Apple Cheddar Turkey Burgers ~ Deliciously sage-seasoned ground turkey slathered in melted cheddar cheese, topped with both gala and granny Smith apples on a super thin bun.This weekend is the official kick-off of summer, outdoor grilling, and all things fun in the sun. Well, I shouldn’t count on that last one too much, my heater is still needed at night. It is true I have already fired up my grill at least a half dozen times, the rain and random intense drop in the mercury means I can’t quite put away the sweaters in favor of tank tops.
But come rain or shine, I’m grilling this weekend. And these Apple Cheddar Turkey Burgers are on the menu.
Once all the bbq’s commence, the available foods are tastebud tingling fantastic. Potato and macaroni salads. Baked beans. Pies. Ice cream. Meats galore. And countless other delicious items covering the red-checkered covered picnic tables. But with foods like this, watching my diet becomes increasingly difficult. Not only do I need to stick to my gastric bypass dietary protocol, I need also need to watch my diet due to things like high blood pressure and diabetes, two things that run rampant on my paternal side of the family.In 2006, my grandfather passed away from a stroke due to his diabetes. He was diagnosed when I was a kid and until the end of his life, he struggled between eating the foods he needed to in order to stay healthy and wanting the foods he watched the rest of us indulge in. As a person who does a lot of entertaining, I don’t want to make my meals for only some to enjoy while I neglect the flavor and fun while attending to the dietary needs of others. I strive to make sure all my meals are loaded with flavor and fun AND meeting my guests dietary health needs.
There are very few pairings as iconically American as a burger and a milkshake. I’m pretty sure this is all the teenage person in the 1950’s ate, or at least that is the way old sitcoms portray it. Whether true or not, that classic combination has something going for it.
I have been compensated by Glucerna for this post; however, I am sharing my own thoughts. All opinions are my own. Talk with your health care provider about a diabetes management plan that’s right for you. #GlucernaHungerSmart #CollectiveBias
Sadly, for those managing their blood sugar can find a burger and a shake to be challenging against those blood sugar spikes. Glucerna® Hunger Smart™ Shakes provide 25 vitamins and minerals, are a good source a fiber to keep the digestive tract running properly, and only have 6 grams of sugar plus 1 carb per bottle. Glucerna® Hunger Smart™ Shakes and Apple Cheddar Turkey Burgers can bring back some of the nostalgia of yesteryear with a lean, yet flavorful burger and a thick, rich, ice cold chocolatey shake. This combo may help some manage their diabetic care, but please consult your doctor for what’s best for you.Glucerna® Hunger Smart™ Shakes have 15 grams of protein to help manage hunger. The shakes are specially formulated for people with diabetes, they have 66% less sugars, helping you stay fuller longer. Plus the sweet chocolate or vanilla flavor will curb those sweet cravings we all get from time to time.
The Apple Cheddar Turkey Burgers are made with extra lean ground turkey and seasoned with sage, salt, and pepper, along with freshly grated onion. They can be cooked indoors on a grill pan or outside on your grill, either way, once assembled with the thick slices of cheddar cheese and crisp apples, your taste buds will be transported. I used one of those super thin buns, but if that is too much carb while managing your diabetes-or any other low carb dietary plan, please omit and wrap that bad boy in a piece of lettuce.
Pairing the Glucerna® Hunger Smart™ Shakes and the Apple Cheddar Turkey Burgers is my way of creating a menu that not only invokes nostalgia of Americana with burgers and shakes, but also provides a meal anyone managing their diabetes can enjoy while not feeling like they are missing out on all the tasty things at our outdoor parties.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs extra lean ground turkey
- 3 tbsp grated onion
- 1/2 tsp dried sage
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 9 thick-cut cheddar cheese slices
- 2 Granny Smith apples; thinly sliced
- 2 Gala apples; thinly sliced
- 9 100 % whole wheat sandwich/hamburger thins
- Head of leafy lettuce (optional for those omitting the buns)
- 1-2 tbsp oil (for greasing the grill)
- Water (for creating steam)
- Mayonnaise (optional)
Instructions
-
In a large bowl, add the ground turkey, grated onion, sage, salt, and pepper.
-
Thoroughly yet gently mix together.
-
Form 9-1/3 lb burgers (stack them on a plate or baking sheet between layers of wax paper.) Make the burgers wider versus super thick. Turkey must be completely cooked before consuming and if they are too thick, the cooking time will be increased along with the chance of charring the outside.
-
Cover and chill if they are not going to be used immediately and if chilled, allow to come to room temperature before grilling.
Using an outdoor grill
-
Heat the grill on high to get hot, but once hot, lower the temperature to medium. Scrape the grill clean and carefully apply oil to the grates using a paper towel or similar method. (These burgers are super lean and WILL STICK to the grill if oil is not applied.)
-
Evenly space the burgers on the grill, taking care that the flames are not high, and close the lid. Cook for at least 4-6 minutes, a bit longer if they are super thick.
-
Flip the burgers and cook for an additional 4 minutes with the lid closed.
-
Place a slice of cheese over each burger and then spritz the grill (NOT THE BURGERS) with water to create steam. Close the lid and allow to cook an additional 2 minutes.
-
Remove from the grill once the burgers are cooked through and have an internal temperature of 165°.
Indoor Grill Pan
-
Heat the grill pan (preferably non-stick) on medium-high to get hot, but once hot, lower the temperature to medium.
-
Carefully apply oil to the pan using a paper towel or similar method. (These burgers are super lean and WILL STICK to the pan, despite being a non-stick pan, if oil is not applied.)
-
Place 2-6 burgers or however many your grill pan can accommodate with still having space between the burgers.
-
Cook for at least 4-6 minutes, a bit longer if they are super thick. If you have a lid that can accommodate the grill pan, even if it is an awkward fit, use it. (I use my wok lid.)
-
Flip the burgers and cook for an additional 4 minutes with the lid closed, if possible.
-
Place a slice of cheese over each burger and then spritz the grill pan (NOT THE BURGERS) with water to create steam. Replace the lid and allow to cook an additional 2 minutes.
-
Remove from the grill once the burgers are cooked through and have an internal temperature of 165°.
Assembly
-
Slice the apples thinly, either by hand or using a mandolin slicer.
-
If using the mayo, put a thin amount on the bottom bun, place the burger on top, cheese side up on the mayo.
-
Arrange the apples over the top of the burger and place the top bun on.
-
Serve and enjoy.

Getting ready for the party was simple enough. I headed over to my local Walmart to pick up a 6-pack of Glucerna® Hunger Smart™ Shakes along with the supplies I needed to make my burgers. Walmart currently has a deal going on where you can buy any 2 large packs of Glucerna® and save up to $3. Click here for details.
Now that we are officially in outdoor grilling season, what are you going grill up this weekend and how can you incorporate Glucerna® Hunger Smart™ Shakes for you and/or your diabetic guests?
29 Comments
Meg @ With Salt and Wit
May 24, 2016 at 12:45 pmWow! Now this is a burger I could eat every night!
Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious
May 24, 2016 at 3:25 pmI could see doing this recipe with ground chicken, too. YUM either way!
Michelle De La Cerda
May 25, 2016 at 2:14 pmGround chicken would work. I prefer turkey only because it feels ‘meatier’ unless I grind my own chicken, which I do quite frequently.
Amy Stafford
May 24, 2016 at 3:35 pmThis is one delicious looking burger and I like the healthy additions.
Kacey @ The Cookie Writer
May 24, 2016 at 4:30 pmLove everything about these! Ground turkey is such a nice replacement to other ground meats, and the addition of two kinds of apples has me swooning 🙂
Shasta L Walton
May 24, 2016 at 5:27 pmWOW! This looks so delicious! [client]
Becky Hardin | The Cookie Rookie
May 24, 2016 at 7:42 pmWhat a great pairing with the apples…sounds wonderful
eat good 4 life
May 25, 2016 at 6:04 amI love making burgers with turkey much better. These look awesome!
Janette@CulinaryGinger
May 25, 2016 at 11:24 amWhat a delicious flavor combo for a burger. I must try this.
Debi at Life Currents
May 25, 2016 at 12:52 pmWhat a fabulous and healthy dinner! And, may I just say that your apple slices are a thing of beauty! So thin and so even! My family will love this recipe. Thanks!
Michelle De La Cerda
May 25, 2016 at 2:16 pmMandolin slicer! I have decent knife skills, but not that good!
KC the Kitchen Chopper
May 25, 2016 at 12:54 pmOh my word, just look at all that cheesy goodness. Awesome.
Diane
May 25, 2016 at 1:09 pmNew idea for me! I would have never thought to put this dinner together! But of course apples and cheese are perfect together and all the rest looks so good! Will try this idea out! thanks for sharing!
Joanne/WineLady Cooks
May 25, 2016 at 1:24 pmGreat burger, love the apple cheddar combo.
Linda Shapiro
May 25, 2016 at 5:24 pmOh my this is one tantalizing burger! And I really appreciate that you included directions for both an outdoor grill and an indoor grill pan as we are coming into rainy season here in Florida…which means our outdoor grilling plans often have to be changed at a moment’s notice!
Nettie Moore
May 25, 2016 at 7:19 pmSounds like the winning combination, gorgeous burger and I would like to try the Glucerna Shake! Nettie
Michaela Kenkel
May 25, 2016 at 8:00 pmLove apples and cheese — I bet these are super yum!
Melanie | Melanie Makes
May 25, 2016 at 8:58 pmLove those thin slices of crunchy apple on top of these burgers!
Del's cooking twist
May 26, 2016 at 7:44 amLove that you add apples in these turkey burgers, looks delish!
Manila Spoon (Abigail)
May 26, 2016 at 8:42 amI love the fruity freshness that the apples add to this delicious burger! Yum!
Catherine
May 26, 2016 at 9:41 pmThat burger is mouthwatering! What a delicious, healthy meal. xo, Catherine
Brian Jones
May 27, 2016 at 1:35 amLoving the sage and onion flavours you have got going on in that burger, they work so well with poultry… So intrigued by the notion of cheese with it, gotta give it a try 🙂
Elizabeth
May 27, 2016 at 2:29 amOh my goodness look at all that gorgeous melted cheese! I need this burger in my life!
Sara | Belly Rumbles
May 27, 2016 at 2:53 amWhat wonderful flavour combinations, healthy burgers for the win.
Revathi Palani
May 27, 2016 at 5:55 amThe burger looks so yummy and sounds healthy too. Love thew texture and colors which those apple slices adds. Yum 🙂
Kate @ VeggieDesserts
May 30, 2016 at 10:29 amThinly sliced apples are a great addition to a burger – fab idea!
37 Out of the Box Burger Ideas - The Complete Savorist
July 5, 2016 at 12:36 am[…] Apple Cheddar Turkey Burgers By The Complete Savorist […]
Hungarian Goulash Inspired Burgers - The Complete Savorist
May 21, 2019 at 4:36 pm[…] Apple Cheddar Turkey Burgers […]
Amazing Burger Recipes For The Whole Family • Simple At Home
June 19, 2019 at 5:29 am[…] these Apple Cheddar Turkey Burgers served on bagel thins for a reduced carb […]