Apple Cheddar Turkey Burgers

These Apple Cheddar Turkey Burgers are going to redeem turkey burger’s reputation of dry and boring. We are obsessed with this recipe and love how easily it comes together!

These Apple Cheddar Turkey Burgers are the ultimate sweet and savory fall dinner! Made with juicy ground turkey, freshly grated apples, sharp cheddar cheese and a little maple syrup, these burgers are packed with flavor and SO easy to make. And don’t even get me started on the homemade maple Dijon sauce. It is unreal!

Okay you guys, I am officially obsessed with these burgers.

If you have been looking for a fun way to switch up your usual turkey burger situation, this recipe is IT. We are taking a classic turkey burger and giving it the most delicious fall-inspired twist with fresh apples, cheddar cheese and a few simple seasonings.

And before you think apples in burgers sound a little weird, TRUST ME on this one.

The grated apple adds natural sweetness and moisture to the turkey, while the sharp cheddar brings that delicious savory, cheesy flavor. Then we add Dijon mustard, maple syrup and sage to really bring everything together.

The combination is seriously SO good.

Plus, we are topping these burgers with a creamy maple Dijon sauce that takes about two minutes to make. It is tangy, a little sweet and the perfect finishing touch.

I love making these for an easy weeknight dinner because they require minimal prep, use simple ingredients and are such a fun change from the usual chicken or beef burgers.

Serve them on your favorite gluten-free buns with extra cheddar, thinly sliced apples and a generous spoonful of that sauce. You will be making these on repeat!

Why you will love these Apple Cheddar Turkey Burgers

• The perfect sweet and savory combination: Fresh apples, sharp cheddar, maple syrup and Dijon mustard create the most delicious flavor combination.
• Juicy and flavorful: Ground turkey can sometimes get a bad reputation for being dry, but the grated apple helps keep these burgers moist and tender.
• Easy weeknight dinner: The ingredients come together in just a few minutes, and the burgers cook right on the stovetop.
• Made with simple ingredients: Nothing fancy here! Just wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
• Family-friendly: These burgers have a delicious, slightly sweet flavor that makes them a fun option for kids and adults.
• Gluten-free friendly: The burger patties themselves don’t need breadcrumbs or flour, so just serve them with your favorite gluten-free buns.
• Perfect for fall: Apples, maple syrup, sage and cheddar? Basically all the best cozy fall flavors in one delicious burger.

Ingredients you need to make Apple Cheddar Turkey Burgers

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that you don’t need a ton of ingredients to make a really flavorful burger. Everything works together to create the perfect balance of sweet, savory and cheesy.

For the turkey burgers

• Ground turkey: The base of our burgers! I recommend using ground turkey that has a little fat in it rather than extra-lean turkey because it helps keep the burgers juicy and flavorful.
• Apple: The secret ingredient that makes these burgers extra delicious. I love using Honeycrisp or Gala apples because they have a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with cheddar. Make sure to grate the apple and squeeze out the excess moisture before adding it to the turkey mixture.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: I LOVE the flavor sharp cheddar adds to these burgers. It gives them a delicious cheesy, savory bite that balances the sweetness from the apple and maple syrup. Freshly shredded cheddar works great here.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a little tanginess and depth of flavor. It also pairs so well with the apples and cheddar.
• Maple syrup: Just a little maple syrup brings out the natural sweetness of the apple and gives these burgers that cozy fall flavor.
• Garlic powder: Adds a delicious savory flavor without needing to chop fresh garlic.
• Dried sage: One of my favorite herbs to pair with turkey. It adds a warm, earthy flavor that makes these burgers feel extra fall-inspired.
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the burgers and bringing out all the flavors.
• Black pepper: Adds just a little warmth and balances the sweetness.
• Olive oil: For cooking the burgers in a skillet or grill pan. I love using extra virgin olive oil.

For the maple Dijon sauce

This sauce deserves its own moment because it is THAT good.

• Mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt: The creamy base of our sauce. Mayo makes it a little richer, while Greek yogurt adds tanginess and some extra protein. Both are delicious!
• Dijon mustard: Gives the sauce its signature tangy flavor.
• Maple syrup: Adds the perfect touch of sweetness to balance the mustard.
• Apple cider vinegar: Brightens up the sauce and brings everything together.

I love making a little extra sauce because it is also delicious on sandwiches, wraps and even as a dip for roasted potatoes.

How to make Apple Cheddar Turkey Burgers

These burgers are incredibly easy to make, and you don’t need a grill! I love cooking them in a skillet or grill pan right on the stovetop.

1. Mix the burger ingredients: Add the ground turkey, grated and squeezed-dry apple, shredded sharp cheddar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, garlic powder, dried sage, salt and black pepper to a large bowl. Gently mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the burgers tough.
2. Form the patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into burger patties. I like making them slightly wider than the buns since they shrink a little while cooking.
3. Chill the burgers: Place the patties on a plate or parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the patties firm up and stay together when cooking.
4. Cook the burgers: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Add the turkey burgers and cook for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
5. Make the maple Dijon sauce: While the burgers cook, whisk together the mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, maple syrup and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
6. Assemble the burgers: Add the cooked turkey burgers to your favorite toasted gluten-free buns. Top with a generous spoonful of maple Dijon sauce, extra cheddar cheese and thinly sliced apples.
7. Serve and enjoy: Serve immediately with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Tips for making the best juicy apple cheddar turkey burgers

Squeeze the moisture out of the apple. This is probably my biggest tip for this recipe! Apples naturally contain a lot of water, and too much moisture can make the turkey mixture difficult to shape. After grating your apple, wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and gently squeeze out the excess liquid.

Don’t overmix the turkey. You want everything evenly combined, but mixing too aggressively can make turkey burgers dense and tough. I recommend using your hands or a fork and mixing just until the ingredients come together.

Don’t skip chilling the patties. I know waiting 30 minutes can feel annoying when you’re hungry, but this step really helps! Since we are adding grated apple and cheese to the turkey, the mixture is a little softer than a traditional burger. Refrigerating helps everything firm up.

Use sharp cheddar cheese. Sharp cheddar has a stronger flavor than mild cheddar, which makes it perfect for balancing the sweetness of the apple and maple syrup.

Cook over medium heat. You don’t want the skillet too hot because the maple syrup can cause the outside of the burgers to brown quickly. Medium heat allows the burgers to cook through without burning.

Use a meat thermometer. Ground turkey needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be safely cooked. This is the easiest way to know when your burgers are done without overcooking them.

What are the best apples to use in apple cheddar turkey burgers?

I love using Honeycrisp or Gala apples for this recipe because they have a delicious natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory turkey and sharp cheddar.

Honeycrisp apples are especially delicious because they have that sweet-tart flavor that really complements the Dijon mustard.

Gala apples are another great option if you prefer something a little sweeter and milder.

You could also use Pink Lady apples if that’s what you have on hand.

I would avoid using an extremely soft apple because it can release too much moisture into the burger mixture.

And no need to peel the apple before grating it unless you prefer to! The skin adds a little extra fiber and blends right into the burgers.

Why add grated apple to turkey burgers?

If you have never added grated apple to a turkey burger before, you are in for a treat.

Ground turkey is naturally leaner than many ground beef blends, which means it can sometimes become dry when cooked.

Adding grated apple helps bring a little extra moisture to the burger mixture while also adding natural sweetness.

The apple also works beautifully with the savory flavors of the turkey, sage and cheddar cheese.

And the best part? You don’t get big chunks of apple inside the burger. Once the apple is grated and mixed into the turkey, it blends right in.

It is such an easy way to add a little something extra to a classic turkey burger.

The maple Dijon sauce is a MUST

I genuinely think the maple Dijon sauce might be one of my favorite parts of this recipe.

It is creamy, tangy, a little sweet and takes less than five minutes to make.

And it is made with just four ingredients!

The Dijon mustard gives it that bold, tangy flavor, while the maple syrup adds sweetness. Apple cider vinegar brings a little acidity, and the mayo or Greek yogurt makes everything creamy.

If you prefer a richer, more classic burger sauce, use mayonnaise.

If you want something a little lighter with extra protein, plain Greek yogurt is delicious too.

You can also make the sauce ahead of time and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble your burgers.

And please don’t be shy with the sauce. It makes the whole burger!

What to serve with Apple Cheddar Turkey Burgers

These burgers are delicious on their own, but I love pairing them with a simple side to make a complete meal.

Here are some of my favorite ideas:

• Crispy roasted sweet potato fries: The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes pairs so well with the maple Dijon flavors.
• Roasted potatoes: A classic burger side that is especially delicious dipped into extra sauce.
• Simple green salad: Something fresh and crunchy balances the richness of the cheddar and creamy sauce.
• Air fryer French fries: Because burgers and fries are always a good idea.
• Roasted Brussels sprouts: One of my favorite fall vegetables, especially with a little olive oil and sea salt.
• Apple slaw: If you really want to lean into the apple theme, a crunchy cabbage and apple slaw would be SO good with these.

You can also skip the bun and serve the burger over a big salad with sliced apples, avocado and a drizzle of maple Dijon sauce.

Such an easy and delicious lunch!

Can you make these turkey burgers ahead of time?

YES! These Apple Cheddar Turkey Burgers are a great option for meal prep, especially if you like having easy protein options ready to go during the week.

You can prepare the turkey mixture and shape the patties up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover them tightly and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to cook.

You can also cook the burgers ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.

When you’re ready to eat, reheat them in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through.

I recommend storing the maple Dijon sauce separately so you can add it fresh when serving.

And if you’re packing these for lunch, they are delicious served over greens or in a lettuce wrap too.

Can you freeze Apple Cheddar Turkey Burgers?

Absolutely! These burgers freeze really well, making them a great option to prep ahead for busy weeks.

To freeze uncooked burgers: Shape the turkey mixture into patties and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment between each patty. Freeze for up to 2–3 months for best quality.

To freeze cooked burgers: Allow the cooked burgers to cool, then wrap them individually and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months.

To thaw: Transfer the frozen patties to the refrigerator overnight. Cook raw patties until they reach 165°F internally, or reheat cooked patties until hot throughout.

I recommend making the maple Dijon sauce fresh since creamy sauces don’t always maintain the same texture after freezing.

Frequently asked questions about Apple Cheddar Turkey Burgers

Can I make these with ground chicken instead?

Yes! Ground chicken works perfectly in place of ground turkey. The flavor combination of apples, cheddar, maple syrup and sage is delicious with either protein.

Can I make these burgers dairy-free?

Absolutely. Just omit the cheddar cheese or use your favorite dairy-free shredded cheddar alternative. For the sauce, use a dairy-free mayonnaise instead of Greek yogurt.

Are these apple cheddar turkey burgers gluten-free?

The burger patties are naturally made without breadcrumbs or flour. Just make sure your mustard, seasonings and other packaged ingredients are gluten-free if needed, and serve on gluten-free buns.

Can I cook these burgers in the oven?

Yes! You can bake the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F for approximately 18–22 minutes, depending on their thickness. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.

Can I use a different cheese?

Definitely! Sharp cheddar is my favorite because it has such a delicious bold flavor, but white cheddar, gouda or even Swiss cheese would be delicious.

Can I skip the maple syrup?

Yes, although I love the subtle sweetness it adds. The apple already provides some natural sweetness, so you can leave the maple syrup out of the burgers if you prefer.

Why are my turkey burgers falling apart?

The most common reason is too much moisture in the mixture. Make sure you squeeze the grated apple really well and refrigerate the patties for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Also avoid flipping the burgers too early. Let them develop a nice golden crust before turning.

A new favorite fall dinner!

I cannot get over how delicious these Apple Cheddar Turkey Burgers are.

They have everything I love in an easy weeknight dinner: simple ingredients, tons of flavor, minimal cleanup and a fun twist that makes dinner feel a little more exciting.

The grated apples keep the turkey juicy, the cheddar adds the perfect savory bite and that maple Dijon sauce just brings everything together.

And while these definitely give off cozy fall vibes, they are honestly delicious any time of year.

Whether you are looking for a new family-friendly dinner, a fun way to use up apples from apple picking or just want to switch up your usual turkey burger recipe, you NEED to try these.

Serve them with your favorite gluten-free buns, extra cheddar, crunchy apple slices and lots of maple Dijon sauce.

Trust me, you guys. SO GOOD.

If you make these Apple Cheddar Turkey Burgers, let me know what you think in the comments below! I love hearing when a recipe becomes a new family favorite.

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