Grilled Pineapple and Pepper Jack Turkey Burgers

What a way to start off the year! My first new recipe was a huge hit. Well, it was a huge hit with Bailey and myself. I don't think Aaron really likes turkey burgers.

These were the juiciest turkey burgers I've ever made at home. It seems like turkey, the low-fat meat that it is, just gets incredibly dry on me again and again, but these burgers are special. Seasoned with soy sauce and thyme and topped with melted pepper jack cheese and a slice of fresh grilled pineapple there's no lack of flavor and a little drizzle or spray of olive oil before they go on the grill keeps them from drying out as they cook. I didn't have much in the way of toppings tonight but I don't think they need them. I might add some romaine lettuce leaves and a bit of mayo (or miracle whip in my case) but really the flavors are already there, the rest is just icing on the cake.

My one note about turkey burgers would be this: Always use the higher fat ground turkey. There are two kinds of ground turkey, the all white meat kind which has virtually no fat, and the dark and white meat mix which has a little natural fat in it. The all white meat kind is great for turkey chili or spaghetti sauce or even taco meat, but it dries out when used in burgers or meatballs. If you've always used the all white meat ground turkey and never cared for the texture of your burgers definitely give them another try with the white/dark meat mix. I think it will completely change your feelings toward turkey burgers.

Grilled Pineapple and Pepper Jack Turkey Burgers

Source: adapted from Muscle and Fitness Hers

1 lb ground turkey
1 1/2 Tbsp soy sauce
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp thyme
olive oil or olive oil spray
4 slices fresh pineapple
4 slices pepper jack cheese
4 hamburger buns (I used normal store bought buns tonight but I would love to try these on my homemade brioche buns)
lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and any other fixin's you like on your burgers

Preheat your grill to medium-high, or in my case preheat the George Foreman grill.

In a medium mixing bowl combine the ground turkey, soy sauce, black pepper, onion powder, and thyme. Mix until just combined.

Portion into 4 equal patties and brush or spray with olive oil on both sides.

Place both the patties and the pineapple slices on a preheated grill (I used my George Foreman grill but the original recipe says to grill about 8 minutes on each side) and cook until browned on both sides and completely cooked through.

Remove from the grill and top each burger with a slice of pepper jack cheese followed by a slice of pineapple.

Place each burger on a bun and add whatever toppings you like.

Serve warm with french fries.