Burgers are a comfort food favorite for many, but traditional beef patties can be heavy and calorie-dense. Enter the Turkey and Spinach Burger with Herb Cheese, a lighter alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor. This recipe combines lean ground turkey with fresh spinach, onion, and garlic for a patty that’s nutrient-packed, juicy, and full of flavor.

The addition of creamy provolone cheese and a fresh herb mayo elevates this burger to gourmet status, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, backyard cookouts, or meal prep. Toasted buns hold everything together, while optional toppings like avocado, caramelized onions, or pickles can take the burger to the next level.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is not just tasty—it’s versatile, healthy, and perfect for a range of occasions:

Healthier Alternative: Lean turkey provides protein without the saturated fat of beef.
Flavor-Packed: Fresh spinach and herbs add moisture and earthy flavor to the patty.
Gourmet Touch: Herb-infused mayo and melted provolone cheese make the burger feel elevated.
Customizable: Swap cheeses, herbs, or buns to fit your tastes.
Easy Weeknight or Cookout Meal: Can be cooked on a stovetop, grill, or baked for convenience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you need to make these turkey and spinach burgers:

For the Patties:

Ground turkey – 93% lean is ideal for juicy burgers.
Breadcrumbs & egg – Helps bind the patty together while keeping it tender.
Onion & garlic – Adds savory depth directly into the meat.
Spinach – Fresh or frozen, wilted and chopped for moisture, flavor, and nutrients.
Salt & pepper – Essential for seasoning the patties.

For the Topping:

Provolone cheese – Melty and mild, perfect for pairing with turkey.
Herb mayo – A blend of mayonnaise, fresh parsley, and chives for bright, fresh flavor.

For the Buns:

Brioche buns – Slightly sweet and soft, sturdy enough to hold the patties.
Optional: Sesame buns, potato rolls, or whole-grain buns.

Optional Toppings & Additions:

Avocado slices
Caramelized onions
Pickles
Lettuce, tomato, or arugula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Patties

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined—overmixing can make the patties tough. Shape into 4 evenly sized patties.

Step 2: Cook the Spinach

Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the spinach and sauté until just wilted, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside. This adds both moisture and nutrients to your burger.

Step 3: Cook the Patties

In the same skillet (or on a preheated grill), cook the patties over medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese

During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of provolone on each patty. Cover the skillet or close the grill lid to allow the cheese to melt perfectly.

Step 5: Mix the Herb Mayo

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, fresh chopped parsley, and chives. Mix well and season lightly with salt and pepper. This adds a fresh, creamy element to the burger.

Step 6: Assemble the Burgers

Toast the buns lightly. Spread a generous layer of herb mayo on the bottom bun, then add the sautéed spinach, the turkey patty with melted cheese, and any optional toppings. Close with the top bun.

Step 7: Serve Hot

Serve immediately while warm and cheesy. These burgers pair perfectly with a side of fries, salad, or roasted vegetables.

Chef Tips & Variations

Cheese Options

Provolone is classic, but Swiss, gouda, mozzarella, or pepper jack also work.
For a sharper flavor, try aged cheddar or gruyère.

Herb Mayo Variations

Add dill, basil, tarragon, or cilantro for different herb profiles.
Mix a little lemon juice or zest for a bright, tangy kick.

Cooking Methods

Stovetop: Quick and controlled heat.
Grill: Adds smoky flavor and caramelization.
Oven-Baked: Bake patties at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes for hands-off cooking.

Protein Swaps

Ground chicken or turkey sausage for variety.
Vegetarian option: Black bean or lentil patties work well.

Make Ahead & Meal Prep

Form patties in advance and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Freeze uncooked patties with parchment paper between layers for up to 2 months.

Serving Suggestions

Sides

Sweet potato fries or classic oven-baked fries – A healthier alternative to deep-fried sides.
Crisp green salad or coleslaw – Adds freshness and crunch.
Grilled vegetables – Zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus pair wonderfully.

Optional Toppings

Avocado slices for creaminess
Caramelized onions for sweetness
Pickles for tang
Arugula or spinach for extra greens

Beverage Pairings

Sparkling water with lemon or lime
Light lager or pilsner
Freshly brewed iced tea

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Versatile: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights or cookouts.
Juicy & Flavorful: Spinach adds moisture and nutrients while keeping the turkey tender.
Balanced Nutrition: Lean protein, greens, and minimal added fat make it a healthy alternative to traditional burgers.
Customizable: Cheese, buns, herbs, and toppings can all be swapped to suit personal taste.
Kid-Friendly: Mild flavor and melted cheese make it appealing to picky eaters.

Nutritional Highlights

Lean ground turkey is high in protein and low in saturated fat.
Spinach adds fiber, vitamins A, C, K, and iron.
Using herb mayo instead of full-fat sauces reduces calories while keeping flavor.
Whole grain or brioche buns provide carbohydrates for energy.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Turkey Burger

Don’t Overmix: Overworking the turkey leads to dense, dry patties. Mix until just combined.
Check Temperature: Always cook ground turkey to 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Toast the Buns: Adds flavor and prevents sogginess from juicy patties.
Layer Wisely: Spinach goes under the patty to prevent sliding, cheese melts on top for gooey perfection.
Make Ahead: Mix the herb mayo and form patties in advance for quick assembly.

Final Thoughts

The Turkey and Spinach Burger with Herb Cheese is a perfect blend of health and flavor. Juicy, tender patties, melty provolone, and fresh herb mayo make every bite satisfying without the heaviness of traditional beef burgers.

Ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or cookouts, this burger is easy to prepare, packed with nutrients, and endlessly customizable. Pair it with sweet potato fries, a crisp salad, or roasted veggies for a balanced meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

With a few simple swaps—cheese, herbs, or toppings—you can tailor this recipe to your family’s tastes and keep it exciting week after week.

Turkey and Spinach Burger with Herb Cheese

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

Approximately 350 per serving

kcal

Ingredients

1 .5 lbs ground turkey
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 tbsp olive oil
4 oz baby spinach
Salt and pepper to taste
4 burger buns, brioche or sesame
4 slices provolone cheese
2 tbsp fresh herbs, chopped (parsley, chives)
2 tbsp mayonnaise

Directions

In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Form the mixture into 4 patties.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook patties for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and browned.
While the patties are cooking, sauté the spinach in a separate pan until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise with chopped herbs.
During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of provolone cheese and allow it to melt.
Toast the burger buns lightly.
Spread herb mayonnaise on both halves of the buns.
Place a bed of sautéed spinach on the bottom bun, then top with a turkey patty and the top bun.
Serve immediately.

Notes

You can substitute ground chicken for ground turkey.
Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the ground turkey mixture for extra flavor.
Use different cheese such as mozzarella or gruyere.