Juicy Turkey Brunch Patty

The smell of fresh thyme and sizzling turkey always takes me back to that rainy Sunday when my roommate accidentally invented what we now call our legendary brunch burgers. We were out of bacon but had ground turkey and a hungry crew, so we improvised wildly. The patties were so good we ended up making them three weekends in a row, and now they are non-negotiable whenever friends sleep over.

Last summer I made these for my sister's baby shower brunch and watched my uncle, who claims to dislike turkey, go back for seconds. He actually asked for the recipe right there at the table, holding his plate like he was guarding something precious. There is something about the combination of fresh herbs and that hint of Dijon mustard that makes people suddenly pay attention to turkey burgers.

Ingredients

• Ground turkey: The base of our patty, choose meat with a bit of fat for juiciness
• Egg: Binds everything together while keeping patties tender
• Red onion: Finely diced so it cooks through and adds sweet bites
• Garlic: Minced fresh gives the best aromatic punch
• Fresh parsley: Brings brightness and color to every bite
• Dried thyme: Earthy and perfect for that brunch vibe
• Dijon mustard: The secret ingredient that deepens the flavor
• Smoked paprika: Adds subtle warmth and beautiful color
• Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring everything together
• Olive oil: For achieving that gorgeous golden crust

Instructions

Mix the patty base:

Combine ground turkey, egg, diced onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, the mixture should feel light and not overworked.

Shape the patties:

Divide into 4 equal portions and form patties about 1.5 cm thick, making a slight depression in the center of each to prevent puffing while cooking.

Get the pan ready:

Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering, you want it hot enough to sear immediately.

Cook to golden perfection:

Add patties and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp, reaching an internal temperature of 74 degrees Celsius.

Rest before serving:

Let patties rest for 2 minutes off the heat so juices redistribute, then serve on your choice of bread.

Save

These became my go-to when I started meal prepping for busy weeks, tucked into English muffins with a slice of tomato and avocado. My partner started requesting them specifically for Sunday meal prep, calling them the only leftovers that actually taste better the next day.

Make Ahead Magic

I have learned to double this recipe and freeze uncooked patties between parchment paper for emergency brunch situations. They thaw overnight in the fridge and cook up just as beautifully as fresh ones, making impromptu hosting completely stress free.

Serving Suggestions

While these are fantastic on toasted English muffins, I have also served them open-faced with poached eggs and hollandaise for a Benedict style brunch. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette on the side cuts through the richness perfectly.

Flavor Variations

Sometimes I swap the parsley for fresh cilantro and add a pinch of cumin for a Southwestern twist. A tablespoon of grated Parmesan or crumbled feta folded into the mixture adds a salty umami note that guests always try to identify.

• Add crumbled cooked bacon for an extra smoky punch
• Mix in diced jalapeno if you like some heat
• Try fresh sage instead of thyme in fall months

Save

These turkey brunch burgers have transformed so many lazy weekends into memorable meals worth lingering over. Hope they become part of your kitchen story too.

Recipe FAQs

→ How should I shape the patties to ensure even cooking?

Divide the mixture evenly and form patties about 1.5 cm thick to allow quick and uniform cooking without drying out.

→ What oils work best for cooking these patties?

Olive oil or neutral oils with a high smoke point are recommended to achieve a golden brown crust while keeping the inside juicy.

→ Can I add cheese to these patties?

Yes, melting cheddar or Swiss cheese on top adds richness and complements the herbed flavors beautifully.

→ What are good pairing suggestions for this dish?

Serve patties with toasted English muffins, bagels, poached eggs, or avocado for a well-rounded brunch plate.

→ How can I modify herbs for different flavor profiles?

Try substituting parsley with cilantro or adding grated Parmesan for a distinctive twist to the seasoning blend.