Description
Ultra juicy turkey burgers with feta inside bring Mediterranean brightness to the grill with briny kalamata olives, fresh dill, capers, and a creamy feta center. Paired with a cool tzatziki made from Cabot Greek Yogurt or Stonyfield Whole Milk Greek Yogurt and crisp sesame buns from Arnold or Nature’s Own these stuffed turkey patties stay moist and full of flavor from start to finish.
Ingredients
Tzatziki Sauce
Cabot Greek Yogurt or Stonyfield Whole Milk Greek Yogurt, 1/3 cup
Fresh dill, finely chopped, 1/4 cup
Baby cucumber, grated, about 1/2 cup
Garlic clove, grated
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Turkey Burgers
Vegetable oil for the grill grates
Ground turkey, 1 1/4 pounds
Pitted kalamata olives, finely chopped, 1/2 cup
Fresh dill, finely chopped, 1/4 cup
Capers, finely chopped, 2 tablespoons
Dried oregano, 1 teaspoon
Garlic cloves, minced, 2 cloves
Zest of 1 lemon
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Dodoni Feta or Mt Vikos Feta, crumbled, 2 ounces total
Sesame seed hamburger buns such as Arnold or Nature’s Own, 4
Olive oil, 1/4 cup
Roma tomato, sliced
Sliced red onion for serving
Iceberg lettuce leaves for serving
Instructions
Make the tzatziki by combining Cabot Greek Yogurt or Stonyfield Whole Milk Greek Yogurt with finely chopped dill, grated cucumber, grated garlic, lemon juice, a pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper, stir until smooth and chill so the flavors meld while you prepare the burgers.
Prepare the grill for medium high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
In a large bowl fold the ground turkey with chopped kalamata olives, fresh dill, chopped capers, dried oregano, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt and pepper, mix gently to combine without overworking the meat.
Divide the mixture into four equal portions then split each portion in half and flatten each half into a thin round.
Place a spoonful of Dodoni Feta or Mt Vikos Feta in the center of one round leaving a one inch border, top with the matching round and press the edges firmly to seal the cheese inside so it does not leak while grilling.
If the patties feel too soft to handle refrigerate them briefly to firm up before finishing the remaining burgers.
Grill the patties over medium high heat until golden sear marks form then flip once and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the meat is no longer pink.
Brush the split buns with olive oil and toast on the grill for a couple of minutes during the last moments of cooking until golden and slightly charred.
Spread a generous layer of tzatziki on both bun halves then assemble each burger with a stuffed turkey patty, two tomato slices, red onion slices and iceberg lettuce, top with the bun and serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
To store raw patties wrap each tightly and refrigerate for up to two days or freeze individually in freezer bags for up to three months, thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.
Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days and reheat in a skillet with a splash of olive oil or broth to restore moisture, keep buns and sauce separate until serving for best results.
Notes
Use Dodoni Feta or Mt Vikos Feta for a creamy, tangy filling that melts slightly without making the patties soggy.
Choose Cabot Greek Yogurt or Stonyfield Whole Milk Greek Yogurt for a thick, creamy tzatziki base that balances the bright lemon and dill.
If the turkey mixture feels too loose chilling it briefly makes shaping easier.
Avoid pressing the patties while grilling to retain juices and prevent dryness.
Toast the buns with olive oil on the grill for added flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grill
- Cuisine: Mediterranean