Turkey Burgers Have 10x More Flavor When You Add This Holiday Pantry Staple As A Binder

Turkey burgers have an unfair, but not necessarily unfounded, reputation for being dry and flavorless, especially when compared to traditional beef burgers. Since turkey is naturally leaner than beef, it has a tendency to dry out much faster on the grill, and less fat also equals a less meaty flavor. However, when treated correctly, turkey burgers remain juicy and deliciously flavorful, so it's important to infuse them with the right ingredients. One seasonal hack involves using boxed stuffing mix in place of breadcrumbs.

Stuffing mix is an amazing binder for turkey burgers, not only because it makes them taste like Thanksgiving in a bun, but also because the right binder is crucial to keeping moisture in the burger where it belongs. The slightly larger pieces of dried bread absorb the turkey's juices as the burgers cook, acting like little sponges to soak up the goodness before it can release and evaporate on the grill. This process keeps your burgers juicy and helps them hold together while they're cooking.

Most stuffing mixes are also pre-seasoned with dried herbs and savory flavorings. That makes boxed stuffing mix equal parts binder, moisture retainer, and seasoning, though you can intensify the stuffing's flavors with your own seasonings. About half a cup of stuffing per pound of ground turkey should do the trick, as too much will counterproductively dry out your burgers. Adding one egg per pound also helps the dry stuffing and raw turkey stick together before grilling.

As mentioned, boxed stuffing mixes are usually strongly seasoned and come in a variety of different flavors, allowing you to easily customize your turkey burgers based on the time of year and what you're craving. For instance, if you're putting together a casual Friendsgiving celebration, you might try Stove Top's traditional sage-infused mix, or its cornbread-style stuffing for a festive hit of comforting flavor. This also offers one of many creative ways to use canned cranberry sauce and leftover gravy, as they easily become toppings for this handheld seasonal feast.

Regardless of the stuffing mix you choose, it's a good idea to make your turkey burgers smaller than regular beef burgers, for aforementioned reasons of texture and flavor. Even with the stuffing holding in as much moisture as possible, longer cook times still risk these lean patties drying out and falling apart. Smaller burgers mean less time on the grill and a better resulting flavor and texture. Plus, if you make turkey burger sliders, you can serve them on leftover Thanksgiving dinner rolls, or sweet and delicious King's Hawaiian rolls.

You can also theme your turkey burger's sides, serving tiny potato pancakes (white, sweet, or both) made from leftover mashed potatoes in place of fries, along with a Dijon mustard and cranberry dipping sauce. Outside the theme, salt and vinegar waffle fries and tangy Dijonnaise are the perfect accompaniments, while Swiss cheese and honey mustard are perfect under the bun.