Happy (almost) 4th of July! I have a fantastic burger recipe to try for your Independence Day cookout. Mark and I have made these Paleo Stuffed Bacon Turkey Burgers several times this summer and they quickly became a favorite. New favorite burger? Absolutely.
A plain turkey burger can seem unexciting, but when you add smoky bacon, stuff the patty with cheese, and top it with caramelized onions and a creamy Dairy-Free Avocado Ranch Dressing, it transforms into something extraordinary.
Pure burger bliss.
I developed these Stuffed Bacon Turkey Burgers a few weeks ago but waited to share until now because July 4th is prime grill season. I also wanted to make sure you had time to try the Dairy-Free Avocado Ranch Dressing that pairs perfectly with them. It really brings the whole burger together.
We kept our burgers dairy-free using my favorite non-dairy cheese brand, Miyoko’s Kitchen. If you spot it at your local store, try it — it’s creamy and flavorful. You can also use any cheese you prefer or even stuff the patties with avocado for a dairy-free filling.
We happened to have Miyoko’s Sun-Dried Tomato Garlic cheese, which worked beautifully, but any cheese or avocado will work as the filling.
Let’s fire up the grill and make these burgers.
Start by preheating the grill to medium-high and begin the caramelized onions on the stove. Slice the onion into rings and cook on medium until translucent, then reduce heat to low and let them caramelize slowly. Patience is key — good caramelization takes about 15–20 minutes with occasional stirring.
While the onions caramelize, make the Dairy-Free Avocado Ranch Dressing and chill it until ready to use.
Cut the uncured bacon into small pieces and mix them with ground turkey and the spices in a large bowl. I formed six patties from this mixture, but you can shape them to your preferred size.
Once the patties are shaped, place a portion of cheese in the center of each, then seal the edges so the filling stays inside. After reforming the patties, they’re ready for the grill.
Grilling tip: Grill the burgers with the lid closed for about 5 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove them from the heat and let them rest briefly before serving. Cutting one open to reveal the melted filling is highly recommended.
Assemble the burgers on romaine hearts or your preferred lettuce with sliced tomato, avocado, the caramelized onions, and a generous drizzle of Dairy-Free Avocado Ranch Dressing for brightness and creaminess.
For an easy side, serve with sweet potato chips or your favorite fries. These crispy chips cooked in coconut oil are slightly sweet and pair well with the savory burgers.
These burgers deliver a big, satisfying bite: juicy turkey seasoned with bacon and herbs, creamy melted cheese inside, sweet caramelized onions, and tangy avocado ranch on top. They’re messy in the best way and perfect for summer gatherings.
Whether you’re grilling for the 4th or planning any summer meal, add these Stuffed Bacon Turkey Burgers to your menu. Happy 4th of July!
- For the Burgers:
- 1.25 lbs ground turkey
- 6 slices uncooked bacon, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 ounces cheese of choice (dairy-free optional)
- For the Toppings:
- 1 large sweet onion, sliced
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Romaine or iceberg lettuce leaves
- Dairy-Free Avocado Ranch Dressing
- Place the sweet onion slices in a lightly oiled skillet and cook over medium heat until translucent and lightly browned. Reduce heat to low and let caramelize for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare the Dairy-Free Avocado Ranch Dressing and set aside in the refrigerator.
- Cut the bacon into small pieces. Combine bacon, ground turkey, and spices in a bowl and mix well with your hands.
- Form the mixture into six patties. Separate each patty into two layers, add about 1/2 ounce of cheese to the center, then seal and reform each patty.
- Grill the burgers with the lid closed on medium-high heat for about 10 minutes total, flipping once halfway through (about 5 minutes per side), until cooked through.
- Serve the burgers on lettuce leaves with tomato, caramelized onions, avocado, and the Dairy-Free Avocado Ranch Dressing.
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