Apple Bourbon Turkey Burger with Gouda

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey
• 1/2 cup apple, peeled and finely grated
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 1/4 cup apple butter
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 slices smoked gouda cheese
• 4 brioche buns, split and toasted
• 1 cup caramelized onions
• 4 leaves lettuce

Method

1. 1

   In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the bourbon, apple butter, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and glossy.

   5:00 · Simmer glaze
2. 2

   Whisk the butter into the glaze until melted and smooth, then remove from heat and set aside.

3. 3

   In a large bowl, gently combine the ground turkey, grated apple, panko, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and cinnamon until just mixed, taking care not to overwork the meat.

4. 4

   Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into patties about 3/4 inch thick, pressing a slight dimple in the center of each.

5. 5

   Heat the olive oil in a 9-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook without moving them until deeply browned on the first side.

   5:00 · Sear first side
6. 6

   Flip the patties, brush the tops generously with the bourbon-apple glaze, and continue cooking until the burgers reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

   5:00 · Cook second side
7. 7

   Lay a slice of smoked gouda on each patty, cover the skillet, and cook just until the cheese melts.

   2:00 · Melt cheese
8. 8

   Brush the buns lightly with any remaining glaze and assemble the burgers with lettuce, caramelized onions, and the gouda-topped patties.