Save These grilled turkey burgers with cranberry BBQ sauce are my favorite way to shake up burger night. The sweet-tart zing of the cranberry sauce makes lean turkey both juicy and memorable, and this meal feels just right for both weeknight dinners and festive backyard gatherings.
I whipped these up at a family cookout when I wanted to try something fresh on the grill. The cranberry sauce was such a hit that it is now requested with burgers and even chicken.
Ingredients
- Cranberries fresh or frozen: Add vibrant color and tartness Fresh ones pop best in season but frozen work the rest of the year
- Ketchup: Provides saucy texture Choose a brand with deep tomato flavor for body
- Brown sugar: Balances tart cranberries Soft, lump-free sugar will melt easily
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds gentle tang Look for raw vinegar for the best bite
- Worcestershire sauce: Gives savory depth Check labels for quality ingredients and avoid overly sweet varieties
- Smoked paprika: Lends smoky undertones Spanish smoked paprika delivers the richest flavor
- Ground black pepper: Gives mild heat Always use freshly ground if possible for freshness
- Salt: Brightens the sauce Choose fine kosher salt so it dissolves fast
- Water: Loosens the sauce and helps cranberries burst Use fresh-filtered if your tap water has a taste
- Ground turkey: Thigh meat is preferred for juiciness Choose turkey with a little visible fat for best flavor
- Breadcrumbs: Help bind the patties Choose plain or seasoned if you want a subtle herb lift
- Egg: Binds everything together Fresh eggs set the patties and help them hold on the grill
- Finely chopped onion: Gives sweet bite and moisture Choose sweet or yellow onions and chop finely to avoid big chunks
- Dijon mustard: Brings tang and complexity Classic French Dijon gives the best zip
- Garlic powder: Gives mellow garlic flavor without burning Carefully check freshness so it is still fragrant
- Olive oil: For grilling A light, neutral olive oil prevents sticking and browns the patties
- Whole wheat burger buns: Hearty base Choose soft buns that are sturdy enough to hold toppings
- Baby arugula or lettuce: Offers peppery freshness Pick crisp greens for the best crunch
- Tomato slices: Add juicy contrast and color Heirloom or vine-ripened work best in summer
- Red onion slices: Provide sweet sharp crunch Opt for thin slices so the burger stays balanced
Instructions
- Prepare the Cranberry BBQ Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, mix cranberries ketchup brown sugar apple cider vinegar Worcestershire sauce smoked paprika black pepper salt and water. Set the saucepan over medium heat. Let the mixture gently bubble for at least ten to twelve minutes. Stir occasionally and watch as the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens noticeably to a jam-like texture. Once thickened remove from heat and cool slightly. Use an immersion blender or transfer to a regular blender. Carefully blend until the sauce is silky smooth and deep red. Set aside.
- Mix and Form the Turkey Patties:
- In a clean large bowl add ground turkey followed by breadcrumbs egg onion Dijon mustard garlic powder salt and black pepper. Using clean hands or a fork gently mix the ingredients just until combined. Avoid overworking as that can cause dense burgers. Divide the mixture evenly into four portions. Use wet hands to shape each mound into a patty about half an inch thick. Place the patties on a plate ready for grilling.
- Grill the Turkey Patties:
- Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high and brush with olive oil to prevent sticking. Carefully place the burger patties on the hot grates. Grill each side for around five to six minutes. The goal is deep golden grill marks and that the centers reach an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If using a grill pan watch for browning beneath before flipping.
- Toast the Buns and Gather Toppings:
- While the burgers finish grilling you can toast the buns directly on the grill for a minute or two for added texture. Prep your lettuce arugula tomato and red onion so you are ready to build the burgers while everything stays hot.
- Assemble the Burgers and Serve:
- Begin with the base bun and top with a generous handful of arugula or lettuce. Place a hot turkey patty over the greens and spoon a big dollop of cranberry BBQ sauce on top. Add your slice of tomato and a few rings of red onion. Crown everything with the top bun and serve these burgers immediately while the sauce is warm and the patties are juicy.
Pin it My favorite ingredient is definitely the cranberry sauce because it balances the savory turkey and has such a bright jewel color. The first time I made this dish for a fall tailgate party my nephew said he would never go back to regular ketchup.
Storage Tips
Keep leftover cooked burgers wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to three days. Store cranberry BBQ sauce in a sealed jar so it stays fresh and thick. For best results reheat patties on the stovetop or microwave and refresh the sauce with a spoonful of water if it thickens too much after chilling.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find cranberries try using fresh raspberries with a splash more vinegar for a similar tangy effect. Swap ground turkey for ground chicken or even lean ground pork for an alternative flavor twist. Gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns will make this recipe suitable for those avoiding wheat without changing the texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these burgers alongside sweet potato fries or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal. If you want even more richness try adding a slice of creamy brie or sharp cheddar inside each burger. These also make fantastic sliders for a party simply shape the mixture into smaller patties and use slider buns.
Cultural and Historical Context
Turkey burgers have long been a staple for those looking to lighten up classic American cookout fare. The cranberry sauce touches on the pairing of turkey and cranberry that is so beloved at Thanksgiving tables across North America. Combining the two brings that celebratory feeling to a simple weeknight dinner or a joyful summer barbecue.
Seasonal Adaptations
Warm-weather barbecue Cranberries pair surprisingly well with grilled summer produce Fall-friendly twist Use the sauce with other roasted meats or leftover holiday turkey Winter comfort The sauce freezes well so you can savor cranberry flavor out of season
Success Stories
A friend once made a triple batch of the cranberry BBQ sauce to use throughout the holiday season not just on burgers. My own family now requests turkey burgers whenever hosting guests even in the middle of winter which always makes me smile.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Shape the raw turkey patties and place them on a sheet pan in the freezer. Once solid wrap individually and freeze up to three months. To serve remove desired patties thaw overnight in the fridge and grill as usual. The cranberry BBQ sauce also freezes well in a sealed container so you can have a complete meal ready to prep.
Pin it These turkey burgers bring a burst of flavor to any gathering and the cranberry BBQ sauce makes them truly special. Enjoy every juicy bite for a new twist on a classic.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What makes the cranberry BBQ sauce unique?
The sauce blends cranberries with brown sugar, vinegar, ketchup, and smoked paprika for a sweet-tangy taste and vibrant color.
- → How do I keep turkey burgers juicy?
Use thigh meat, add breadcrumbs and egg for moisture, and avoid over-mixing the ground turkey. Grill until just cooked through.
- → Can I substitute fresh cranberries?
Yes, frozen cranberries work well if fresh aren't available. The sauce texture and flavor remain unchanged.
- → What toppings complement these burgers?
Whole wheat buns, arugula or lettuce, tomato, red onion, and optional cheese fill out each bite with freshness and crunch.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Replace regular breadcrumbs and buns with gluten-free alternatives and check labels to avoid allergens.
- → What sides pair well?
Sweet potato fries or a crisp green salad are ideal alongside these burgers for a balanced meal.