Simple Crack Burgers: Turkey Ham & Cheddar Delight (Print Version)

Simple Crack Burgers with turkey ham and cheddar are a weeknight favorite! Juicy patties, savory ham, and melty cheese for a quick, flavorful meal.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Contains meat, dairy, gluten

# Ingredients:

→ Main Patty Mix

01 - 1 lb ground turkey (93/7 lean preferred)
02 - 4 oz turkey ham, finely diced
03 - 1 small onion, grated
04 - 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
05 - 1 tsp garlic powder
06 - 1 tsp onion powder
07 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
08 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
09 - 1/4 tsp salt

→ For Assembly

10 - 4 burger buns (brioche recommended)
11 - 4 slices cheddar cheese
12 - 1 tbsp butter, for toasting buns

→ Secret Sauce

13 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
14 - 2 tbsp ketchup
15 - 1 tbsp sweet relish
16 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
17 - 1/2 tsp hot sauce (optional)

→ Fresh Toppings (Optional)

18 - Lettuce leaves
19 - Tomato slices
20 - Pickle chips

# Instructions:

01 - Alright, first things first! Grab a big bowl and gently combine your ground turkey, finely diced turkey ham, grated onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Now, this is important: mix it just enough until everything is combined. Don't overwork the meat, or your Simple Crack Burgers will turn out tough, and nobody wants that! Trust me, I've been there, thinking more mixing equals better, but nope. Form the mixture into four equally sized patties, making a little thumbprint in the center of each to prevent them from puffing up too much during cooking. This small trick really helps them cook evenly.
02 - Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. A little bit of oil, maybe a teaspoon, is all you need if your pan isn't non-stick. Once it’s nice and hot, carefully place your patties in the pan. Listen for that beautiful sizzle – that's the sound of deliciousness starting! Cook them for about 4-5 minutes per side for a juicy burger. I always get a little impatient and try to flip them too early, but resist! Let them get a nice golden-brown crust before turning. You want that perfect sear, it locks in all the flavor for your Easy Crack Burgers.
03 - Once your patties are almost done, in the last minute or two of cooking, lay a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each one. If you have a lid for your skillet, pop it on for about 30 seconds to a minute. This creates a little steamy environment that helps the cheese melt perfectly and get all gooey and delicious. Oh, the smell of that melting cheddar is just heavenly, honestly. It’s a game-changer for these Easy Crack Burgers, giving them that irresistible finish.
04 - While your cheese is melting, melt a little butter in a separate pan or on a griddle. Place your burger buns, cut-side down, into the buttered pan and toast them until they're lightly golden brown and slightly crispy. This step is non-negotiable for me! A properly toasted bun prevents sogginess and adds a wonderful texture. I can't tell you how many times I've skipped this in a rush and regretted it later. It just completes the Simple Crack Burgers experience.
05 - In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet relish, Dijon mustard, and that optional dash of hot sauce. Give it a good stir until everything is nicely combined and smooth. Taste it and adjust to your liking – maybe a little more relish for tang, or another drop of hot sauce if you're feeling feisty! This sauce is truly what brings all the flavors of your Easy Crack Burgers together, adding that creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet counterpoint.
06 - Now for the best part – assembly! Spread a generous spoonful of your secret sauce on both halves of each toasted bun. Place a cheesy patty on the bottom bun. If you're feeling fancy, add some fresh lettuce, a slice of tomato, or some pickle chips on top of the patty. Crown it with the top bun, and there you have it! A truly satisfying, flavorful burger that's honestly so much better than anything from a drive-thru. Take a moment to admire your handiwork; these Simple Crack Burgers are a thing of beauty!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overmix the turkey patties; it makes them tough. Just combine until everything comes together.
02 - Store cooked patties and buns separately to avoid sogginess, and sauce in an airtight container.
03 - If ground turkey isn't available, ground chicken works but might need more seasoning.
04 - Serve with crispy sweet potato fries or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large mixing bowl
02 - large skillet or cast iron pan
03 - small bowl
04 - spatula

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 480 kcal
Total Fat: 28g
Total Carbohydrate: 25g
Protein: 30g

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