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Turkey Pimento Burger With Grilled Onions on Texas Toast

The aroma of bacon sizzling in a pan always takes me back to weekend mornings at my grandmother’s. She wasn’t fancy, but she knew how to make comfort food sing. This Turkey Pimento Burger with Grilled Onions on Texas Toast is a grown-up twist on those flavors. It’s got that smoky bacon, sweet caramelized onions, and tangy pimento cheese—all piled high on thick, buttery Texas toast. It’s the kind of burger that makes you close your eyes and savor every single bite.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 Burgers
Dietary Type: N/A

Ingredients

Sandwich

Pimento cheese (See Zaar Tangy Homemade Pimento Cheese recipe, or store-bought)
8 slices Texas toast thick bread (frozen section, for convenience)
4 large plum tomatoes, lightly seeded and chopped

Onions

2 large onions, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons butter
Salt
Pepper

Burgers

1 1/2 lbs ground turkey (for 4 burgers)
4 slices hickory smoked bacon, diced fine
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 large egg
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
3/4 cup fresh breadcrumbs (dried breadcrumbs can dry out the burger)
1/4 cup fresh parsley
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Salt
Pepper
Butter, to saute the burgers

Equipment Needed

Small saute pan
Large bowl
Small cookie sheet
Parchment paper or foil
Saute pan or grill pan

Instructions

Cheese Preparation: Whether you opt to make your own pimento cheese from scratch or use store-bought, ensure it is ready before beginning the burger preparation. This will streamline the assembly process later.
Bacon Rendering: In a small saute pan over medium heat, add the diced bacon. Slowly render the bacon until it is cooked through and golden brown. It should not be crispy, as it will be incorporated directly into the burger meat.
Bacon Removal and Draining: Remove the cooked bacon from the pan and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.
Onion and Garlic Saute: Drain all of the bacon drippings from the pan. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the same pan and cook for just a minute, to soften them slightly.
Burger Mixture Base: In a large bowl, whisk the egg until well beaten. Add the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, a pinch of salt (about 1/2 teaspoon), and pepper (about 1/4 teaspoon). Whisk to combine.
Incorporating Aromatics: Add the sauteed onion and garlic mixture, the drained bacon, fresh breadcrumbs, and fresh parsley to the bowl with the egg mixture. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
Adding the Turkey: Gently add the ground turkey to the bowl and mix lightly to combine. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in a tough burger.
Patty Formation: Divide the turkey mixture into four equal portions. Form each portion into a large patty.
Chilling the Patties: Place the formed patties on a small cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Freeze the patties for 15-20 minutes. Slightly freezing them facilitates easier cooking and helps them hold their shape.
Onion Sautéing: While the burgers are chilling, prepare the onions. Use the same pan in which the bacon, onion, and garlic were cooked. The residual flavors will enhance the onion’s taste. Add the butter, thinly sliced onions, salt, and pepper to the pan.
Sweating the Onions: Bring the pan to medium heat and sweat the onions (cook them without browning) until they are soft and translucent. This should take approximately 10 minutes.
Onion Set Aside: Once the onions are cooked, turn off the heat and set them aside. The onions can be prepared a day or night in advance and reheated in the microwave for a few seconds before assembly.
Tomato Preparation: Prepare the plum tomatoes. Cut them in half and lightly squeeze over the sink to remove most of the seeds and juice. Chop the tomatoes and set them aside in a small bowl. While sliced tomatoes can be used, chopped tomatoes are preferred for this burger.
Texas Toast Preparation: As the burgers cook, prepare the Texas toast according to the package directions. If your brand takes approximately 15 minutes in the oven, start this process before cooking the burgers.
Burger Cooking: Add butter to either a saute pan or a grill pan and bring it to medium-high heat. Add the chilled (but not frozen) burgers to the pan and cook for approximately 5-6 minutes per side. Ensure that the burgers are fully cooked, as they contain turkey. Make sure to get a nice crust on the first side before flipping the burger.
Sandwich Assembly: Add the sauteed onions on the first slice of Texas toast, then the cooked burger. Top with the chopped tomatoes and a generous amount of pimento cheese. Finish with the last slice of Texas toast and slice the sandwich in half.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the turkey meat leads to a tough burger. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed.
Chill Before Cooking: Chilling the patties helps them hold their shape and prevents them from falling apart on the grill or in the pan.
Caramelize Onions Low and Slow: To get truly sweet and caramelized onions, cook them over low heat for a longer period.
Toast Matters: Use good quality Texas toast for the best flavor and texture. Look for thick-cut bread that’s already buttered or garlic-flavored.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Turkey Pimento Burger immediately after assembly to enjoy it at its best. Garnish with a dill pickle and some baked potato chips for a complete meal.

Leftover cooked burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. Assembled burgers are best consumed immediately, as the toast can become soggy over time.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	691.6 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	278 g	40%
Total Fat	30.9 g	47%
Saturated Fat	9.6 g	47%
Cholesterol	207.8 mg	69%
Sodium	1042.8 mg	43%
Total Carbohydrate	58.5 g	19%
Dietary Fiber	4.8 g	19%
Sugars	9.9 g	39%
Protein	43.1 g	86%

Variations & Substitutions

Spicy Pimento Cheese: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to your pimento cheese for a fiery kick.
Different Cheese: If you’re not a fan of pimento cheese, try using cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free Texas toast and breadcrumbs.
Vegetarian: Substitute the turkey burger with a grilled portobello mushroom cap.
Lower Carb: Serve the burger without the Texas toast, on a bed of lettuce, or with a lettuce wrap.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use dried breadcrumbs instead of fresh?
A: Yes, but fresh breadcrumbs are recommended for a more moist burger. If using dried, add a tablespoon or two of milk to the mixture to compensate for the added dryness.

Q: Can I grill the burgers instead of pan-frying them?
A: Absolutely! Grilling will give them a smoky flavor. Just make sure to oil the grill grates well to prevent sticking.

Q: How can I prevent my turkey burgers from being dry?
A: Avoid overmixing the meat, use fresh breadcrumbs, and don’t overcook the burgers. A little pink in the center is okay, as long as the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Q: Can I make the pimento cheese ahead of time?
A: Yes, pimento cheese can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Q: What sides go well with this burger?
A: Potato chips, coleslaw, french fries, or a simple green salad all complement this burger nicely.

Final Thoughts

This Turkey Pimento Burger with Grilled Onions on Texas Toast is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the variations and make it your own! Try it with your favorite pickle, and maybe a cold, crisp beer. I hope you enjoy this recipe and I encourage you to share your creations and feedback. Happy cooking!

Turkey Pimento Burger With Grilled Onions on Texas Toast Recipe