Ina Garten’s Sizzling Summer Turkey Burger Recipe: A Barefoot Contessa Win

Sizzling summer days call for a mouthwatering homemade Barefoot Contessa turkey burger that promises to steal the show at any backyard gathering.

Ina Garten’s recipe brings a delightful twist to the classic burger experience.

Fresh ingredients and perfectly balanced seasonings make this dish a true crowd-pleaser.

Each bite delivers a juicy, flavorful punch that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The combination of ground turkey and carefully selected herbs creates a burger that’s both healthy and incredibly satisfying.

Grill masters and home cooks alike will appreciate the simplicity and deliciousness of this recipe.

Fire up the grill and get ready to savor a burger that’s sure to become a summer staple.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 410 kcal

Servings: 4

Cooking Directions for Turkey Burgers – Ina Style

• Turkey Burger Base

Gather all ingredients in a mixing bowl, blending flavors for a delicious homemade patty that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

• Patty Formation

Gently shape the meat mixture into perfectly rounded burger shapes, ensuring each piece is even and smooth for consistent cooking.

• Sizzling Preparation

Warm a skillet with a touch of olive oil, creating the ideal surface for transforming raw meat into a golden, mouthwatering masterpiece.

• Cooking Magic

Place burgers in the hot pan, allowing each side to develop a beautiful caramel-like crust while ensuring the inside is fully cooked and juicy.

• Delicious Presentation

Transfer the sizzling burgers to a serving plate, ready to be enjoyed with your favorite accompaniments for a satisfying meal that celebrates home cooking.

Tips to Enhance Your Turkey Burger Game

• Swap ground turkey with ground chicken or add grated sharp cheddar cheese into the meat mixture for extra richness and depth.
• Experiment with different herbs like fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill to create unique flavor profiles that complement the turkey's mild taste.
• Replace traditional burger buns with lettuce wraps, whole grain english muffins, or portobello mushroom caps for lower-carb options that enhance nutritional value.
• Include grated zucchini or finely chopped onions in the meat mixture to prevent dryness and maintain juiciness during cooking, ensuring a tender burger every time.
• Transfer burgers to a preheated outdoor grill for beautiful char marks and smoky flavor, cooking 4-5 minutes per side and ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Plating the Perfect Turkey Burger with Ina Garten

• Pair with Zesty Coleslaw: Craft a crunchy, tangy side that complements the turkey burger's rich flavors, mixing shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light mayo-based dressing.
• Dress on Brioche Bun: Elevate the burger by serving on a buttery, toasted brioche bun, adding a touch of luxury and soft texture to the meal.
• Top with Caramelized Onions: Slowly cook sliced onions until golden and sweet, then layer on top of the burger for a deeply savory and slightly sweet enhancement.
• Serve with Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: Cut sweet potatoes into thin strips, season with smoked paprika and salt, then bake or air fry until perfectly crisp for a delightful side.

Storage Solutions for Ina Garten’s Turkey Burger

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store uncooked turkey burger patties in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking, for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual raw patties tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag, removing excess air. Frozen burgers stay fresh for 3 months, ready for quick meal preparation.
• Reheat with Care: Warm leftover cooked turkey burgers in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F to maintain moisture and food safety.
• Quick Meal Prep: Create burger patties in advance during weekend meal planning, enabling stress-free weeknight dinners and saving precious cooking time for busy families.

Ingredients for Barefoot Contessa’s Turkey Burger

• Ground Turkey: Lean protein packed with rich, savory flavor, choose fresh and high-quality meat for the best texture and taste.
• Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and richness to keep the turkey burger juicy and tender.

• Dijon Mustard: Introduces tangy depth and complex flavor to elevate the burger's taste profile.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and brings out natural meat flavors.
• Black Pepper: Provides warm, subtle heat and aromatic complexity.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers concentrated, robust garlic essence without chunks.
• Onion Powder: Imparts sweet and savory undertones for balanced seasoning.
• Smoked Paprika: Contributes smoky, warm notes that mimic grilled characteristics.
• Chopped Parsley: Adds fresh herbaceous brightness and visual appeal.

• Olive Oil: Creates perfect golden-brown sear and prevents sticking during cooking.

Cooking Tools for Ina Garten’s Turkey Burgers

• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining all ingredients smoothly and thoroughly.
• Measuring Spoons: Essential for accurately portioning salt, pepper, and spices.
• Frying Pan: Large, sturdy pan for cooking turkey burgers evenly and achieving golden-brown crust.
• Spatula: Helps flip burgers gently without breaking them apart.
• Sharp Knife: For chopping fresh parsley into fine, consistent pieces.
• Cutting Board: Clean surface for chopping herbs and preparing ingredients.

Juicy Barefoot Contessa Turkey Burger Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Barefoot Contessa turkey burger delivers juicy Mediterranean-inspired flavors with feta and herbs. Ina Garten’s signature recipe combines ground turkey, fresh ingredients, and simple techniques for a delightful meal you’ll crave repeatedly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ¼ lbs (567 g) ground turkey (85% to 93% lean)
• 8 thin slices manchego or white cheddar cheese
• 4 English muffins, split
• 1 large portobello mushroom cap
• 3 tbsps lightly packed fresh parsley
• 2 tbsps extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
• 1 tbsp coarsely chopped shallot
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Dijon mustard
• Mayonnaise
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground pepper
• Sliced avocado

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Instructions

1. Mushroom Preparation: Use a spoon to delicately remove dark gills from mushroom caps, then pulse mushrooms, shallots, and parsley in a food processor until finely minced.
2. Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, blend ground turkey with olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Gently mix with hands, avoiding overmixing to maintain tenderness.
3. Patty Formation: Craft 4 loosely packed patties, ensuring uniform size and thickness. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to stabilize structure.
4. Grill Preparation: Heat grill to medium temperature (375°F), lightly oiling grates to prevent sticking.
5. Grilling Process: Cook patties for 4-5 minutes per side, rotating 90 degrees to create appealing crosshatch marks. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Cheese Melting: Add cheese slices during final cooking stage, covering with aluminum pan to promote even melting.
7. Muffin Toasting: Lightly toast English muffins on grill until golden brown.
8. Assembly: Spread mustard and mayonnaise on muffin halves, place cheese-topped patties, and garnish with avocado slices.
9. Serving: Present immediately to enjoy the robust, multilayered flavors of these gourmet turkey burgers.

Notes

• Prevent Meat Overworking: Gently mix ingredients to maintain burger’s tenderness and prevent tough, dense texture.
• Chilling Patties: Refrigerate for 30 minutes to help burgers hold shape and develop better texture during grilling.
• Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to ensure turkey reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F, preventing foodborne illness.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Cover patties with aluminum pan during final cooking minutes for even, perfectly melted cheese coverage.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 90mg