There’s something endlessly satisfying about a burger that’s not only juicy and flavorful but also feels just a little bit elevated—and that’s exactly what these Italian turkey burgers with pesto and mozzarella deliver. If you’ve ever tried making ground turkey burgers and ended up with something dry or bland, fear not: this recipe turns that around completely. Think of this as the best turkey burger recipe homemade with a Mediterranean soul—tender patties packed with Italian herbs, smothered in fresh basil pesto, and topped with melted mozzarella. These are the kind of burgers that make weeknight dinners exciting and weekend cookouts memorable. Whether you're browsing ground turkey recipes for dinner or looking for juicy turkey burger recipes to impress guests, this one deserves a spot on your go-to list.
Italian Turkey Burgers with Pesto and Mozzarella
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American, Italian
Mixing bowl for combining the ground turkey mixture. A medium to large bowl is best so you can mix without overflow.
Grill or grill pan a traditional grill is perfect if you're diving into grilled turkey burger recipes, but a grill pan or cast iron skillet also works wonderfully for indoor cooking.
Spatula for flipping the burgers without breaking them apart.
Meat Thermometer to ensure your burgers reach a safe 165°F internal temperature.
Toaster or Oven to lightly toast the buns for a perfect bite.
For the Turkey Patties
- 1.5 lbs ground turkey preferably 93% lean for juiciness
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Italian seasoned or plain
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon pesto store-bought or homemade
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Assembling
- 4 brioche or ciabatta burger buns
- 4 slices of fresh mozzarella or shredded if preferred
- 4 tablespoons pesto
- Sliced tomatoes heirloom or Roma work well
- Fresh arugula or spinach
- Balsamic glaze optional but adds amazing depth
Optional Toppings (great turkey burger toppings to customize):
- Roasted red peppers
- Grilled onions
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Sun-dried tomatoes
Mix the Burger Patties
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, pesto, garlic, onion powder, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Use clean hands or a fork to gently mix until just combined—don’t overwork it, or the patties will get tough.
Shape the Patties
Divide the mixture into four equal portions and form into patties about 1/2 inch thick. Press a slight indentation in the center of each to help them cook evenly and prevent puffing up. This technique is a pro move for juicy turkey burgers.
Preheat and Grill
Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates or pan surface. Place the patties on the grill and cook for about 6–7 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Add the Mozzarella
In the last 1–2 minutes of cooking, place a slice of mozzarella on each burger. Close the grill lid or cover the pan to let the cheese melt thoroughly. This step transforms your burger into something rich and creamy, just the way Italian comfort food should be.
Toast the Buns
While the burgers finish, lightly toast your buns on the grill or in a toaster. A slightly crispy bun adds contrast to the juicy interior.
Assemble Your Italian Turkey Burgers
Spread a tablespoon of pesto on the bottom half of each bun. Add a mozzarella-topped turkey patty, followed by sliced tomato, arugula, and optional extras like roasted red peppers. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired, and top with the other half of the bun.
Pairings
These Italian turkey burgers are flavorful and filling, but a few simple sides can turn them into full-on turkey burger meals. Here are some pairing ideas:
- Side Salad: A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette keeps things fresh and complements the pesto.
- Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers add Mediterranean flair.
- Sweet Potato Fries: A sweet and savory contrast to the herbs in the burger.
- Pasta Salad: A cold Caprese pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella pearls keeps the Italian theme going.
- Sparkling Water or Italian Soda: Something fizzy and bright pairs beautifully with these herb-rich flavors.
FAQs
1. What kind of ground turkey is best for burgers?
Look for ground turkey that’s 85–93% lean. Super lean (99%) turkey tends to dry out quickly. For juicy turkey burger recipes, the little bit of fat makes a big difference.
2. Can I make these turkey burgers without egg?
Absolutely. This is one of those turkey burger recipes no egg needed. The breadcrumbs and Parmesan help bind the patties just fine.
3. Can I make turkey burger sliders with this recipe?
Yes! Just divide the mixture into 8 smaller patties instead of 4. These make great turkey burger sliders for parties or appetizers.
4. What are some other seasoning ideas?
The Italian seasoning blend works great here, but you can also try turkey burger seasoning mixes like smoked paprika, cumin, or even a buffalo-style version for spicy buffalo turkey burgers.
5. Can I make these into turkey smash burgers?
You could flatten them more and cook on a hot cast iron skillet to create a crusty edge like turkey smash burgers, but the cheese and pesto make these better suited for traditional or grilled style cooking.
