Turkey Burgers Cranberry Sauce

The first time I made these turkey burgers was actually by accident when I realized I was out of beef but had ground turkey in the freezer. That happy mistake turned into one of our favorite weeknight dinners, especially when the tart cranberry sauce cuts through the rich meat. Now my kids actually request these over regular burgers, which feels like a serious parenting win.

Last summer I made these for a backyard cookout and watched my brother in law go back for seconds before anyone else had finished their first burger. He kept asking what the secret was, not realizing it was just cranberry sauce he could taste in every bite. Now whenever we have people over, someone always asks if Im making those cranberry turkey burgers again.

Ingredients

• Ground turkey: Turkey stays moist when you dont overmix it and the Dijon mustard helps lock in juices
• Fresh cranberries: They burst beautifully as they cook and create that perfect sweet tart balance
• Orange juice and zest: This brightens the cranberry sauce and cuts through the richness of the meat
• Dijon mustard: My grandmother always said a little mustard in turkey burgers keeps them from becoming dry
• Burger buns: Toasting them creates a barrier that keeps the sauce from making everything soggy

Instructions

Make the cranberry sauce first:

Combine cranberries, orange juice, brown sugar, orange zest, and salt in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until you hear the cranberries popping and the sauce thickens nicely. Set it aside to cool while you make the patties.

Mix the turkey patties:

In a large bowl, gently combine the ground turkey with onion, garlic, parsley, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper until just mixed. Form into 4 equal patties, being careful not to overwork the meat which can make them tough.

Cook the patties:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the patties for 5 to 6 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through with no pink in the center.

Assemble the burgers:

Place a lettuce leaf on each toasted bun bottom, add a cooked turkey patty, then top with tomato slices and a generous spoonful of that cranberry sauce. Add red onion if you like and finish with the bun top.

Save

These became our official welcome home meal last fall when my daughter came back from college. She took one bite and said it was better than any turkey burger shes had at restaurants, which is exactly the kind of moment that makes cooking feel like love.

Make Ahead Magic

The cranberry sauce actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a day or two, so I often make a double batch on Sunday. The turkey patties can be shaped the night before and kept covered in the refrigerator, which makes dinner prep nearly effortless.

Side Dish Pairings

Sweet potato fries complement these perfectly since their natural sweetness echoes the cranberries. A simple arugula salad with balsamic vinaigrette cuts through the richness, while roasted Brussels sprouts add that nice bitterness to balance everything.

Serving Ideas and Variations

Sometimes I add a slice of Swiss cheese during the last minute of cooking, letting it melt over the patty before adding the cranberry sauce. For a lighter version, lettuce wraps work beautifully, though the toasted bun really holds everything together better. The leftover cranberry sauce is fantastic on turkey sandwiches the next day.

• Add crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy tangy twist
• Mix some chopped spinach into the turkey mixture for extra nutrients
• Swap the buns for pretzel buns when you want something extra hearty

Save

Theres something about the contrast between the savory turkey and that bright cranberry sauce that makes these feel special without being complicated. I hope they become a regular in your dinner rotation too.

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I ensure juicy turkey patties?

Use ground turkey with a bit of fat content, and avoid overmixing. Adding ingredients like mustard and herbs helps retain moisture.

→ What’s the best way to make the cranberry sauce?

Simmer cranberries with orange juice, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt until the berries burst and sauce thickens, about 8-10 minutes.

→ Can I prepare the cranberry sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated to deepen its flavors.

→ What cooking method works best for the patties?

Cooking on a medium-heat skillet or grill pan with olive oil until golden brown and cooked through yields the best texture and taste.

→ Are there good substitutions for the burger buns?

Whole wheat or gluten-free buns can be used, depending on dietary needs and preference.