Chipotle Turkey Smash Burger

Get ready to meet your new favorite burger—the Chipotle Turkey Smash Burger! Juicy turkey patties with a smoky chipotle kick, topped with all your favorite fixings, and smashed to perfection for that crispy, caramelized edge. Plus, it's all brought together with a homemade creamy chipotle sauce and waffle fries inside. Perfect for grilling season or any time you're craving a delicious, flavorful burger. Totally Dairy-free + Gluten-free Option.

This Chipotle Turkey Smash Burger was inspired by a recipe that got everyone excited last week—the BBQ Ranch Turkey Smash Burger. I wanted to give it a new twist with creamy chipotle flavor from my homemade dairy-free chipotle sauce and sneaky fries tucked inside. It's so delicious! The turkey patty is bursting with flavor, juicy, and perfectly crispy on the outside. Served on brioche buns, it's pure perfection!

I've been loving burgers + sandwiches lately as the weather warms up! From Easy Blackened Salmon Sliders to BBQ Jerk Pulled Pork Sandwiches, they've been my go-to. But these smash burgers? They're a total game-changer. They're super easy to whip up, perfect for any night of the week or a weekend grill-out. Plus, you can customize them with whatever toppings you love, and they can even be made into sliders.

What Is A Smash Burger?

A smash burger is a type of burger where you take a ball of ground turkey (or beef) and smash it flat onto a hot griddle or skillet. This gives you a thin patty with a crispy exterior and a juicy inside. It's cooked fast at high heat, so it's all about getting that delicious caramelization on the meat. I love it for its simplicity, speed + intense flavor!

How To Make Chipotle Turkey Smash Burgers

You will need to make your burger patties, then sear + smash them! TIP: Avoid flattening the turkey burger patty too much, as it may cause it to become crumbly and break apart. Instead, gently press the patty into the hot pan to give it a slight flattening. Then gather your toppings, including your Creamy Chipotle Sauce, and assemble & enjoy!

Ingredients

TURKEY SMASH BURGERS:

• Ground turkey. I recommend organic 94% lean ground turkey for the best flavor! (You can also do this with ground beef, if desired)
• Seasonings. Sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder + ground mustard powder.
• Worcestershire sauce. My favorite is from Annies.
• Unsalted butter. For cooking (You can sub with dairy-free butter, olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil, if desired)
• Buns. Brioche, potato, or hamburger buns work!
• Green tomato. You can also use heirloom tomatoes as well
• Waffle fries. For topping + side (You can also use another type of fries for a meatier feel like Seasoned Crinkle Cut Fries, Crispiest Jumbo Garlic Herb Fries, or Crispy Cajun Sweet Potato Fries)
• Creamy Chipotle Sauce. I love using my homemade recipe but you can also use store-bought! See below for how to make this sauce and what you will need!

How To Make Dairy-Free Creamy Chipotle Sauce

To top your delicious burger, or whatever else and add a bit of heat, make a dairy-free chipotle sauce/dressing with:

• Vegan mayonnaise. Use any kind you like. (You can also use regular mayo if you prefer)
• Chipotle peppers. I like to use canned chile chipotle peppers. You can also use 1 teaspoon of chipotle powder if you have that on hand instead!
• Garlic. A strong and pungent flavor that adds depth!
• Lemon or lime juice. Freshly squeezed! You can use whichever juice you'd prefer.
• Adobo sauce. I like the extra spicy flavor. You can substitute with Tabasco sauce, chili garlic sauce, or ancho chile paste.
• Almond milk. Helps to make the sauce creamier. You can use your fave plant-based milk.
• Herbs + seasonings. You'll need salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, parsley, cilantro, and red pepper flakes.

Voila! With just a handful of simple ingredients and a quick whisking session, you can create a rich and luscious sauce/dressing that's perfect for burgers, salads, sandwiches, and much more.

SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS BURGER!

Here, I’ve curated a list of baking + cooking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite dishes, especially with this Chipotle Turkey Smash Burger. Everything from my skillet, wooden spoons, bowls, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

Why You Will LOVE This Chipotle Turkey Smash Burger

• It's a flavor explosion-- Tangy, lightly spicy + downright addictive!
• Crowd-pleasing and perfect for gatherings!
• Textural bliss, the perfect balance of soft and crunchy.
• Happiness wrapped between two buns
• Versatile snack, appetizer, or side option.
• Boasts of a great dairy-free + gluten-free option.

Best Toppings For This Chipotle Turkey Smash Burger

Everyone is different when it comes to burger/slider toppings in general, which is why I love using a variety of ingredients--- I kept it really simple with just green tomato + waffle fries but if you want to add in more here are some ideas!

• Bacon or candied bacon
• Pineapple chunks (Grilled)
• Cheese
• Roasted veggies (bell peppers, poblano peppers, jalapeños, etc.)
• Caramelized onions or fresh onion slices
• Cilantro or parsley, chopped
• Sour cream or yogurt
• Avocado slices or guac
• Slaw
• Relish
• Herb roasted tomatoes

What To Serve With Chipotle Turkey Smash Burgers

Although this Turkey smash burger recipe is AMAZING all on its own--These additions really elevate this meal to the next level.

• Seasoned Crinkle Cut Fries
• Easy Loaded Corn Salad
• Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad
• Crispy Buffalo Popcorn Chicken
• Crispy Garlic Herb Smashed Potatoes
• Flaky Sweet Potato Biscuits
• Crispy Cajun Sweet Potato Fries

And y'all we CANNOT forget about a refreshing beverage to go alongside. This Southern Peach Iced Tea or a Pink Lemonade goes alongside perfectly! For my mocktail lovers... see the 'mocktail category' of the site for more delicious drink inspo!

Is Green Tomato Just Unripe Red Tomato?

Yes, green tomatoes are simply unripe tomatoes. Their firm texture and tart flavor make them great for adding a unique twist to dishes. In a burger, they work well because their firmness holds up nicely without getting mushy, and their tangy taste adds a refreshing contrast to the savory meat and other toppings. Plus, they provide a satisfying crunch!

Is This Turkey Smash Burger Healthy?

Absolutely! Turkey is often seen as a healthier option compared to beef. It's lower in calories + saturated fat, which is great for heart health. Plus, it still packs a protein punch without the extra fat. So if you're looking to lighten up your meals, turkey is a tasty and nutritious choice!

Chipotle Turkey Smash Burger Q + A's

More Delicious Burger + Sandwiches

If you're a fan of this Chipotle Turkey Smash Burger, be sure to explore some of my other favorite recipes!

• BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich 
• Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
• Baked BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
• Everything Chicken Tomato Grilled Cheese
• Jerk Lobster Rolls
• BBQ Jerk Pulled Pork Sandwiches

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried this Chipotle Turkey Smash Burger recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram  and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!

Chipotle Turkey Smash Burger

July 8, 2024 •

By Shanika

No ratings yet

Get ready to meet your new favorite burger—the Chipotle Turkey Smash Burger! Juicy turkey patties with a smoky chipotle kick, topped with all your favorite fixings, and smashed to perfection for that crispy, caramelized edge. Plus, it's all brought together with a homemade creamy chipotle sauce and waffle fries inside. Perfect for grilling season or any time you're craving a delicious, flavorful burger. Totally Dairy-free + Gluten-free Option.

Prep Time: 20 minutes mins

Cook Time: 20 minutes mins

Total Time: 40 minutes mins

Serves: 4 burgers

Units:

US Customary|Metric

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Ingredients

TURKEY BURGERS:

• 16 oz. organic 94% lean ground turkey (You can also do this with ground beef, if desired)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• unsalted butter, for cooking (Sub with vegan butter for dairy-free option)
• 4 buns (brioche, potato, or hamburger buns work!)
• 1 green tomato, sliced (You can also use heirloom tomatoes as well)
• waffle fries, for topping + side (You can also use other type of fries for a meatier feel like Seasoned Crinkle Cut Fries, Crispiest Jumbo Garlic Herb Fries, or Crispy Cajun Sweet Potato Fries)

CHIPOTLE SAUCE:

• ½ cup Creamy Chipotle Dressing/Sauce

Instructions

TO MAKE THE TURKEY PATTIES:

• Add the organic ground turkey, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, ground mustard, and Worcestershire sauce to a large bowl, massaging everything together with your hands until well combined.
• Form the turkey mixture into medium-sized patties with your hands, gently pressing down until semi-flat and perfectly round (about ½-inches thick), ensuring that everything sticks together well. Repeat until all patties are formed, about 4 in total.

SEAR THE BURGERS + SMASH:

• Heat a medium-sized (oven safe) non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add butter until melted. Add formed patties, about 1 inch apart and cook on each side until golden brown and slightly charred, about 4-5 minutes (each side). NOTE: Using a burger presser, gently press the burger patties until about ½-inch thin (or thin enough before it begin to break apart). This adds a nice crispy, charred look/texture to the burgers as opposed to regular burgers.

BAKE THE BURGER PATTIES [OPTIONAL]:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Remove from heat and transfer skillet with burger patties into preheated oven and bake until patties are cooked through and juices run clear, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from oven. NOTE: This step is for those who enjoy their patties more well done.

TO MAKE THE CHIPOTLE SAUCE:

• To make this sauce, follow the steps in my dairy-free Creamy Chipotle Dressing/Sauce recipe!

ASSEMBLE BURGERS:

• To assemble, prepare your burger buns, top with turkey patties, sliced tomatoes, fries, and chipotle sauce. Serve with your favorite side----fries, sweet potato fries, salad, or whatever. NOTE: For a more bolder, epic bite----you can add 2 burger patties atop each bun instead of one. This will make only 2 burgers in total if you do!
• Bon Appetit!

Tips & Tricks

• STORAGE: Leftover cooked turkey burger patties can be stored for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. And if you're all about making your own burgers for months in advance, then you can freeze them for 3-4 months. Defrost by adding them to the refrigerator overnight and then reheating them in the oven until fully warmed/heated through.
• MAKE AHEAD: You can make your patties and plastic wrap them individually before placing them in a tightly sealed container and refrigerate them for up to 5 days. 
• TOPPINGS: You can always add your favorite toppings as you please. See post for more options!
• GRILL OPTION: If you have a physical grill, you can always grill your patties instead of oven baking them on a grill pan---for a nicer char and flavor.

 

Nutrition

Calories: 179kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 84mg | Sodium: 680mg | Potassium: 287mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 333IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 2mg

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