Want an easy turkey burger recipe that you can bake at home? This kid-friendly baked turkey burger is full of flavor from lean ground turkey, parmesan cheese, and chopped spinach for extra nutrition. It’s also gluten-free.
Baked turkey burgers are an overall great kid-approved dinner meal. Served with a bun and garnished with burger toppings, kids love taking a bite into a juicy burger.
You can make beef burgers by replacing the ground turkey with ground beef. You could also try our Cheese Stuffed Burgers, which are also very tasty.
You’ll love baking turkey burgers in the oven because you don’t have to flip them like you do on a grill or stove. Just shape the patties into patties and put them on a baking sheet. The oven will do the rest. You’ll be glad to know that cooking turkey burgers in the oven only takes 20 minutes!
An extra bonus? Line the baking pan with tin foil. Then you just need to toss the foil afterward and put the pan away – no mess!.
First, get the ingredients and tools you need. Then, read the directions or use the printable recipe card below to get started.
Turkey burgers are a delicious healthier alternative to beef burgers. They are lower in fat and calories while still being packed with flavor and protein. One of the easiest ways to cook turkey burgers is in the oven. But how long should you bake turkey burgers to ensure they are fully cooked and juicy? This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know about cooking turkey burgers in the oven.
Oven Temperature for Cooking Turkey Burgers
The oven temperature you use to bake turkey burgers will impact both the cooking time and the end result. The optimal oven temperature for baking turkey burgers is 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the burgers to cook through evenly without drying them out. At 375°F, turkey burgers will take approximately 15-25 minutes to fully cook.
Higher temperatures above 400°F (200°C) can cause the outside of the patties to overcook before the inside is done. Lower oven temperatures below 350°F (175°C) may lead to uneven cooking and require a longer baking time, which can also dry out the burgers
So for the best results, preheat your oven to 375°F before baking your turkey burger patties. This provides enough heat to cook them all the way through without drying them out.
How to Tell When Turkey Burgers Are Done
The cooking time can vary slightly based on the thickness and size of your turkey burger patties. The best way to ensure they are fully cooked is to use an instant-read meat thermometer.
Turkey burgers are safely cooked once the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of a patty, taking care not to touch any bones.
If the turkey patties have not yet reached 165°F, return them to the oven for a few more minutes until fully cooked. Checking the temperature rather than relying solely on the time ensures your turkey burgers are properly cooked.
Cooking Process for Turkey Burgers in the Oven
Follow these simple steps for baking juicy, flavorful turkey burgers in the oven:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Form ground turkey patties, handling the meat gently. Make indentations in the center to prevent bulging.
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Arrange patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Leave space between patties.
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Bake at 375°F for 15-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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Use a meat thermometer to check temperature. Cook until 165°F.
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Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving.
Seasoning and Topping Ideas
One of the benefits of baking turkey burgers in the oven is you can add flavors and toppings before cooking. Try mixing in Worchestershire sauce, mustard, chopped onions, or herbs into the ground turkey.
You can also top the patties with cheese, bacon, caramelized onions, guacamole, or other favorite burger toppings. The oven heat will melt and meld the flavors together.
Lightly brushing the turkey burgers with oil or butter halfway through baking will keep them moist. Basting them with barbecue sauce also adds sweetness.
Cook Times for Thicker Turkey Burgers
If your turkey burger patties are thicker, on the larger side, or stuffed with cheese and other fillings, they will require a few extra minutes in the oven. A general guideline is to increase the baking time by 5 minutes for every half inch increase in patty thickness.
For example, turkey patties that are 1 inch thick may need 25-30 minutes total to fully cook in a 375°F oven. Always rely on an instant-read thermometer to confirm doneness rather than cooking time alone. Thicker patties should still reach 165°F internally.
Cook Times for Frozen Turkey Burgers
You can absolutely cook frozen turkey burgers straight from the freezer in the oven. However, the cooking time needs to be extended. Frozen turkey burgers will take 35-45 minutes to bake at 375°F, depending on thickness.
Remove frozen patties from packaging and arrange on an oiled baking sheet with space between them. Bake for 20 minutes at 375°F, then flip and bake 15-25 minutes more until 165°F internal temperature. The added time allows the burgers to defrost and cook through.
Tips for Juicy Oven-Baked Turkey Burgers
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Use ground turkey that has some fat content (at least 7%) for juicier texture. Avoid extra lean.
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Handle the meat gently when forming patties to prevent toughness.
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Make a divot in the center of patties to prevent puffing up.
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Brush patties with oil or butter halfway through baking.
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Allow burgers to rest 5-10 minutes before serving to retain juices.
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Add cheese, bacon, or other moist toppings.
Alternate Cooking Methods
While baking is easy, you can also cook turkey burgers on the grill or stovetop. Follow the same internal temperature guidelines. Grill over medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side. Pan-fry in a bit of oil for 4-5 minutes per side until 165°F.
The oven provides a convenient hands-off cooking method for juicy, flavorful turkey burgers. With the right temperature, technique, and cooking time, you’ll enjoy healthy and delicious turkey burgers baked to perfection.
How To Make Baked Turkey Burgers In Oven
Before you start, heat your oven to 400°F and line your baking pan with tin foil to make cleanup easier. This simple step will save you time and effort later.
Now, it’s time to combine the delicious ingredients for your turkey burgers. Two large eggs, three tablespoons of gluten-free bread crumbs, one pound of lean ground turkey, one tablespoon of pickle relish, one tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, half a teaspoon of onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and a quarter teaspoon of pepper should all be mixed together in a medium-sized bowl. Don’t forget to add 1/4 cup of finely chopped spinach to enhance both flavor and nutritional value. With your hands, mix the ingredients thoroughly until everything is well combined.
Once your mixture is ready, it’s time to shape the turkey patties. Using your hands, divide the meat into four equal portions and form them into patties. Make sure to slightly push the middle of each patty in so they don’t get too swollen as they cook. Place the formed patties onto the prepared baking pan, ensuring they are evenly spaced for even cooking.
Now, it’s time to bake the turkey burgers. Put them in an oven that is already hot and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which is safe. This ensures that the burgers are thoroughly cooked and safe to eat.
Serve the hot turkey burgers on buns and top them with your favorite garnishes. Whether it’s fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocados, or any other toppings you love, let your creativity shine.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Variations on the Seasonings: You can change the seasonings to your liking. For extra flavor, you can add herbs like oregano or basil. For some heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use Fresh Spinach: For better taste and texture, use fresh spinach. Make sure it’s chopped up small enough to mix well with the burger mix.
- Don’t Overmix: When you mix the ingredients together, do it just until everything is combined. Too much mixing can make the burgers tough, so be careful when you mix the ingredients.
- Bun Choice: Pick the buns that you like best—whole wheat, brioche, or gluten-free, depending on your dietary needs. For a low-carb option, you could also use lettuce wraps or portobello mushroom caps.
- Add a slice of your favorite cheese to the turkey burgers in the last few minutes of baking for a melty, gooey topping.
- Toppings for Burgers: To make the taste better, try adding avocado slices, sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or bacon.
- Condiments: Let customers make their own burgers by giving them a choice of condiments, such as BBQ sauce, aioli, or hot sauce.
- Make Extra Patties: If you’re going to the trouble of making the burger mix, you might want to make extra patties and freeze them for later use. Just use parchment paper to keep them from sticking together and store them in a container that won’t let air in.
- You can bake these turkey burgers according to the recipe, but you can also cook them on a grill or in a grill pan on the stove for a different taste. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Bake ground turkey burgers for 20 minutes or until the internal temperature of the patty reaches 165°F.
Mix the listed seasonings with the ground turkey prior to forming the burger patties. Other options include seasoning with a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
Yes, you can! Mix the burger ingredients together, make patties, and then put them on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Cover the entire baking sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerator the day before.
Before cooking, freeze the patties by shaping them and then stacking them with parchment paper in between each one. Place the stack in a freezer bag then in the freezer for up to 3 months. If baking from frozen, add more time until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, or let it thaw the night before and bake for 20 minutes.
Allow the turkey burgers to cool to room temperature, then wrap each one in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to store them. Alternatively, place them in an airtight container, separating each patty with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to keep them for a longer period, freezing is an option. Place the wrapped or containerized patties in the freezer, where they can be stored for 1-2 months.
You can either let them thaw overnight in the fridge or cook them straight from frozen, but this will take a few more minutes. This way, you can enjoy your homemade turkey burgers whenever you like with minimal effort.
How To Make Turkey Burgers in the Oven
FAQ
How long to bake turkey burgers at 400 degrees?
How long do you cook burgers in the oven at 350?
How long does ground turkey take in the oven?