The sizzling sounds of a summer BBQ are music to my ears, each note filled with anticipation of delicious flavors. Enter the Spicy Buffalo Turkey Burgers with Creamy Blue Cheese Slaw—my ultimate solution for transforming the traditional grill routine! These juicy, health-conscious buffalo turkey burgers pack a spicy punch, while the cool, creamy slaw brings a delightful contrast that elevates the entire experience. What I love most about this recipe is its quick prep time—perfect for busy evenings and spontaneous gatherings. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds while keeping things on the lighter side. Ready to impress your guests with a flavorful twist on classic burgers? Let’s dive into the delicious details!

Why Are These Buffalo Turkey Burgers Special?

Taste Explosion: The fiery zing of buffalo sauce paired with the coolness of blue cheese slaw creates a flavor medley that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

Healthier Twist: Made with lean turkey, these burgers offer a guilt-free option without sacrificing taste—perfect for health-conscious eaters!

Quick Prep: With minimal prep time, you can have dinner on the table in no time, making it an ideal choice for busy nights or last-minute get-togethers.

Versatile Pairings: These burgers shine on their own but pair beautifully with sweet potato fries or a light garden salad, giving you options for a complete meal.

Crowd-Pleaser: Bring them to summer BBQs or family gatherings, and watch as they disappear—there’s something for everyone!

Prepare to elevate your grilling game with these Buffalo Turkey Burgers, and don’t forget to explore my Turkey Apple Cheddar for another delicious recipe to impress your guests!

Buffalo Turkey Burgers Ingredients

For the Burgers
• Lean ground turkey (1 lb) – The main protein source; opt for ground chicken if preferred.
• Buffalo wing sauce (2 Tbsp, plus more for serving) – Adds the essential heat and flavor for the burgers; feel free to try a milder sauce for less heat.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste for the perfect balance.

For the Slaw
• Canola oil – Used for oiling grill grates to prevent sticking; substitute with vegetable oil if needed.
• Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (2 Tbsp) – Adds creaminess and tang to the slaw; swap with a plant-based yogurt as a dairy-free option.
• Mayonnaise (1 Tbsp) – Provides a rich flavor base for the slaw; use light mayo for a healthier choice.
• White wine vinegar (1 Tbsp) – Offers acidity to balance creaminess; apple cider vinegar works as a great substitute.
• Celery (2 stalks, thinly sliced diagonal) – Delivers crunch and freshness; could be swapped with chopped cucumber for milder flavor.
• Fresh flat-leaf parsley (1/4 cup, roughly chopped) – Brightens the slaw with herbal notes; cilantro can be substituted if desired.
• Scallion (1, thinly sliced) – Adds mild onion flavor to the slaw; finely chopped red onion gives a sweeter touch.
• Blue cheese (1 oz, crumbled) – Infuses rich flavor into the slaw; omit for a dairy-free version or swap with feta for a lighter profile.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper – Use for seasoning; adjust to taste.

For Serving
• Multigrain buns (4) – Perfect for serving your juicy buffalo turkey burgers; whole wheat or gluten-free buns can be used depending on preference.

Embrace the deliciousness of these buffalo turkey burgers, and let the flavors come alive at your next gathering!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Buffalo Turkey Burgers

Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Begin by preheating your grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F (200°C). While the grill is warming up, clean the grates thoroughly to prevent sticking, then lightly oil them using a paper towel dipped in canola oil. This quick preparation will ensure your Buffalo Turkey Burgers cook evenly and come off the grill perfectly!

Step 2: Prepare the Slaw
In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise, and 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar until smooth. Next, stir in the thinly sliced celery, chopped parsley, scallion, and crumbled blue cheese, seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Let the slaw sit in the refrigerator while you get the turkey burgers ready for serving.

Step 3: Shape the Burger Patties
In another bowl, combine 1 pound of lean ground turkey with 2 tablespoons of buffalo wing sauce, adding salt and pepper to taste. Mix gently until just combined, taking care not to overwork the meat. Shape the mixture into four patties, each about 3/4 inch thick. This will create juicy Buffalo Turkey Burgers that cook evenly on the grill.

Step 4: Grill the Patties
Carefully place the shaped patties on the preheated grill, cooking for about 7-8 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready to flip when the undersides are nicely browned and release easily from the grill. Turn the patties over, reducing the heat if necessary, and continue to grill for another 7-8 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), basting with more buffalo sauce during the last 3 minutes for an extra kick.

Step 5: Assemble the Burgers
Once the turkey patties are grilled to perfection, place them on toasted multigrain buns. Load each burger with the creamy blue cheese slaw from the refrigerator, allowing the coolness to balance the spicy flavors of the buffalo sauce. You can add extra buffalo sauce on top if you desire a spicier bite.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Now that your Buffalo Turkey Burgers are assembled, serve them immediately while hot, alongside your favorite side, such as sweet potato fries or a fresh salad. The combination of flavors and textures will not only satisfy your hunger but also delight your guests at any summer gathering!

Expert Tips for Buffalo Turkey Burgers

Don’t Overcook: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure your turkey burgers reach 165°F without drying out. Turkey can easily become tough if overcooked.
Baste Smartly: Apply buffalo sauce during the last few minutes of grilling to keep it from burning while still maximizing flavor. This ensures that the buffalo turkey burgers have that signature kick!
Chill the Slaw: Letting your slaw chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving melds the flavors beautifully. It enhances the overall taste of your buffalo turkey burgers.
Patty Thickness: Keep your turkey patties approximately 3/4 inch thick for even cooking on the grill. Thinner patties can dry out and lose their juiciness.
Rest Before Serving: Allow the grilled burgers to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps retain their juices, making each bite more succulent and satisfying.

What to Serve with Spicy Buffalo Turkey Burgers?

There’s nothing like a backyard BBQ to bring friends and family together, especially when you have a plate of juicy buffalo turkey burgers on the table!

Sweet Potato Fries: Crisp and slightly sweet, these fries are the perfect contrast to the spicy flavors of the burgers. Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the zesty buffalo sauce.
Garden Salad: A refreshing garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds a pop of color and crunch, balancing out the richness of the creamy blue cheese slaw.
Coleslaw: For an extra crunch, serve traditional coleslaw alongside your buffalo turkey burgers. Its tangy dressing mimics the slaw’s flavors while adding a delightful crunch.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brushed with butter is an iconic BBQ side. The sweet kernels provide a tender bite, complementing the texture of the turkey burgers beautifully.
Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad brings a hearty element to your spread. Choose a light dressing to keep it fresh and vibrant, harmonizing with the other flavors.
Iced Tea or Lemonade: Refreshing drinks like iced tea or homemade lemonade cool you off while enhancing the spicy experience of buffalo turkey burgers.

Get ready to create a fabulous meal that will have everyone coming back for more!

Make Ahead Options

These Buffalo Turkey Burgers are perfect for meal prep and can save you precious time during busy weeknights! You can shape the turkey patties up to 24 hours in advance, simply cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate to keep them fresh. The creamy blue cheese slaw can also be made and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; this not only enhances the flavors but makes for a quick assembly. When you’re ready to cook, just preheat the grill and grill the patties until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, then serve the burgers on buns topped with the prepared slaw. You’ll have a delicious, stress-free meal ready in minutes!

Buffalo Turkey Burgers Variations

Feel free to mix and match these delightful ideas to make your buffalo turkey burgers uniquely yours!

Vegetarian: Substitute ground turkey with black beans or chickpeas for a hearty, meatless version. Both options not only offer protein but also a rich texture.
Dairy-Free: Swap blue cheese for a creamy vegan dressing or avocado to keep that richness without dairy. This adjustment ensures everyone can enjoy these tasty burgers!
Extra Spicy: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot pepper flakes to the slaw for an electrifying kick. Spice lovers will adore this fiery twist on flavor.
Sweet Touch: Include a drizzle of honey or agave syrup in the slaw for a touch of sweetness against the spicy buffalo sauce. It brings a delightful contrast that surprises the palate.
Crunchy Texture: Toss in some shredded carrots or diced bell peppers into the slaw for an extra crunch and burst of color. This keeps each bite interesting and visually appealing.
Flavorful Swaps: Try different buffalo sauces, like a smoky chipotle variety, for a unique flavor profile. Each sauce option can take these burgers into new delicious territories.
Bun Alternatives: Use lettuce wraps or portobello mushrooms as a low-carb or gluten-free alternative to traditional buns, providing a refreshing twist.

Explore these variations for your buffalo turkey burgers and don’t forget about serving them alongside a fresh garden salad or these delightful Turkey Apple Cheddar sandwiches for a delicious meal experience!

How to Store and Freeze Buffalo Turkey Burgers

Fridge: Store cooked buffalo turkey burgers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure they are completely cooled before placing them in the fridge to maintain freshness.

Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the cooled burgers tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating: Reheat the burgers in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes on each side, or microwave for about 1-2 minutes until warmed throughout. Enjoy the same delicious buffalo flavor!

Slaw Storage: The creamy blue cheese slaw can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep it fresh, store it separately from the burgers until ready to serve.

Buffalo Turkey Burgers Recipe FAQs

What type of ground turkey should I use?
For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using lean ground turkey (93% lean is a great choice). If you prefer a different protein, ground chicken works well as a substitute, providing similar moisture and flavor.

How do I know when the burgers are cooked through?
The most reliable way to check doneness is by using an instant-read thermometer. Your buffalo turkey burgers should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures they’re fully cooked without becoming dry.

Can I freeze the buffalo turkey burgers?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap each cooled burger tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet or microwave.

How should I store leftovers?
Cooked buffalo turkey burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Ensure they are completely cooled before storing to maintain freshness. For the best taste, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side.

What should I do if my burgers turn out dry?
If your buffalo turkey burgers turn out drier than expected, ensure they are not overcooked next time; use an instant-read thermometer to be precise. Additionally, you can mix in a tablespoon of olive oil or a little more sauce to the turkey mixture before shaping the patties to help keep them moist during grilling.

How long can I store the creamy blue cheese slaw?
The slaw can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days in an airtight container. To keep it fresh and crunchy, store it separately from the burgers until you’re ready to serve. Enjoy the flavors mixing for a delightful contrast!