“This recipe was inspired by the specialty at Matts Bar in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Two patties surrounding a molten cheese core..mmmmm. Equal parts of lamb and beef could also be used in place of the turkey. Source: Keepers” Original is 4 servings
The Mouthwatering Juicy Lucy Turkey Burger – America’s New Favorite Cheese-Stuffed Treat
The juicy lucy turkey burger, sometimes known as a Jucy Lucy, is the latest craze sweeping the nation This ingenious cheese-stuffed turkey burger has developed a cult following across America over the last few years While the original juicy lucy was made with ground beef and invented in Minneapolis in the 1950s, using ground turkey meat creates a healthier, leaner, and incredibly flavorful stuffed burger that is becoming more and more popular.
I first discovered the juicy lucy turkey burger last summer when I was looking for a lighter alternative to beef burgers that still delivered on flavor. After seeing pictures of these cheese exploding turkey burgers online, I knew I had to try making them myself at home. Now juicy lucys are a weekly staple in my household throughout grilling season. These turkey cheeseburgers have become my new favorite burger and my family can’t get enough of them!
A Cheese Lover’s Dream Burger
For cheese fanatics like myself, stuffing a flavorful cheese directly into the middle of a burger patty is pure genius. The melted cheese blends with the seasoned meat to create an unbelievably juicy, cheesy flavor bomb in every bite. Topping a burger with cheese simply can’t compare to the decadent cheese-filled joy of biting into a juicy lucy. The hot melted core takes the flavor over the top!
While cheddar cheese is commonly used, I prefer pepper jack for an added kick. Swiss, havarti, monterey jack, and american cheese also work beautifully to create cheesy perfection.
Easy to Make Turkey Cheeseburger Bliss
The great thing about juicy lucy turkey burgers is just how simple they are to whip up at home. There are no complicated cooking techniques required. You just form ground turkey into thin patties, stuff them with sliced cheese, seal the edges, and cook. That’s it! In mere minutes you can be devouring cheesy turkey burger heaven.
Juicy lucys cook up fast in a skillet on the stove or on the grill. Their short cook time makes them a perfect fast dinner option. I like to keep ground turkey on hand specifically to be able to throw together these tasty stuffed burgers anytime. They have become my new go-to for a quick weeknight meal that still feels special.
Cooking Up Incredibly Juicy Turkey Burgers
While juicy lucy turkey burgers can be cooked in a pan, I find grilling them over direct heat is the absolute best way to achieve maximum flavor. The char from the flames gives these stuffed burgers an unbelievable smoky essence that puts them over the top.
When grilling, it’s important not to overcook them or the turkey will dry out. I cook my juicy lucys over a medium grill heat until the cheese inside melts and the meat is cooked through but still nice and moist. Properly cooked juicy lucy turkey burgers come off the grill unbelievably tender and juicy, with a mouthwatering smoky flavor.
Ooey-Gooey Cheese Options
I like to keep it simple and use sliced pepper jack or cheddar cheese from the deli counter. But you can certainly play around with different melty cheese choices too. Havarti, swiss, monterey jack, and american cheese would all create delightfully gooey centers. The key is to slice the cheese thin so it melts faster when stuffed into the hot turkey burger as it cooks.
Toasted Buns and Delicious Toppings
A juicy lucy turkey burger is not complete without being sandwiched between two perfectly toasted brioche buns. I also love piling my stuffed turkey cheeseburgers high with crispy lettuce, sliced tomato, red onion, pickles, ketchup and a smear of mayo.
Feel free to customize your juicy lucys however you wish when it comes to toppings. I like to keep mine simple, but anything from mustard and bbq sauce to guacamole would taste amazing. The options are endless!
The Official Burger of Minneapolis
While the juicy lucy turkey burger craze may be relatively new on the national scene, these incredible stuffed burgers actually have a long history in Minneapolis. Back in the 1950s, Matt’s Bar and the 5-8 Club both laid claim to inventing the original juicy lucy made with ground beef. Ever since, it has been one of the Twin Cities’ most iconic and sought-after foods.
Trying an authentic Minneapolis juicy lucy made with ground beef is still considered a must for any burger aficionado visiting the area. But now anyone can sink their teeth into the craveable cheesy delight of this classic Midwestern sandwich right at home with the turkey version.
An Absolute Must-Make Burger
You don’t need a plane ticket to Minnesota to enjoy one of the most indulgent and flavor-packed burgers around. Making juicy lucy turkey burgers at home couldn’t be easier.
These cheese-exploding turkey burgers cook up in minutes and take the flavor of a basic turkey burger to the next level. After one bite, you’ll be hooked! Simply put, juicy lucys are an absolute must-make burger recipe.
Enjoy the juiciest, cheesiest, most mouthwatering turkey burger of your life with an unbelievable juicy lucy. But trust me, you’ll want to make them again and again. Their incredible cheese-filled flavor is highly addictive!
So get ready to wow your family and guests with the ultimate stuffed turkey cheeseburger. The juicy lucy is hands down America’s new favorite burger.
Step by Step Method
In a large bowl, combine the turkey, yogurt, lemon zest, mustard and thyme, then season with salt and pepper. Gently mix together with a fork or your hands.
Divide the meat into 8 even-size balls. Gently press each one into a patty about 1/4-inch thick. Put 1 chunk of cheese in the center of each of the 4 patties, then cover with the remaining 4 patties. Seal the cheese inside by gently pressing the patties together all the way around the edges. Season the patties with salt and pepper.
In a grill pan or large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the burgers and cook until browned on the first side, about 3 minutes. Flip them over and cook until browned and cooked through, about 3 minutes more. (If a bit of cheese oozes out, dont worry; the crusty bits left in the pan are the best part, so just peel them off and eat them.) Transfer the burgers to the buns and serve with toppings.
AVOCADO SPREAD METHOD:
In a food processor, combine the avocado, sour cream, vinegar, lime juice, salt and a large pinch of pepper. Pulse a few times to break up the avocado, then gradually add the oil with the motor running and process until smooth. (It should have the consistency of mayonnaise.) Transfer to a bowl, then stir in the cilantro and check the seasonings. The Avocado Spread will keep, covered in the refrigerator, for up to 3 days.