Jalapeño Turkey Burger

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

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

Goat’s Cheese Guacamole by Amuse Your Bouche

Tableside Guacamole by the Complete Savorist

Holy Guacamole by Real Food Girl: unmodified

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb ground turkey
• 1 small red onion, diced small
• 2 T freshly chopped cilantro
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
• 1/2 t smoky paprika
• 1 T fresh lime juice
• 3 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 t salt (kosher preferred)
• 1/4 black pepper, freshly ground
• 4 slices pepper jack cheese
• 4 whole wheat sandwich buns
• Optional toppings: guacamole, tomatoes, lettuce

Instructions

1. Preheat grill to medium heat.
2. In a large bowl, using your hands, combine turkey, onion, cilantro, garlic, jalapeño, paprika, lime juice, bacon, salt and pepper. Evenly portion meat into 4 large patties.
3. Place burgers onto grill, reduce heat to medium low and close cover. Cook 6-8 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165.
4. Add cheese to burgers during last minute of cooking.
5. Serve on whole wheat buns topped with guacamole or topping of choice.

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