Turkey burgers offer a lean and flavorful alternative to traditional beef burgers. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, preparing a quick weeknight dinner, or looking to impress guests at a gathering, the right sides, sauces, and beverages can elevate your turkey burger experience. This comprehensive guide will help you create a memorable meal with turkey burgers, providing a variety of options to complement their juicy, tender nature.
Classic Sides
1. Baked Beans
Baked beans, with their savory and slightly sweet tomato-based sauce, are a classic side that pairs perfectly with turkey burgers. The hearty texture and rich flavors of baked beans complement the lean, flavorful meat of the turkey burger, creating a satisfying balance on your plate.
2. Cornbread
Cornbread, with its subtly sweet flavor and crumbly texture, is an ideal accompaniment for turkey burgers. The contrast between the soft, moist cornbread and the juicy turkey burger adds a delightful variety to your meal.
3. Coleslaw
Coleslaw, featuring crisp cabbage and a creamy dressing, provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich flavors of turkey burgers. Its tangy, crunchy texture enhances the overall dining experience and offers a satisfying contrast to the savory meat.
4. Macaroni and Cheese
Creamy macaroni and cheese is a decadent side dish that pairs wonderfully with turkey burgers. The cheesy, comforting nature of macaroni and cheese complements the mild flavor of the turkey burger, adding a touch of indulgence to your meal.
5. Potato Salad
Potato salad, with its creamy potatoes, crunchy celery, and tangy dressing, is a classic side dish that balances the richness of turkey burgers. Its cool, satisfying flavors make it a great addition to any turkey burger meal.
Grains and Starches
6. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garlic mashed potatoes offer a comforting, creamy side that pairs excellently with turkey burgers. The smooth texture and rich, buttery flavor of garlic mashed potatoes enhance the taste of the turkey burger and provide a hearty accompaniment.
7. Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob, whether grilled or steamed, is a simple yet delicious side for turkey burgers. Its natural sweetness and slight crunch provide a perfect contrast to the savory turkey burger.
8. Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf, with its fluffy texture and sautéed vegetables, offers a light and flavorful option to pair with turkey burgers. The savory and herb-infused rice adds depth to the meal and complements the turkey burger’s mild flavor.
Vegetable Sides
9. Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant make a savory and healthy side dish for turkey burgers. The smoky char from grilling enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables and complements the turkey burger beautifully.
10. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts, seasoned with balsamic vinegar and Parmesan cheese, provide a flavorful and nutritious addition to turkey burgers. Their nutty flavor and crunchy texture add complexity to the meal.
11. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers, filled with a mixture of rice, ground meat, and spices, offer a hearty and satisfying side dish for turkey burgers. The savory filling complements the turkey burger and adds a substantial element to your meal.
Sauces and Condiments
12. BBQ Sauce
A tangy and smoky BBQ sauce is a versatile condiment for turkey burgers. Whether homemade or store-bought, BBQ sauce enhances the flavor of the turkey burger and adds a delightful kick.
13. Honey Mustard Sauce
Honey mustard sauce, with its sweet and tangy flavors, provides a delicious dipping option for turkey burgers. The creamy texture and balanced sweetness of honey mustard complement the mild taste of the turkey burger.
14. Chipotle Aioli
Chipotle aioli, a spicy and creamy sauce made with chipotle peppers and mayonnaise, adds a bold kick to turkey burgers. Its smoky flavor and creamy consistency are perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat with their burger.
Salads
15. Tomato Basil Salad
Tomato basil salad, featuring fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, and balsamic glaze, is a classic and refreshing accompaniment to turkey burgers. Its bright flavors and juicy tomatoes complement the savory turkey burger.
16. Green Bean Salad
Green bean salad with cherry tomatoes, red onion, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing offers a crisp and refreshing side dish. Its bright, zesty flavors balance the meal and add a refreshing contrast to the turkey burger.
17. Quinoa Salad
Quinoa salad, with roasted vegetables, feta cheese, and a lemon vinaigrette dressing, provides a light and nutritious option alongside turkey burgers. Its citrusy flavors and nutrient-rich ingredients add a refreshing element to your meal.
Desserts
18. Peach Cobbler
Peach cobbler, with its buttery crust and sweet peach filling, is a comforting and satisfying dessert choice. The fruity, warm flavors of peach cobbler offer a delightful end to a meal featuring turkey burgers.
19. Key Lime Pie
Key lime pie, with its tangy citrus filling and graham cracker crust, offers a refreshing dessert option. Its creamy texture and zesty flavors provide a light and invigorating conclusion to your turkey burger meal.
20. Chocolate Brownies
Chocolate brownies, with their rich cocoa flavor and fudgy texture, are a decadent dessert that pairs wonderfully with turkey burgers. The indulgent sweetness of brownies provides a satisfying and sweet finish to your meal.
Beverages
21. Beer
A cold beer, such as a lager or pale ale, complements the flavors of turkey burgers. The crispness and carbonation of beer help to cleanse the palate between bites and enhance the overall dining experience.
22. Iced Tea
Iced tea, whether sweetened or unsweetened, is a refreshing and cooling beverage choice. Its mild flavor pairs well with the savory notes of turkey burgers and adds a touch of relaxation to your meal.
23. Sangria
Sangria, with its fruity flavors and hint of sweetness, offers a festive and refreshing pairing for turkey burgers. Its vibrant and refreshing qualities enhance the dining experience and add a celebratory touch.
Conclusion
Turkey burgers are a versatile and delicious dish that can be complemented by a wide array of sides, sauces, and beverages. Whether you lean towards classic accompaniments like coleslaw and cornbread or prefer more adventurous pairings such as chipotle aioli and quinoa salad, there are endless possibilities to create a memorable meal. Experiment with these suggestions to find your favorite combinations and enjoy the savory, juicy flavors of turkey burgers to their fullest.
