Juicy Barefoot Contessa’s Turkey Burger Recipe for Outdoor Fun

Summers buzz with backyard gatherings where homemade turkey burger recipes spark delightful conversations and hungry smiles.

Juicy, flavorful turkey burgers deliver a healthier twist on classic grilled fare that keeps everyone coming back for more.

The Barefoot Contessa turkey burger recipe brings restaurant-quality taste right to your grill with simple, elegant ingredients.

Rich herbs and carefully selected seasonings elevate these patties from ordinary to extraordinary.

Moist and perfectly seasoned, these burgers promise a delectable meal that satisfies without weighing you down.

Grilling these beauties ensures a crisp exterior and tender interior that will impress even the most discerning burger enthusiasts.

Get ready to become the neighborhood grill master with this irresistible recipe that turns an everyday meal into a memorable feast.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients List for Juicy Turkey Burgers

• Ground Turkey: Lean and healthy protein that provides a lighter alternative to beef, choose fresh and high-quality meat for best texture and flavor.
• Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and richness to keep the turkey burger juicy and prevent dryness during cooking.

• Dijon Mustard: Introduces tangy depth and helps bind ingredients together for a more cohesive burger.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that provide foundational seasoning and balance.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Delivers concentrated aromatic notes without overwhelming texture.
• Smoked Paprika: Contributes subtle smokiness and warm complexity to the burger profile.
• Chopped Parsley: Brings fresh herbal brightness and visual appeal to the mixture.

• Olive Oil: Creates perfect golden-brown exterior and prevents sticking during pan-frying, select extra virgin for best flavor.

Burger Tools & Equipment You’ll Need

• Medium bowl: Perfect for mixing ingredients smoothly and easily.
• Large frying pan: Essential for cooking burgers evenly and creating golden-brown exterior.
• Measuring spoons: Helps add precise amounts of spices and seasonings.
• Spatula: Great for flipping burgers gently without breaking them.
• Cutting board: Provides clean surface for preparing burger mixture.
• Chef's knife: Useful for chopping fresh parsley finely.

How to Make Turkey Burgers from Scratch

• Turkey Blend

Gather all ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl. Gently combine ground turkey with creamy condiments and fragrant seasonings until perfectly mixed. Use light touches to keep the meat tender and prevent overworking.

• Patty Formation

Create four equal-sized burger patties using soft hands. Press center slightly thinner than edges for even cooking. Let patties rest momentarily to help them hold shape.

• Skillet Sizzle

Warm a heavy pan with olive oil over medium heat. Allow surface to become evenly heated before introducing burgers.

• Golden Transformation

Place patties into hot skillet, allowing each side to develop a beautiful caramel-brown crust. Cook approximately 5-6 minutes per side, ensuring internal temperature reaches safe cooking point.

• Delicious Presentation

Transfer burgers to waiting plates. Pair with crisp salad, roasted vegetables, or favorite accompaniments. Serve immediately while juicy and warm.

Turkey Burger Tips, Toppings & Swaps

• Add crispy bacon bits or crumbled feta cheese directly into the turkey mixture for extra taste and texture.
• Swap pan-frying with outdoor grilling to achieve smoky char marks and enhance the burger's natural flavors.
• Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining moisture and adding a tangy protein boost.
• Experiment with different herb and spice combinations like cumin, oregano, or fresh thyme to customize the burger's profile and create unique regional inspirations.
• Use lettuce wraps instead of traditional buns for a low-carb, lighter meal that keeps the burger's delicious core intact.

Fun Ways to Serve Turkey Burgers

• Elevate Your Turkey Burger Experience: Delicious Serving Suggestions
• Craft a Gourmet Burger Plate: Layer the turkey burger on a toasted brioche bun with crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and a dollop of extra Dijon mustard for added zest.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Pair the burger with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, savory flavors of the turkey patty.
• Build a Colorful Veggie Companion: Serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus for a nutritious and vibrant meal that complements the burger's smoky seasoning.
• Add Mediterranean Flair: Top the burger with crumbled feta cheese, sliced cucumber, and a quick tzatziki sauce to transform the dish into a Mediterranean-inspired delight.

Storing Leftovers & Meal Prep for Turkey Burgers

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store uncooked turkey burger patties between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container for up to 24 hours before cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual raw patties in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags to store up to 3 months, allowing quick meal preparation on busy nights.
• Leftover Care: Refrigerate cooked turkey burgers in sealed containers for 3-4 days, ensuring they're placed in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain quality and safety.
• Reheat Correctly: Warm leftover burgers in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or use an oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to restore original juiciness and prevent dryness.

Juicy Barefoot Contessa Turkey Burger Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Ina Garten’s turkey burger elevates classic grilling with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients. Herbed feta, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh parsley create a delicious patty you’ll want to savor at your next cookout.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey thighs (93% lean)
• ½ cup (15 g) fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 4 tbsps olive oil (for frying)
• 1 tsp Diamond Crystal kosher salt (or ½ tsp of any other salt)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: In a spacious mixing bowl, blend ground turkey with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and fresh parsley, thoroughly combining seasonings with meat using hands.
2. Shaping: Moisten hands with water and form four uniform patties, each ½ inch thick, ensuring even consistency and seasoning distribution.
3. Cooking Surface: Heat a cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat, lightly coating with olive oil to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
4. Searing: Carefully place patties in the heated pan, allowing them to develop a golden crust for 5-6 minutes on the first side before flipping.
5. Finishing: Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, monitoring internal temperature until it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, guaranteeing safe and juicy turkey burgers.
6. Resting and Serving: Remove burgers from heat, let rest for 2-3 minutes to redistribute juices, then plate with preferred accompaniments like salad, roasted vegetables, or whole-grain buns.

Notes

• Prevent Dryness: Add mayonnaise and Dijon mustard to keep turkey meat moist and tender during cooking.
• Handle Meat Gently: Mix ingredients softly with hands to avoid compressing meat, which can create tough burgers.
• Temperature Control: Use medium heat to develop golden-brown crust without burning or drying out the patties.
• Safety First: Always cook turkey burgers to internal temperature of 165°F to eliminate harmful bacteria and ensure safe consumption.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg