Easy Greek Turkey Burgers with Creamy Feta

Ok, I’ll be honest here. I submitted these Greek Turkey Burgers with Creamy Feta for a recipe contest! (and I surely think I should have won!) These are a flavorful twist on the classic burger, combining lean turkey with the rich, tangy taste of feta cheese for a deliciously unique bite.

Paired with a homemade tzatziki sauce, made from creamy Greek yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and fresh herbs, this burger offers a refreshing balance of savory and cool flavors. Whether you’re grilling up for a BBQ or whipping up a quick weeknight dinner on the stove, this recipe brings the taste of the Mediterranean right to your table. I know you’ll be obsessed!

Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy and Lean: Made with turkey, this burger is a lighter option while still being packed with protein.
• Rich and Flavorful: The creamy feta cheese adds a deliciously tangy and savory twist to each bite.
• Homemade Tzatziki Sauce: The fresh, cool tzatziki made from Greek yogurt, cucumbers, and herbs enhances the burger with a refreshing Mediterranean flavor.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or weekend grilling.
• Mediterranean-Inspired: Brings the vibrant and fresh flavors of Greek cuisine to your table without leaving home.

Ingredients You’ll Need For These Burgers

• Baby Bella Mushrooms (optional): These mushrooms add moisture and a savory depth of flavor, enhancing the turkey’s taste and texture.
• Ground Turkey: The lean protein base for the Greek Turkey Burgers with Creamy Feta, keeping it healthy and light while still satisfying.
• Salt: Essential for bringing out the flavors of the turkey and seasonings.
• Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to balance the savory ingredients.
• Garlic Powder: A convenient way to infuse a mild garlic flavor throughout the burger mixture.
• Onion Powder: Adds a rich, aromatic flavor that complements the turkey and seasonings.
• Dill: Fresh dill adds a herby, tangy note that ties the burger to its Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
• Parsley: Brightens the burger with its fresh, grassy flavor, contributing to the overall balance.
• Oregano: A key herb in Greek cuisine, bringing a warm, earthy flavor to the burger.
• Panko: Light and crispy, panko breadcrumbs help bind the mixture together while providing a tender bite.
• Egg: Helps to hold the burger together, ensuring a moist and cohesive texture.
• Greek Yogurt: The creamy base for the tzatziki, offering a thick and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the burger.
• Cucumber: Adds a refreshing crunch and mild flavor that balances the richness of the yogurt.
• Lemon Juice: Provides acidity, brightening up the sauce and adding a fresh zing.
• Minced Garlic: Adds a subtle sharpness and depth to the tzatziki.
• Capers: These tiny brined buds offer a tangy, briny punch that gives the creamy feta a Mediterranean edge.
• Oil: Olive oil enriches the tzatziki, giving it a silky texture and depth of flavor.
• Red Onion: Adds a mild sweetness and slight crunch, balancing the creaminess of the yogurt.
• Tomato: Fresh, juicy tomatoes provide a sweet contrast to the savory flavors of the burger and sauce.
• Kalamata Olives: Briny and rich, these olives infuse a traditional Mediterranean flavor into the burger.
• Burger Bun: A soft, toasted bun that holds all the ingredients together for these Greek Turkey Burger with Creamy Feta and provides a satisfying base.
• Lettuce: Adds a crisp, fresh texture to the burger, complementing the savory and creamy elements.

How to Make These Greek Turkey Burgers with Creamy Feta

For the burgers:

Start by mincing the Baby Bella mushrooms and mixing them in a bowl with the ground turkey. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, parsley, oregano, panko breadcrumbs, and egg to the mixture, stirring everything together until well combined.

Once everything is incorporated, cover the bowl and chill the mixture in the fridge for 25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and make it easier to form patties.

After chilling, heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat and cook the patties, about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked through.

Meanwhile, prepare the tzatziki sauce by shredding the cucumber and squeezing out any excess water. In a separate bowl, mix the shredded cucumber with Greek yogurt, fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and minced garlic. Stir well to combine, creating a creamy, tangy sauce.

Finally, for the creamy feta caper spread, fry a handful of capers in a small pan with a bit of oil until crispy, then mix them into crumbled feta cheese until smooth and creamy.

Then assemble the burger, spread a layer of the tzatziki sauce on the bottom of each toasted bun. Top with a crisp layer of lettuce, followed by the cooked turkey burger patty. Add a slice of tomato, red onion, and a few Kalamata olives for extra Mediterranean flavor.

Finally, spread the creamy feta and caper mixture on the top bun, then place it on the assembled burger to complete the delicious stack. Enjoy this Greek-inspired turkey burger that’s bursting with fresh, savory flavors!

Storage Tips for this Recipe

1. Burger Patties:
   • Refrigeration: If you have leftover cooked burger patties, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
   • Freezing: To freeze uncooked patties, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm (about 1-2 hours). Then transfer the patties to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
2. Tzatziki Sauce:
   • Refrigeration: Store the tzatziki sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors may intensify as it sits, so give it a good stir before serving.
   • Freezing: Tzatziki is not ideal for freezing due to its yogurt base, as the texture may change upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
3. Creamy Feta Caper Spread:
   • Refrigeration: Store the creamy feta and caper spread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It may thicken slightly, so you can stir in a little olive oil to loosen it up before using.
   • Freezing: While the feta spread can be frozen, the texture may change once thawed. It’s best to consume it fresh or within a few days.

Common FAQ’s Related to this Recipe

• Can I use a different type of meat for the burger?
  Yes! You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken, lean beef, or lamb for a different flavor. Keep in mind that fat content and flavor may vary depending on the meat used.
• Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?
  Absolutely! Tzatziki can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. The flavors will deepen and improve as it sits.
• Can I grill the turkey burgers instead of cooking them in a pan?
  Yes, grilling works great! Preheat the grill to medium heat and cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through, for a smoky flavor.
• Can I freeze the turkey burger patties?
  Yes! Freeze uncooked patties by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once firm, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and cook from frozen, adding extra time to the cooking process.
• Can I make the tzatziki sauce without Greek yogurt?
  Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt with regular yogurt, sour cream, or dairy-free yogurt alternatives like coconut or almond yogurt.

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