Introduction

Apple Cheddar Turkey Burgers offer a delicious twist on the classic turkey burger by combining savory turkey with the sweet crunch of apple and sharp cheddar cheese. This easy, flavorful recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend cookout.

A close-up of a sandwich on a white bun with a bottom layer of grilled chicken patty that has charred grill marks and a golden brown color, topped with a round slice of grilled pineapple with dark grill lines and a shiny glaze dripping down. Above the pineapple is a thick slice of grilled red onion, showing clear char marks and a slightly translucent texture. The top bun has a smooth spread of green avocado sauce. The sandwich sits on a beige baking sheet with additional grilled pineapple rings and a small dollop of avocado sauce on the side with a silver spoon. The background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground turkey (93/7%)
1 apple, shredded
4 green onions, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
4 buns, toasted
4 slices cheddar cheese

Maple Dijon Mustard

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon maple syrup

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, use your hands to gently combine the ground turkey, shredded apple, green onions, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overwork the meat. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty.
Step 2: Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and lightly coat with cooking spray. Add the patties and cook for 4 to 6 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through.
Step 3: During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each patty and cover the skillet with a lid or foil to melt the cheese.
Step 4: While the burgers cook, whisk together the Dijon mustard and maple syrup to make the maple Dijon mustard sauce. Slice an additional apple for topping and toast the buns.
Step 5: Assemble the burgers by placing each patty on a toasted bun, topping with apple slices and a drizzle of the maple Dijon mustard. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the turkey mixture.
Try swapping the cheddar for pepper jack or gouda for a different cheese experience.
If fresh apples aren’t available, dried apple bits can work, but reduce added salt to balance sweetness.
Serve with leafy greens or avocado slices for added freshness and creaminess.

Storage

Store leftover cooked turkey burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. The buns and apple slices are best added fresh to avoid sogginess.

How to Serve

The image shows a sandwich with three main layers inside a lightly toasted bun. The bottom layer is a grilled chicken patty with visible char marks and a glaze of dark barbecue sauce dripping slightly. On top of the chicken patty are two slices of grilled pineapple, golden yellow with grill lines and some caramelized bits. Above the pineapple sits a thick, grilled red onion ring, showing a mix of deep purple and lighter translucent colors with charred edges. The sandwich is topped with a smooth, light green spread, placed on the inside of the top bun. The sandwich sits on a metal tray with more slices of grilled pineapple and red onion around it on a white marbled surface, and a spoon with extra green spread is visible on the bottom right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I grill these turkey burgers instead of cooking them in a skillet?

Yes, these burgers can be grilled over medium heat for about 4 to 6 minutes per side. Be sure to oil the grill grates to prevent sticking and add the cheese near the end to melt.

What type of apple works best in this recipe?

A crisp, slightly tart apple such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp works best to complement the savory turkey and cheddar, adding refreshing crunch without too much sweetness.

Apple Cheddar Turkey Burgers Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 150 reviews

These Apple Cheddar Turkey Burgers combine juicy lean ground turkey with the sweet crunch of shredded apple and sharpness of cheddar cheese for a flavorful twist on the classic turkey burger. Topped with a maple dijon mustard sauce and extra apple slices, these burgers are perfect for a quick stovetop meal that balances savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.

Author: Maya
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

For the Turkey Burgers

1 pound lean ground turkey (93/7)
1 apple, shredded
4 green onions, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons dijon mustard
Kosher salt, to taste
Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
4 buns, toasted
4 slices cheddar cheese

Maple Dijon Mustard

2 tablespoons dijon mustard
1 tablespoon maple syrup

Instructions

Prepare the Turkey Mixture: In a large bowl, use your hands to gently combine the ground turkey, shredded apple, sliced green onions, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overwork the meat to keep the burgers tender. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty.
Cook the Burgers: Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the patties in the hot skillet and cook for about 4-6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the burgers are cooked through.
Melt the Cheese: During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each patty. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil to help the cheese melt evenly and quickly.
Prepare the Maple Dijon Mustard: While the burgers cook, whisk together the dijon mustard and maple syrup in a small bowl to create a sweet and tangy sauce.
Toast and Assemble: Toast the burger buns lightly to add texture and warmth. To assemble, spread some maple dijon mustard on the buns, place the cheesy turkey patty on the bottom half, and top with additional fresh apple slices for a fresh crunch. Cover with the top bun and serve immediately.

Notes

Using 93/7 lean ground turkey helps keep the burgers juicy without excess fat.
Do not overmix the turkey mixture to ensure tender burgers.
To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer; turkey should reach 165°F.
Shredded apple adds moisture and sweetness; you can substitute with a tart apple like Granny Smith for a tangier flavor.
Maple syrup in the mustard sauce balances the savory flavors and complements the cheddar cheese well.
These burgers can also be cooked on a grill for a charred flavor.

Keywords: turkey burger, apple cheddar burger, healthy turkey burgers, maple dijon mustard, stovetop burgers, lean ground turkey recipe