Smoky BBQ Turkey Burgers with Sweet Potato Wedges: Your Ultimate Homemade Recipe Guide

Do you remember that unforgettable Oprah episode where she unveiled her “Favorite Things” for summer? Among the dazzling array of products, one culinary delight stood out: a turkey burger she savored during a visit to Donald Trump’s opulent Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach. Oprah raved endlessly about this burger, even bringing the chef onto her stage to demonstrate its preparation. The combination of ingredients sounded incredibly unique and, frankly, absolutely delicious.

Inspired by her enthusiasm, I tried recreating that famous burger a few times. Its distinct flavor profile, featuring ingredients like Granny Smith apples, made it truly special. In fact, I was planning to make it again tonight until I realized a crucial ingredient was missing from my pantry: the Granny Smith apples themselves! While apples in a turkey burger might sound unconventional, they contribute a wonderful tartness and moisture. Despite this setback, my craving for a juicy, flavorful turkey burger remained strong. So, I decided to pivot and create my own spin on the classic, incorporating bold flavors and a side dish that perfectly complements the main event. The result? These Smoky Barbeque Turkey Burgers, served with perfectly crispy Sweet Potato Wedges – a recipe that quickly became a household favorite.

Smoky Barbeque Turkey Burgers with Sweet Potato Wedges

This recipe offers a fantastic alternative to traditional beef burgers, bringing a delightful smoky kick and a touch of sweetness. It’s perfect for a backyard barbecue, a weeknight dinner, or anytime you’re looking for a wholesome yet intensely flavorful meal. Get ready to impress your taste buds!

Ingredients

For the Caramelized Vidalia Onions:

2 TB olive oil
2 large Vidalia onions, thinly sliced
Good pinch of salt and black pepper

For the Basting Sauce:

1/2 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce (or your preferred smoky BBQ sauce)
4 TB Hot Mango Chutney (adds a unique sweet and tangy heat)

For the Chipotle Mayonnaise:

1 TB Chipotle Tabasco sauce (adjust to your preferred spice level)
1/4 cup mayonnaise

For the Turkey Patties:

1 TB olive oil
1/4 cup finely chopped celery (about 2 stalks)
1/2 cup finely chopped green onion (about 3-4 onions)
2.5 lb ground turkey, 7% fat (leaner turkey can be used, but 7% provides more moisture)
2 TB Chipotle Tabasco sauce
2 tsp smoked paprika (enhances the smoky flavor)
8 oz block cheddar cheese, shredded (sharp cheddar works beautifully)
Good pinch of salt and black pepper
Extra olive oil for brushing patties

For Serving:

6 potato sandwich rolls (brioche or whole wheat buns also work well)

For the Sweet Potato Wedges:

2 large sweet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into wedges (leave skin on for extra nutrition and crispiness)
1 TB olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions

This recipe is designed to be made on a grill, but we’ll also include tips for oven preparation where applicable. Ensure your prep space is organized and all ingredients are measured for a smooth cooking process.

Step 1: Prepare Your Grill and Oven

If using a charcoal grill, prepare a medium-hot fire with a cover. For a gas grill, pre-heat to medium-high heat. If making the sweet potato wedges simultaneously, pre-heat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius).

Step 2: Caramelize the Vidalia Onions

Place a medium, fire-proof skillet (cast iron works wonderfully) on the grill rack with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the thinly sliced Vidalia onions. Season generously with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté the onions, stirring occasionally, until they become deeply browned, tender, and beautifully caramelized. This process takes about 15-20 minutes. Patience is key here; true caramelization brings out an incredible natural sweetness. Once done, remove from the grill and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Celery and Green Onions

In another medium fire-proof skillet (or clean the first one), place 1 tablespoon of olive oil on the grill rack. When the oil is hot, add the finely chopped celery and green onions. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until softened, approximately 8-10 minutes. This step adds a crucial layer of aromatic flavor and moisture to your turkey patties. Once cooked, set aside to cool completely. Cooling is important before mixing with the ground turkey to prevent the meat from starting to cook prematurely.

Step 4: Prepare the Basting Sauce and Chipotle Mayonnaise

While your onions are caramelizing and cooling, you can whip up the accompanying sauces.

For the Chipotle Mayonnaise: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and Chipotle Tabasco sauce. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to assemble the burgers. This offers a creamy, spicy counterpoint to the smoky burger.
For the Basting Sauce: In another small bowl, combine the Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce and the hot mango chutney. Stir well to integrate the flavors. Cover and refrigerate until needed. This unique basting sauce will create a beautiful glaze and infuse your burgers with a sweet, tangy, and smoky punch.

Step 5: Form the Turkey Patties

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, Chipotle Tabasco sauce, smoked paprika, shredded cheddar cheese, and the cooked and cooled green onions and celery. Season with a good pinch of salt and pepper. Using your hands or a large spoon, gently combine all the ingredients. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough burgers. Form the mixture into 6 evenly sized patties. Aim for patties roughly 1 inch thick, ensuring they are slightly wider than your rolls to account for shrinkage during cooking. Brush each patty liberally with olive oil on both sides; this helps prevent sticking to the grill and promotes a beautiful sear.

Step 6: Grill the Turkey Burgers

Place the olive oil-brushed turkey patties directly on the hot grill rack. Cover the grill and cook until the bottoms are nicely browned, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Using a sturdy spatula, carefully flip the patties and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes. At this point, the internal temperature should be approaching done. Now, using a brush, generously baste one side of the turkey burgers with the mango BBQ sauce. Flip the patties over and baste the other side. Cook each sauce-coated side for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize and form a delicious glaze on the burgers. This final basting step is crucial for flavor and texture. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.

Step 7: Prepare the Sweet Potato Wedges (While Burgers Grill or Before)

While the burgers are grilling, or you can prepare them beforehand, make your sweet potato wedges. Cut 2 large sweet potatoes into evenly sized wedges, leaving the skin on. Place the wedges in a large baking sheet, ideally in a single layer for even crisping. Toss the wedges with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Ensure they are well coated. Place the baking sheet in the pre-heated 425°F (220°C) oven and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender on the inside and deliciously browned and crispy on the outside. You may need to toss them once halfway through the cooking process to ensure all sides get crispy.

Step 8: Assemble Your Burgers

To assemble these mouth-watering burgers, slice open your potato sandwich rolls. Spread a generous amount of the chipotle mayonnaise on both sides of each open roll. Place a cooked turkey patty onto the bottom bun, then pile high with the beautifully caramelized Vidalia onions. Crown it with the top bun, and you’re ready to enjoy! For those who love extra sauce, feel free to serve additional Mango BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.

Enjoy!

Tips and Variations for Your Turkey Burger Masterpiece

Cheese Alternatives: While cheddar is a classic, feel free to experiment with smoked gouda, pepper jack for extra heat, or even a creamy provolone.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Chipotle Tabasco in both the patties and the mayonnaise to suit your preference. For a milder flavor, use less or substitute with regular smoked paprika. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the patties.
Bun Choices: Potato rolls are delightfully soft, but brioche buns add richness, while whole wheat buns can offer a healthier, heartier option.
Extra Toppings: Elevate your burger with fresh lettuce, ripe tomato slices, creamy avocado, crispy bacon, or even a fried egg.
Grill Alternatives: No grill? No problem! These burgers can be pan-fried in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through, or baked in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. Ensure to still baste for that delicious glaze.
Make Ahead: The caramelized onions, basting sauce, and chipotle mayonnaise can all be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making meal prep even quicker.
Sweet Potato Wedge Variations: Try adding a pinch of garlic powder or a sprinkle of rosemary to your sweet potato wedges for an herb-infused flavor.

Why Choose Turkey Burgers?

Turkey burgers offer a fantastic, leaner alternative to traditional beef burgers without sacrificing flavor. Ground turkey, especially the 7% fat variety, provides a moist and tender texture while being lower in saturated fat. By incorporating fresh vegetables like celery and green onions, along with flavorful spices and cheese, you create a burger that is not only healthier but also incredibly satisfying and packed with complex flavors. The smoky paprika and chipotle add depth, while the mango chutney brings a unique tropical sweetness and tang that truly sets this recipe apart.

This recipe transforms a simple turkey burger into a gourmet experience, making it perfect for any occasion. The combination of juicy, smoky patties, sweet caramelized onions, and spicy chipotle mayo, all nestled in a soft potato roll, alongside crispy sweet potato wedges, creates a harmonious and incredibly delicious meal. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the flavors and make this recipe truly your own. It’s a testament to how creative improvisation in the kitchen can lead to truly spectacular results, perhaps even better than Oprah’s original inspiration!