BBQ Ranch Turkey Smash Burger 

Get ready for a flavor explosion with the BBQ Ranch Turkey Smash Burger recipe! Picture a juicy turkey patty, seasoned just right and topped with tangy creamy BBQ ranch sauce. Every bite is a mouthwatering blend of savory + zesty flavors. It's the perfect bite that'll keep you that'll keep you coming back for more! Totally Dairy-free. Gluten-free Option.

Y'all------ this smash burger is absolutely INSANE. Trust me, the BBQ Ranch Turkey Smash Burger flavor combo is about to blow your mind! The turkey patty is packed with flavor, juicy, and just the right amount of crispy on the outside. And let's talk about that dairy-free BBQ ranch – it's tangy, incredibly creamy, and downright addictive. This was inspired by my Jerk turkey burger recipe my family loved it so much that I had to whip up another version. I served it up on brioche buns – pure perfection!

I've been loving burgers + sandwhiches 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 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 BBQ Ranch Turkey Smash Burger

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 bacon jam, make your delicious BBQ ranch sauce, and enjoy!

Ingredients

TURKEY BURGERS:

• Ground turkey. I recommend organic 94% lean ground turkey for the best flavor!
• Seasonings. Sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder + ground mustard.
• Worcestershire sauce. My favorite is from Annies.
• Unsalted butter. For cooking (You can sub with olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil, if desired)
• Dairy-free cheddar cheese. Be sure use high-quality brands that melt well---like Violife or So Delicious Dairy-Free (my two go-to's). You can use regular dairy cheese, if desired.
• Buns. Brioche, potato, or hamburger buns work!
• Bacon jam. Either homemade or storebought.
• Bread & butter pickles or dill pickles. Optional; can also use sweet relish or pickled onions.

BBQ RANCH SAUCE [DAIRY-FREE]:

• Vegan mayonnaise. I love using Follow Your Heart Veganaise. It is super creamy and smooth but feel free to add your fave if you prefer.
• BBQ sauce. Homemade or store-bought.
• Almond milk. Helps to make the sauce creamier. You can use your fave plant-based milk. Learn how to make homemade almond milk!
• Fresh or dried dill + cilantro. Adds a nice pop of fresh flavor.
• Garlic powder + onion power. A strong flavor that I love using for depth + umami flavor.
• Pinch of sea salt.

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 BBQ Ranch Turkey Smash Burger. Everything from my skillet, wooden spoons, bowls, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

Why You Will LOVE This BBQ Ranch Turkey Smash Burger

• It's a flavor explosion-- Tangy, smoky + 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 BBQ Ranch 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 is really simple with just pickles + cheese but if you want to add in more here are some ideas!

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

What To Serve With 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  Mango Lemonade Kombucha Mocktail goes alongside perfectly!

How To Assemble The Smash Burger?

To assemble, prepare your burger buns, top with turkey patties, bacon jam, pickles (if using), and BBQ ranch sauce. 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!

BBQ Ranch Turkey Smash Burger Q + A's

More Delicious Burger + Sandwiches

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

• Jerk Turkey Burgers
• 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 BBQ Ranch 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!

BBQ Ranch Turkey Smash Burger 

April 8, 2024 •

By Shanika

5 from 1 vote

Get ready for a flavor explosion with the BBQ Ranch Turkey Smash Burger! Picture a juicy turkey patty, seasoned just right and topped with tangy creamy BBQ ranch sauce. Every bite is a mouthwatering blend of savory + zesty flavors. It's the perfect bite that'll keep you that'll keep you coming back for more! Gluten-free Option.

Prep Time: 20 minutes mins

Cook Time: 30 minutes mins

Total Time: 50 minutes mins

Serves: 4 burgers

Units:

US Customary|Metric

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Ingredients

TURKEY BURGERS:

• 16 oz. organic 94% lean ground turkey
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• vegan butter, for cooking (You can sub with olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil, if desired)
• 4 slices dairy-free cheddar cheese (You can use regular dairy cheese, if desired)
• 4 buns (brioche, potato, or hamburger buns work!)
• 4 Tbsps bacon jam
• Bread & butter pickles or dill pickles (Optional; can also use sweet relish or pickled onions)

BBQ RANCH SAUCE [DAIRY-FREE]:

• ½ cup vegan mayonnaise
• 2 Tbsps premium BBQ sauce, homemade or store-bought
• 2-4 Tbsps Almond milk, unsweetened (You can use your fave plant-based milk)
• 1 teaspoon fresh or dried cilantro
• ½ teaspoon dill
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

TO MAKE THE BACON JAM:

• Be sure to follow my bacon jam recipe for this delicious topping!

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 vegan 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:

• 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.

TO MAKE THE BBQ RANCH SAUCE:

• Add the vegan mayo, milk, BBQ sauce, cilantro, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt into a bowl and whisk until everything becomes smooth and creamy. NOTE: For more thickness, start with 2 Tbsps of milk and work your way up until consistency is met.

ASSEMBLE BURGERS:

• To assemble, prepare your burger buns, top with turkey patties, bacon jam, pickles (if using), and BBQ ranch 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: 536kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 84mg | Sodium: 1143mg | Potassium: 294mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 334IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 12mg

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