BBQ Ranch Turkey Smash Burger

Burger on a black plate with a drink in the background.

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 Time20

Cook Time30

Total Time50

Course: Main Course

Keyword: bbq, burger, dinner, easy, family-friendly, kid-friendly, lunch, ranch, sandwich, savory, smash, summer, turkey

Servings: burgers

Calories: 536kcal

Author: Shanika

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
unsalted 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

US Customary - Metric

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!

Notes

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