Turkey Apple Burgers

Turkey Apple Burgers with lean ground turkey, apples, and sage are a delicious twist on a turkey burger that's healthy and full of flavor.

197 CAL 13g CARBS 5g FAT 27g PROTEIN
8 Comments

Turkey Apple Burgers are a healthy and easy way to bring all the flavors of fall into a quick dinner that is good for you and packed with flavor. No more boring turkey burgers around here.

With fall in full swing and Thanksgiving on the horizon, I have turkey on the brain. But with busy weeknights and a hectic work schedule, most turkey dishes are out of the question. That is, except the humble turkey burger, which is a staple in our home. Normally when I make turkey burgers, I automatically reach for spice to add flavor but this time I wanted to do something different and decided to try apples, which were the perfect way to add both moisture and flavor. Paired with fresh sage, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder - it's a seriously delicious, fall inspired burger.

Now let's talk about the toppings, because this burger calls for some amazing toppings. Let's start with the cheese. I recommend going with a classic cheddar or a creamy brie, which both pair great with apples. After that I would reach for some whole grain mustard and a touch of either cranberry sauce or cranberry chutney. So good. The top it all off with some fresh spinach, thinly sliced red onion, and apple slices for an epic burger.

These burgers freeze well so I would recommend making some extras to keep in the freezer for a quick future meal. To freeze the burgers raw, place them on wax paper or wrap each individually in plastic wrap so they don't stick together and store them in a large, freezer safe ziploc bag. To store cooked burgers, let them first cool completely. Once they are cooled, place them on a baking sheet or plate and place them in the freezer for 1 hour. Then you can add them to a ziploc bag, either wrapped individually or with wax paper between each burger. Cooked burgers can be reheated in the microwave in 1-2 minutes.

Turkey Apple Burger with thin apple slices and baked french fries.

Tips for Making this Turkey Apple Burger:

  • Since I have turkey on the brain, it was a natural choice for this burger. However you could also use ground chicken, lean ground pork, or lean bison meat. Ground turkey sausage is also delicious in this recipe, just cut back on the spices.
  • If you can, I highly recommned grating the apple for this recipe. It takes a few extra minutes but will ensure that you get some apple flavor in every bite and helps add moisture to the entire burger. 
  • If you love the combination of apple and cranberries, you could toss in a few dried cranberries as well. Usually instead of adding them to the patties, I like to top my burger with a touch of cranberry sauce or chutney.
  • Sage can be a stronger herb so if you want a more mild flavor, use basil or oregano. Rosemary also works but can also be a strong flavor.

Looking for more healthy burger recipes?

Here are some of the products and tools I used for this recipe:

  • This is the box grater I have and I love it since it has a small container on the bottom to catch and store whatever you are grating. It's not a necessary feature but it is one that I have come to appreciate since it is less messy and just easier.
  • I like to cook these burgers in a cast iron skillet so they brown and caramelize a bit on the outside. I have had this one for years and really love it.
The Recipe
Turkey Apple Burgers on a bun with a slice of apple on top.

Turkey Apple Burgers

197 CAL 13g CARBS 5g FAT 27g PROTEIN
PREP TIME: 10 Min
COOK TIME: 10 Min
TOTAL TIME: 20 Min
8 Comments
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Ingredients

US METRICS
  • 2 green apples
  • 1 lb 99% lean ground turkey
  • 1 tbsp sage, minced (or thyme)
  • 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp olive oil

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Instructions

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1

Use a box grater to grate half of the apples. You can also finely dice it, but I prefer it grated. Thinly slice the remaining apple and set aside for serving on the burger.

2

Add the grated apple, turkey, sage, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to a bowl. Mix using your hands. Form into patties.

3

Brush the patties with olive oil. Cook in a medium hot skillet for 4-5 minutes per side or until cooked through. Top with the sliced apples.

Nutritional Facts
Serving Size: 1 burger
Amount Per Serving
Calories 197
Calories from Fat 43
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 5g
8%
Saturated Fat 1g
5%
Monounsaturated Fat 0g
0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
0%
Cholesterol 62mg
21%
Sodium 413mg
18%
Total Carbohydrate 13g
4%
Dietary Fiber 3g
14%
Sugars 9g
Protein 27g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Nutritional Values provided are estimates only and may vary based on the preparation method.

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About the author Meet Kristen McCaffrey
Hi, I’m the cookbook author, recipe developer, and food enthusiast behind Slender Kitchen. I am obsessed with making healthy food that is easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. Meal planning is my secret weapon and I hope I can make meal time easier for you with our tried and tested recipes and foolproof meal plans. Learn More
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8 Comments
On Turkey Apple Burgers
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Hal
March 1, 2024 - 09:10
Hi, where does the djohn mystard come i ?
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Linda
March 22, 2023 - 10:21
Love these turkey burgers! I only had Pink Lady apples on hand and use 1 med to large and it tasted perfect!
I will make these again and again. So delicious and healthy!
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sher
March 11, 2023 - 09:19
Add a Rating:
5
Great recipe! Healthy and delicious! I went a bit heavier on the garlic/onion powders, otherwise followed the recipe exactly. Turned out beautifully. Many thanks.
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Barbara Howell
June 18, 2022 - 08:01
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5
Sounds delicious, I am making them this afternoon and can’t wait to try them Barbara x
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Jill
April 6, 2020 - 14:03
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5
Just made this tonight and it was so delicious that I had to come and rate it immediately. Best turkey burgers ever, and definitely saving this recipe in my “all star” list. Didn’t change a thing about the recipe when I made it; the crunchy thin sliced apple with some melty cheese over toasty warm bread... AMAZING!
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Janet
May 28, 2018 - 11:00
Can you grill these?
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November 21, 2018 - 08:05
Absolutely! They would come out great on the grill.
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JANINE
May 27, 2018 - 16:51
Add a Rating:
5
I loved them! I forgot the dijon but put some on my burger with mayo, onion & tomatoe. I didn't want to cut another apple just for myself. The foreman grill worked great. I will make again.
Thank you,
J9huggs
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