Juicy Lucy Turkey Burgers

By garciamoss

This burger—two patties surrounding molten cheese core—was inspired by the specialty at Matt’s Bar in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The creamy, tangy avocado spread is terrific on all kinds of burgers and can be made ahead (thanks to the lime juice and vinegar, it won’t readily discolor).

Ingredients

• AVOCADO SPREAD
• 1 avocado, pitted and peeled
• 2 heaping tablespoons sour cream
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• Juice of 1/2 lime
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup grapeseed or vegetable oil
• Small handful of cilantro, chopped
• BURGERS
• 1-1/2 pound ground turkey, dark meat or a combination of dark and white
• 1/4 cup whole-milk Greek yogurt
• Grated zest of 1 lemon
• 2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Leaves from 4 sprigs thyme
• Salt and pepper
• 4 (1/4-inch-thick) slices sharp cheddar cheese, about 2 inches long and 1 inch wide
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 4 hamburger bun-style potato rolls, split
• OTHER TOPPINGS
• Lettuce, such as Boston
• Sliced tomatoes
• Thinly sliced red onion
• Pickles

Details

Adapted from finecooking.com

Preparation

Step 1

Make the avocado spread:
In a food processor, combine the avocado, sour cream, vinegar, lime juice, salt, and a large pinch of pepper. Pulse a few times to break up the avocado, then gradually add the oil with the motor running and process until smooth. (It should have the consistency of mayonnaise.) Transfer to a bowl, then stir in the cilantro and check the seasonings. The spread will keep, covered in the refrigerator, for up to 3 days.

Make the burgers:
In a large bowl, combine the turkey, yogurt, lemon zest, mustard, and thyme, then season with salt and pepper. Gently mix together with a fork or your hands.

Divide the meat into 8 even-size balls. Gently press each one into a patty about 1/4 inch thick. Put 1 chunk of cheese in the center of each of 4 patties, then cover with the remaining 4 patties. Seal the cheese inside by gently pressing the patties together all the way around the edges. Season the patties with salt and pepper.

In a grill pan or large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the burgers and cook until browned on the first side, about 3 minutes. Flip them over and cook until browned and cooked through, about 3 minutes more. (If a bit of cheese oozes out, don’t worry; the crusty bits left in the pan are the best part, so just peel them off and eat them.) Transfer the burgers to the buns and serve with toppings.