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BLT Turkey Burger Clubs: A Chef’s Take on a Classic

There’s something profoundly comforting about a BLT. The salty bacon, crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, and creamy mayo layered between toasted bread slices… it’s simple perfection. But sometimes, simple perfection needs a little oomph. As a kid, my grandmother would always sneak a leftover turkey burger into my BLT the day after Thanksgiving. That smoky, savory turkey paired with the classic flavors was a revelation. This BLT Turkey Burger Club is my grown-up, chef-inspired homage to those cherished memories – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that elevates a beloved sandwich to new heights.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 2 huge sandwiches
Yields: 2 sandwiches
Dietary Type: Variable (see Variations & Substitutions)

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
5 slices smoky bacon
1 small leek
¾ lb ground turkey breast
1 tablespoon McCormick’s Montreal Brand steak seasoning
6-8 soft sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 vine-ripe tomato, thinly sliced
Salt, to taste
6 slices white bread
½ cup soft cheese spread with herbs (such as Alouette or Boursin)
¼ cup cream or ¼ cup half-and-half
Black pepper, to taste
4 lettuce leaves (green leaf or bibb)

Equipment Needed

Nonstick skillet
Colander
Clean kitchen towel
Second skillet
Paper-towel lined plate
Broiler
Food processor

Instructions

Prepare the Leeks & Bacon: Heat a nonstick skillet with a drizzle of olive oil over medium to medium-high heat. Chop one slice of bacon and add it to the pan. While the bacon cooks, trim the tough green tops from the leek; halve the leek lengthwise, and thinly slice it into half-moons.
Clean the Leeks: Place the sliced leeks in a colander and rinse vigorously with running water, separating the layers to release any grit. Dry the leeks thoroughly on a clean kitchen towel.
Sauté Leeks & Bacon: Add the cleaned and dried leeks to the browned chopped bacon in the skillet. Wilt the leeks for 2-3 minutes, until softened; then transfer them and the bacon pieces to a plate to cool completely.
Make the Turkey Patties: Return the skillet to the stove over low heat; add in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. In a bowl, combine the ground turkey breast, McCormick’s Montreal Brand steak seasoning, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and the cooled leeks and bacon mixture. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
Form the Patties: Form the turkey mixture into 2 very large patties, no thicker than 1 inch. Keep in mind that the patties will hang just off the sides of the bread once cooked, so make them substantial!
Cook the Turkey Patties: Increase the heat under the skillet to medium-high. Add the turkey patties to the hot olive oil and cook for 6 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Cook the Bacon: While the turkey patties are cooking, heat a second skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining bacon slices and cook until crisp. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper-towel lined plate to drain excess grease.
Season the Tomatoes: Thinly slice the vine-ripe tomato and season the slices with salt.
Toast the Bread: Place the sliced bread under the broiler and toast for 1 minute on each side, or until golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Make the Herbed Cheese Sauce: In a food processor, combine the herbed cheese, cream (or half-and-half), and black pepper. Process until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Sandwiches: Build the sandwiches in the following order: toasted bread slice, turkey burger patty, herbed cheese sauce, bread slice, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, herbed cheese sauce, and finally, another bread slice.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Don’t Overmix: When mixing the turkey burger ingredients, avoid overmixing the mixture. Overmixing can lead to tough burgers. Gently combine the ingredients until just incorporated.
Prevent Sticking: To prevent the turkey burgers from sticking to the skillet, make sure the skillet is properly preheated and the olive oil is hot before adding the patties. A well-seasoned cast iron skillet also works wonders.
Crispy Bacon Secret: For extra crispy bacon, try baking the slices in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes. This method renders the fat evenly and results in perfectly crispy bacon.
Toast Timing: Keep a close eye on the bread while it’s under the broiler; it can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in seconds!
Cheese Sauce Consistency: Adjust the amount of cream or half-and-half in the herbed cheese sauce to achieve your desired consistency. For a thicker sauce, use less liquid; for a thinner sauce, use more.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these BLT Turkey Burger Clubs immediately after assembling for the best taste and texture. The toasted bread will start to soften if left to sit for too long.

Leftover turkey patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet or microwave before adding them to a fresh sandwich. Cooked bacon can also be stored in the refrigerator for a few days; reheat in the microwave or a skillet until crispy. The herbed cheese sauce should also be refrigerated and used within 3 days.

Assembled sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, but if you must store them, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for no more than a few hours. Be aware that the bread will become soggy.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	747.5 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	322 g	43%
Total Fat	35.8 g	55%
Saturated Fat	11.6 g	58%
Cholesterol	152.3 mg	50%
Sodium	794.8 mg	33%
Total Carbohydrate	52.4 g	17%
Dietary Fiber	4.7 g	18%
Sugars	9.2 g	N/A
Protein	53.3 g	106%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread in place of the white bread.
Dairy-Free: Substitute the herbed cheese spread with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or hummus. Use olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute for the cheese sauce.
Turkey Alternative: Ground chicken or lean ground beef can be used in place of the ground turkey breast. Adjust cooking times as needed to ensure the meat is cooked through.
Vegetarian: Use a vegetarian burger patty in place of the turkey burger. Omit the bacon or substitute with vegetarian bacon strips.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the turkey burger mixture or the herbed cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
Herbed Cheese Variation: Experiment with different types of herbed cheese spreads. Goat cheese with herbs, feta cheese with herbs, or even a homemade pesto would be delicious alternatives.
BLT Add-ins: Sliced avocado, caramelized onions, or a fried egg would be fantastic additions to this club sandwich.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make the turkey patties ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the turkey patties ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This is a great way to save time on busy weeknights.

Q: Can I use regular tomatoes instead of vine-ripe tomatoes?
A: Yes, regular tomatoes can be used, but vine-ripe tomatoes offer a richer flavor and juicier texture.

Q: What if I don’t have a food processor for the herbed cheese sauce?
A: You can whisk the herbed cheese, cream, and pepper together in a bowl until smooth. The texture may not be quite as creamy as when using a food processor, but it will still be delicious.

Q: Can I freeze the cooked turkey patties?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked turkey patties for up to 2-3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Thaw completely before reheating.

Q: How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
A: To prevent the bread from getting soggy, toast it just before assembling the sandwiches and don’t add the herbed cheese sauce until just before serving.

Final Thoughts

This BLT Turkey Burger Club is more than just a sandwich; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures, a nod to tradition with a modern twist. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the variations and substitutions to make it your own. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your feedback – and perhaps a photo of your creation! Serve it with a side of crispy sweet potato fries or a refreshing coleslaw for the perfect meal. Enjoy!

BLT Turkey Burger Clubs Recipe