Cranberry Turkey Burgers with Jammy Mayo and Mixed Green Salad

Prep: 15 minCook: 15 min2 servingsmediumAmerican
Cranberry Turkey Burgers with Jammy Mayo and Mixed Green Salad

Juicy turkey burgers seasoned with fresh sage and thyme, topped with a sweet-tangy cranberry jam mayonnaise. The panko breadcrumbs keep the patties moist while the fresh herbs add aromatic depth. Served on toasted potato buns with a crisp mixed green salad featuring dried cranberries and pecans. Perfect for a casual dinner when you want something more interesting than a basic burger but still approachable for the whole family.

Ingredients

2 servings
  • ¼ ounce sage
  • 1 unit shallot
  • 20 ounce ground turkey
    ground chicken1:1poultry

    similar lean protein

    Full guide →
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
    regular breadcrumbs1:1texturegluten-free

    slightly denser texture

    Full guide →
  • 6 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 2 ounce cranberry jam
    apricot jam1:1sweet

    different fruit flavor

  • 4 unit potato buns
    brioche buns1:1bread

    richer flavor

  • 4 ounce mixed greens
  • 1 ounce dried cranberries
  • 1 ounce pecans
    walnuts1:1nuts

    similar crunch

    Full guide →
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 2 teaspoon vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoon olive oil
  • black pepper
  • salt

Instructions

  1. 1

    Wash and dry all produce and preheat toaster oven or oven to 400 degrees

  2. 2

    Pick and mince sage leaves from stems to give 2 tablespoons

  3. 3

    Peel and grate shallot into a medium bowl

  4. 4

    Add turkey, sage, thyme, and panko to bowl with shallot, season with salt and pepper, mix until just combined

  5. 5

    Shape mixture into four 3/4-inch-thick patties

  6. 6

    Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat and cook patties until no longer pink in center, 5-6 minutes per side

  7. 7

    Meanwhile, stir mayonnaise and jam in a small bowl and season with salt and pepper

  8. 8

    Split buns in half and toast until golden, 3-5 minutes

  9. 9

    Toss lettuce, dried cranberries, pecans, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil in a large bowl, season with salt and pepper

  10. 10

    Spread cranberry mayo onto buns, fill with turkey patty and handful of lettuce, serve with remaining salad

Tips

Tip 1

If you don't have a grater, finely mince the shallot instead for similar flavor distribution.

Tip 2

Place buns on a baking sheet before toasting in the oven to prevent them from falling through the rack.

Tip 3

Don't overmix the turkey mixture to keep the patties tender and juicy.

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate cooked patties for up to 3 days. Store cranberry mayo separately for up to 1 week.

Make Ahead

Shape patties and make cranberry mayo up to 1 day ahead. Cook patties just before serving.

Serve With

Serve immediately while patties are hot and buns are warm for best texture.

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't overmix the turkey to avoid dense, tough patties.

Watch

Ensure patties are fully cooked to 165°F internal temperature to avoid foodborne illness.

Substitutions

Gluten-Free Swaps

panko breadcrumbs
regular breadcrumbs1:1texturegluten-free

slightly denser texture

Full guide →

General Alternatives

ground turkey
ground chicken1:1poultry

similar lean protein

Full guide →
pecans
walnuts1:1nuts

similar crunch

Full guide →
cranberry jam
apricot jam1:1sweet

different fruit flavor

Full guide →
potato buns
brioche buns1:1bread

richer flavor

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

Shape the patties and make the cranberry mayo up to a day ahead, but cook the patties just before serving for best texture and food safety.

What if I don't have cranberry jam?

Substitute with apricot jam, fig jam, or even a thick berry preserve. The sweet-tart flavor complements the savory turkey well.

How long will leftovers keep?

Cooked patties will keep refrigerated for 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, but the texture is best when fresh.