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- 1 lb ground turkey - 1/2 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 6 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 4 whole wheat burger buns - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Olive oil for grilling When you shop for ingredients, look for bright green basil. Fresh basil adds a strong flavor. For the mozzarella, choose cheese that feels soft and moist. Avoid any that feels hard or dry. Ground turkey should be pink with no gray spots. Inspect the label for quality. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Many brands offer this. You can swap out mozzarella for dairy-free cheese. Try almond or coconut-based cheese for a great taste. If you want a lower-fat burger, use lean turkey or chicken. These swaps help keep flavor while meeting dietary needs. To start, gather your ingredients. In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, garlic powder, onion powder, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste. Make sure to blend well without overworking the meat. This keeps the burgers tender. Next, divide the turkey mixture into eight equal balls. Take one ball and flatten it in your hand. Place a few cubes of fresh mozzarella cheese in the middle of the patty. Gently fold the edges over the cheese, forming a ball again. Flatten it to create a stuffed patty. Repeat this step with the other portions. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat. Drizzle some olive oil on the grill to prevent sticking. Place the stuffed patties on the grill. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Don't press down on the patties; this can make the cheese leak out. If you like, toast the burger buns during the last few minutes of cooking. Just place them on the grill until they turn golden brown. To assemble the burgers, take a toasted bun and place a patty on it. Add a dollop of pesto on top of the patty for extra flavor. Finish with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant touch. Serve these tasty burgers on a wooden cutting board, with extra basil and a side of sweet potato fries for a colorful meal. Enjoy your delicious creation! To keep your cheese inside the burger, start with cold mozzarella. Warm cheese melts fast. When forming your patties, ensure the turkey covers the cheese well. Seal the edges tightly. If you leave gaps, the cheese will escape while cooking. Also, avoid pressing down on the patties when they cook. This lets the cheese ooze out. The key to juicy turkey burgers is not to overwork the meat. Mix your ingredients gently. Adding breadcrumbs helps keep moisture in. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Aim for 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. Let the burgers rest a few minutes after cooking. This lets the juices settle back in for a more flavorful bite. For toasting buns, brush them lightly with olive oil. This adds flavor and helps them crisp up. Place the buns on the grill for a few minutes, until they are golden brown. You can also add a sprinkle of garlic powder to the buns for an extra kick. Pairing your burgers with fresh basil adds a lovely taste that brightens the meal. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese in your turkey burgers. Try using pepper jack for a spicy kick. Cheddar adds a sharp flavor, while gouda gives a nice creaminess. Feta cheese can bring a tangy twist that pairs well with pesto. Mixing cheeses can also create a fun flavor blend. While pesto is great, other sauces can add variety. Try using aioli for a creamy touch. Barbecue sauce gives a sweet and smoky flavor. A spicy sriracha mayo can kick up the heat. For toppings, consider grilled onions, avocado slices, or fresh arugula. Each option creates a new taste experience. Add spices to your turkey mix for extra flavor. Try a pinch of smoked paprika for depth. Cumin gives a warm, earthy note. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can brighten up the taste. You can also add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for more umami. Experimenting with spices can make your burgers truly unique. To store leftover stuffed turkey burgers, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure they are completely sealed to keep them fresh. If you want to eat them later, freezing is a great option too. When you reheat your turkey burgers, use the oven or a skillet. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake them for about 10-15 minutes. If using a skillet, heat it to medium. Cook the burgers for about 5 minutes on each side. This helps keep the cheese inside melty and the turkey juicy. To freeze the burgers, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. This keeps their flavor and texture intact. The best internal temperature for turkey burgers is 165°F (75°C). This temperature ensures the meat is safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Insert it into the center of the patty. If it reads 165°F, your burger is ready. Cooking to this temperature keeps the turkey juicy and safe. Yes, you can make these burgers ahead of time. Prepare the patties and stuff them with cheese. Then, store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This helps the flavors blend. If you need to store them longer, freeze the patties. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Thaw them in the fridge before grilling. Several sides pair well with these tasty burgers. Here are a few ideas: - Sweet potato fries add a nice crunch. - A fresh green salad provides a light touch. - Grilled vegetables bring out smoky flavors. - Coleslaw offers a refreshing crunch. - Garlic bread complements the Italian flavors. Feel free to mix and match these sides based on your taste. Enjoy! You have learned how to make great Pesto Mozzarella Stuffed Turkey Burgers. We covered ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to keep your burgers juicy. You also got ideas for tasty variations and how to store leftovers. Now, you can impress everyone with your burger skills. Use these insights and tricks for perfect turkey burgers every time. Enjoy your cooking and let your taste buds celebrate!

Pesto Mozzarella Stuffed Turkey Burgers

Elevate your grilling game with these delicious pesto mozzarella stuffed turkey burgers! Combining juicy turkey, creamy mozzarella, and flavorful pesto, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend cookout. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a mouthwatering meal packed with flavor. Click through to discover how to make this easy, wholesome burger that will impress your family and friends!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground turkey

1/2 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)

6 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup breadcrumbs

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

4 whole wheat burger buns

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Olive oil for grilling

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, garlic powder, onion powder, breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until fully incorporated, being careful not to overwork the meat.

    Divide the turkey mixture into 8 equal portions. Take one portion and flatten it into a patty in the palm of your hand.

      Place a few cubes of mozzarella cheese in the center of the patty, then carefully fold the edges over the cheese to create a ball. Flatten it gently to form a stuffed patty. Repeat with the remaining portions.

        Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.

          Cook the turkey burgers for approximately 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Avoid pressing down on the patties as it may cause the cheese to ooze out.

            During the last minutes of cooking, if desired, toast the burger buns on the grill until golden.

              Assemble the burgers by placing each patty on a bun and topping with a dollop of pesto and fresh basil leaves.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the burgers on a wooden cutting board, garnished with extra basil and a side of sweet potato fries for a colorful and appetizing look.