutritionist says
LOOK AT THIS BURGER. So juicy!
Kim (Feed Me, Seymour) says
You swear the bacon comes out crisp in the microwave?! I'd never think that. I'm morally against flimsy bacon so I'm definitely trying that trick. At the same time I make these burgers. They look amazing, perfect for summer.
foodyschmoody says
I promise! I loathe flimsy bacon too! I like mine on the cusp of being burnt! My 5 year old son who never has eaten turkey bacon before said what are those, when he saw the big chunks I had broke up and he ate a piece and said good chips! Now I want you to try and let me know how you like it 🙂
Lana @ Never Enough Thyme says
We enjoy burgers all summer long, too, and I love to have new, creative recipe to try out. This sounds so delicious!
Courtney @ Neighborfood says
Oh yeah! Bring on the spice and the guac please! This looks amazing!
Colleen (Souffle Bombay) says
I LOVE turkey burgers and often put jalapeno & bacon in them myself. Adding in the lime and cilantro was a wonderful idea!!
Angie says
I'll take two please. I love spicy foods, especially burgers, and I love that it's low fat turkey!
Brenda@SugarFreeMom says
My hubby would love these spicy burgers. I love a good turkey burger with pepper jack cheese!
Ginny McMeans says
Love the spice in this sandwich and beautiful photos!
foodyschmoody says
Thanks Ginny. I really appreciate you saying that about the photos. I struggle w/ my photography so I'm so happy to hear I must be improving!
Stephanie @ Back For Seconds says
Sounds like a perfect summer time burger!
Jessica (Savory Experiments) says
Can you bring me one? I'm so hungry and nut for anything with avocado!
foodyschmoody says
Sure Jessica, I'm on my way. Just have some of those M&M things you make ready for me in return - deal?
Nutmeg Nanny says
Oh wow! Look at that delicious burger!
Renee - Kudos Kitchen says
Oh the flavor this burger must have! I adore turkey burgers and this one will soon be on our grill. Thanks for sharing. Pinning 🙂
Dina@Kitchen Dreaming says
Thank you for sharing this at The Weekend Social over at Kitchen Dreaming. We hope to see you again next week.
Melissa from HungryFoodLove.com says
Jalapeno is a great way to flavor Turkey. Great burger!
foodyschmoody says
Oh thank you Melissa!
Kimberly Lewis says
This looks incredible! I want one right now! DuoLl7mtDWvU
Kimberly Lewis says
Please join our party tonight at 7 pm.. We feel honored when you stop by! http://loulougirls.blogspot.com
Happy Monday! Lou Lou Girls
Julia says
Thanks for linking up at Tickle My Tastebuds last week. I am featuring your jalapeno turkey burger tomorrow on this week's hop. Make sure you stop by and grab a featured button.
Julia @ Mini Van Dreams
Lori Who Needs A Cape? says
Wow, I know a couple of teenage boys at my house that would devour these! YUM!