This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of TASTE OF HOME. The opinions and text are all mine.
Sweet & Spicy Turkey Burgers with Guacamole: Your Ultimate Game Day Recipe
As the leaves begin to turn and a crispness fills the air, there’s an unmistakable buzz that can only mean one thing: football season is here! For many, myself included, this time of year is a celebration of fall’s bounty – from cozy soups and apple picking adventures to pumpkin-spiced treats and, of course, the excitement of game day. In our household, Sundays are dedicated to cheering on our favorite team, adorned in green, gold, and a whole lot of cheesehead spirit. Yes, my husband, a proud Wisconsin native, ensures our sons are quickly becoming die-hard Green Bay Packers fans, complete with perfectly sized jerseys each season.
Whether we’re tailgating at the stadium or, more often these days with two small children, “homegating” in the comfort of our living room, the experience is incomplete without a spread of delicious food. While my husband takes great pride in crafting the perfect burger during commercial breaks, I love to contribute by selecting our favorite game-day dishes. This is where our beloved Sweet and Spicy Turkey Burgers with Guacamole come into play, offering a mouth-watering alternative to traditional beef burgers that’s packed with flavor and excitement.
Crafting the Perfect Game Day Turkey Burger Experience
Let’s be honest, turkey burgers sometimes get a bad rap for being a bit bland. That’s why it’s crucial to infuse them with bold flavors and interesting textures. Our go-to recipe transforms the humble ground turkey into a truly unforgettable meal. We believe in layering flavors, and this burger delivers on all fronts: a delightful sweetness from roasted mini sweet peppers, a kick of spice from pepper jack cheese, and the irresistible creaminess of homemade guacamole. And let’s not forget the foundation of it all: the perfectly soft and slightly sweet King’s Hawaiian Hamburger Buns, which elevate every bite.
The Dynamic Duo: Sweet and Spicy Flavors
The magic of these turkey burgers lies in their balanced flavor profile. We start by incorporating finely chopped roasted mini sweet peppers directly into the turkey patty mixture. These vibrant peppers soften and caramelize slightly during cooking, releasing their natural sugars and adding a wonderful, subtle sweetness. This sweetness is perfectly complemented by the fiery zest of pepper jack cheese. Each slice melts beautifully over the hot patty, creating a gooey, spicy blanket that awakens the taste buds. The combination is not just delicious but also creates an exciting culinary experience, making these burgers a standout choice for any gathering.
The Creamy Crown: Fresh Guacamole
Beyond the patty itself, the toppings are what truly make a burger exceptional. For me, guacamole is hands down the ultimate burger topping, especially when paired with the sweet and spicy elements of this turkey burger. The cool, creamy texture of the avocado, combined with zesty lime juice, pungent red onion, and fresh cilantro, provides a refreshing contrast to the warmth and spice of the patty and cheese. It’s a burst of fresh flavor that binds all the components together, adding a layer of richness without making the burger feel heavy. Whether you whip up a quick batch from scratch or opt for your favorite store-bought variety, don’t skip this vital component!
The Foundation: King’s Hawaiian Hamburger Buns
A great burger deserves a great bun, and King’s Hawaiian Hamburger Buns are, in my opinion, simply perfect. Their signature softness and subtle sweetness provide an ideal vessel for our juicy turkey patties. They hold up well to all the delicious fillings, ensuring that every bite is cohesive and satisfying. These buns aren’t just for full-sized burgers; their versatility extends to sliders as well! Imagine making smaller versions of these sweet and spicy turkey burgers on King’s Hawaiian dinner rolls – perfect for an appetizer or snack if the game doesn’t align with a full mealtime. Less food, but still incredibly satisfying and a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of the season.
Tailgating or Homegating: Making Game Day Memorable
Living in Northeast Ohio, we’re surrounded by the fervent fans of the Browns and Steelers. But no matter the local rivalries, our allegiance to the Packers remains unwavering. Game day isn’t just about the score; it’s about the shared experience, the camaraderie, and the incredible food that brings everyone together. While a traditional tailgate party in a stadium parking lot has its undeniable charm, our current reality with young children often leads to a more intimate “homegate.” This allows us to enjoy the game-day atmosphere from the comfort of our home, making memories around the grill and the television.
Regardless of the setting, these Sweet and Spicy Turkey Burgers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re light enough that you don’t feel overly stuffed but hearty enough to keep you fueled through every touchdown and nail-biting play. It’s recipes like this that make saying goodbye to summer a little bit easier, knowing that the cooler months bring with them the joy of football and delicious comfort food. Okay, before my Packer talk scares anyone away, let’s get to the recipe!
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Sweet and Spicy Turkey Burgers
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Ingredients
- 4 mini sweet peppers, roasted, chopped
- 1 1/2 lbs. ground turkey
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tablespoons rub , {use your favorite}
- 1 Tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons cilantro, chopped
- Dash of salt and pepper
- 8 slices pepper jack cheese
- 8 Hamburger Buns, King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet
- 2 Avocados, seed removed
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- A few pinches of salt
Instructions
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Heat the grill to high heat.
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In a large mixing bowl combine the ground turkey, egg, red onion, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, olive oil, cilantro, salt and pepper. Use hands to combine everything together.
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Form the ground turkey mixture into 3 to 3 1/2 oz. turkey burger patties and set on a large platter.
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Before grilling the turkey burgers make your guacamole by putting the avocado, red onion, cilantro, lime juice and salt in a molcajete or medium bowl and mash the ingredients together until combined. Set aside.
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Lightly oil your grill so the turkey burgers don’t stick to it. Place the turkey burger patties on the hottest part of the grill and cook for 2 minutes on each side, so the turkey burgers get a nice sear on them.
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Move them to the cooler part of the grill and cook for another 8-10 minutes on each side or until they are cooked through. When you flip the turkey burgers the second time add the mini sweet peppers.
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Grill the sweet peppers for 4 minutes on one side and then flip and grill the other side of the peppers.
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When the turkey burgers are done grilling add the pepper jack cheese and let the burgers sit for two minutes so the cheese can melt.
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Remove the peppers from the grill and slice into small strips.
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Place the turkey burger on the bottom of the bun; place the sliced mini sweet peppers on top of the pepper jack cheese. Spread the guacamole on the top half of the bun and close the bun.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of TASTE OF HOME. The opinions and text are all mine. Comments submitted may be displayed on other websites owned by the sponsoring brand.