Smoked Turkey Burgers (Juicy & Flavorful!)

If you’re in search of a light, juicy and delicious burger, these easy smoked turkey burgers are the perfect choice!

Here’s the thing about turkey burgers: I don’t like them. If I’m being honest, I’ve never been a huge fan of the flavor. It never mattered how I cooked them, whether pan-fried or grilled, they always had that slightly gamey, turkey flavor and a dry, crumbly texture.
Well, my opinion has changed since taking these turkey patties to the smoker. These smoked turkey burgers are juicy and flavorful with just the right amount of smokiness. What made this recipe work was the low-and-slow cooking environment that required no flipping. I realize now that prior techniques were ruining the experience for me. But, NO MORE! I enjoy these juicy burgers nestled in a lightly toasted bun, or wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves with my favorite toppings and condiments. So freaking delicious!

Which ground turkey is best for smoked turkey burgers?

I used a combination of dark and lean ground turkey, or 80/20. Avoid using extra lean ground breast meat as it can result in dry burgers. The darker meat will produce tender, juicy burgers.

What is the best wood for turkey burgers?

For this recipe, I used apple wood, but you can also use cherry, or pecan as well. These turkey burgers cook for a short time and and do absorb smoke quickly. More robust woods like hickory or mesquite leave a bitter aftertaste.

Tip: Use your favorite BBQ rub for this recipe, or use one of our quick and easy homemade rubs! We highly recommend our Easy Creole Turkey Rub!

Ingredients

• Ground turkey, 80/20 (combination light and dark meat)
• Turkey rub
• Olive oil
• Hamburger buns (substitute with brioche, onion, or pretzel buns)
• Provolone, swiss, or pepper jack cheese slices
• 1 large tomato (or, 2 medium)
• Fresh lettuc
• Smoked garlic sauce (a delicious garlic mayonnaise) sub with your favorite condiments

You will need a large cast-iron skillet to sear these turkey burgers on your pellet grill or smoker. Remember to keep a reliable meat thermometer close by!

How to make smoked turkey burgers

• Prepare your pellet grill or smoker for 250 degrees F. Use recommended wood chips or pellets: apple, cherry, or pecan.
• Make the patties: Form ground turkey into four equal-sized patties. They will be a little soft, but that’s okay!
• Season them: Place the patties onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, and season them with BBQ Rub.

Cooking the patties

• Heat the skillet: Oil the skillet or flat-top griddle. Place it on the grill and heat until you see a wisp of white smoke.
• Add the patties: Using a spatula, carefully transfer turkey patties into the skillet (or on the griddle).
• Cook the patties: Close the lid, and smoke the burgers for 35-45 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
• Transfer them: Once juices have formed around the burgers, remove the them from the skillet and place them directly on the grill grates. They will be set up enough to do so.

• Add cheese: Next, add cheese slices to the patties. Close the lid once more and let the smoked turkey burgers cook for 3-4 more minutes. Once the cheese has melted, they are done.
• Build your burger: Remove the turkey burger patties and place them on lightly toasted buns. Top them with garlic sauce ( or your favorite condiment), lettuce, and tomato. Serve and enjoy!

More topping ideas

Serve these juicy turkey burgers with applewood smoked bacon, smoked onions, guacamole, pickled jalapenos, or queso. Our delicious comeback sauce and fried pickles are also great on these burgers!

Storing leftover turkey burgers

Store the leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet or microwave until warmed all the way through.

Final Thoughts on Smoked Turkey Burgers

Okay, when I say these turkey burgers were truly satisfying, I mean it! I was not expecting them to be this juicy and delicious. What I did expect was an overly smoky, dry burger patty. I was very much mistaken! Making them was a breeze, and the cast-iron pan really helped to keep the patties together in the smoker and achieve the perfect sear. Next time I make them, I’m going to experiment with different toppings. I think they’d be incredible with fresh-made guacamole and pepperjack cheese. I might even try seasoning them with a fajita rub or taco seasoning. The possibilities are limitless. Give these smoked turkey burgers a try, and drop a comment below and let us know how they turned out.

More Recipes!

• 1 1/2 pound ground turkey 80/20 (combination light and dark meat)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons BBQ rub
• 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
• 4 hamburger buns standard-size
• 4 slices of provolone swiss, or pepper jack cheese
• 1 large tomato sliced
• Iceberg lettuce leaves about 4-5
• Smoked garlic sauce

• Prepare your pellet grill or smoker for 250 degrees F.

• Form ground turkey into four equal-sized patties. They will be a little soft. That’s okay! You will be cooking these on a flat surface to start.

• Season with BBQ rub.

• Oil the skillet or flat-top griddle. Let it heat up on the grill until you see a wisp of white smoke.

• Using a spatula, carefully transfer turkey patties into the skillet (or griddle). Close the lid, and smoke the burgers for 35-45 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

• You’ll notice that the juices have formed around the burgers. If this happens, simply remove the burgers from the skillet and place them directly onto the grates. They will be set up enough to do so.

• Next, add cheese slices. You might need to trim the cheese to fit.

• Close the lid once more and let the smoked turkey burgers cook for 3-4 more minutes.

• Once the cheese has melted and the internal temperature of the patties reaches 170 degrees F, they are done.

• Remove, and place them onto buns with garlic aioli, lettuce, and tomato. Serve and enjoy!

Additional topping ideas Serve these juicy turkey burgers with applewood smoked bacon, smoked onions, guacamole, pickled jalapenos, or smoked queso. Our heavenly comeback sauce and fried pickles are great on these burgers!

Calories: 392kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 50g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 107mg | Sodium: 439mg | Potassium: 677mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 498IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 243mg | Iron: 4mg