It wouldn’t be #DDGrillWeek2026 without a burger, and this recipe might be one of my all-time favorites. These Jalapeño Cheddar Turkey Burgers are surprisingly flavorful, juicy, and ready in under 40 minutes—perfect for summer grilling.
For me, this week feels like the official start of grilling season. I wanted a burger that’s simple to make but has bold, memorable flavors—this one checks both boxes. If you or someone you’re cooking for is skeptical about ground turkey, give these a try: the combination of shredded cheddar and fresh jalapeño—each used twice in the recipe—keeps the patties moist and packed with flavor. Shredded sharp cheddar and finely diced jalapeños are mixed into the turkey, and once grilled, each patty is finished with a slice of sharp cheddar and pickled jalapeños for a bright, tangy kick.
They’re addictive. Here’s how to make them.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup seeded and finely diced jalapeños (about 1 large jalapeño)
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon tamari (or soy sauce / Worcestershire as an alternative)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Neutral oil, for the grill grates
- 4 tablespoons smoky barbecue sauce, plus extra for serving
- Nacho-sliced pickled jalapeños, to taste
- 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature (for toasting buns)
- 4 brioche burger buns
- Shredded iceberg lettuce, for serving
Step-by-Step
Step One: Make the Burger Patties
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, mayonnaise, diced jalapeños, red onion, cilantro, shredded sharp cheddar, tamari, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Gently mix until just combined—overworking the meat will make the patties dense. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a patty. Set the patties aside while you prepare the grill.
Step Two: Prep the Grill
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). To prevent sticking, dip a folded paper towel in neutral oil and, with tongs, carefully wipe the oil across the grates. Use only a little oil to avoid flare-ups. Place the burgers on the grill and cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes, until the bottoms are browned and the patties lift easily from the grates.
Step Three: Grill the Burgers
Flip the patties and brush roughly 1 tablespoon of smoky barbecue sauce over each one. Continue grilling for 5–6 minutes more, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the patties are cooked through. If you prefer, close the grill lid for even cooking.
Step Four: Add the Toppings
Top each patty with a few pickled jalapeño slices and a slice of sharp cheddar. Close the lid or cover the grill for 1–2 minutes, just long enough for the cheese to melt. Remove the burgers from the grill and allow them to rest for about 5 minutes while you toast the buns.
Step Five: Toast the Buns
Spread the cut sides of the brioche buns with the room-temperature butter and toast them over medium heat until golden. This adds flavor and helps the buns stand up to the juicy patties and sauces.
Step Six: Assemble the Burgers
Spread a layer of smoky barbecue sauce on the bottom bun, add the grilled turkey burger, brush on a bit more sauce if you like, then top with shredded iceberg lettuce. Place the top bun over everything and serve immediately.
Recipe FAQs
A sharp cheddar that melts well is ideal. Shredded cheddar folded into the meat and sliced cheddar on top both add flavor and creaminess—use a brand you enjoy and can easily find at your store.
Yes. Soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce are good substitutes; Worcestershire adds a deeper, savory note, while soy sauce offers similar saltiness to tamari.
Ground turkey often feels wetter than beef. That extra moisture helps keep the burgers tender. If the mixture is too loose to shape, add 1 tablespoon of tapioca flour or a small amount of panko to help bind, depending on the turkey’s fat ratio. Using very lean turkey (98% lean) may not require any binder.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 531 kcal; Carbohydrates: 32 g; Protein: 41 g; Fat: 27 g; Saturated Fat: 13 g; Sodium: 1415 mg. Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guideline only.
If you want to elevate your grilling this season, these Jalapeño Cheddar Turkey Burgers are an easy, flavorful option. Try them for your next cookout and leave a comment to share how they turned out.
Photography and styling by Eat Love Eats.