Shocking 1 Irresistible Deep Fried Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger

Oh, you know those nights when you just need something ridiculously satisfying? Something that screams comfort food but hits all the texture points? Well, that’s how this burger started! I’m a firm believer that everything is better with a little crunch, and I spent ages trying to perfect deep-fried elements without turning the whole meal into a greasy mess. That’s where the genius struck: deep-frying the bacon separately before putting it on the turkey patty. What we ended up with is this Irresistible Deep Fried Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe. Trust me, the combination of that savory, smoky, ultra-crispy bacon juxtaposed against a juicy turkey patty and gooey cheese is pure magic. It’s rich, it’s fun, and it’s worth every single second!

Why This Irresistible Deep Fried Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe Works

People sometimes ask me, “Why deep fry bacon? Isn’t that overkill?” And honestly, yes, maybe it is, but it’s an irresistible kind of overkill! When you fry that bacon separately using the breading method, you create layers of texture you just can’t get from regular pan-fried strips. It’s what takes this burger to the next level. Here’s the breakdown of why this creation is a winner:

• Texture Contrast is King: You get the satisfying, almost crunchy shell on the bacon bits that snaps when you bite into it, which is the perfect counterpoint to the tender, juicy ground turkey patty underneath. It stops everything from getting soggy too fast!
• Flavor Boost: The flour and breadcrumb coating actually holds onto the smoky flavor of the bacon better, intensifying it. When that deep-fried flavor marries with melted cheddar, wow! If you’ve ever tried my bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich, you know I love that flavor combination.
• A (Slightly) Lighter Base: Using ground turkey instead of beef lets us lean into the richness of the deep-fried bacon guilt-free. It keeps the patty flavorful but steers the burger away from being incredibly heavy.
• Frying Technique Success: We’re not just frying bacon; we’re technically treating it like a tiny, savory schnitzel by dredging it! This ensures the fat renders quickly inside, leaving you with crispy pieces, not limp, greasy strips.

Gathering Ingredients for Your Irresistible Deep Fried Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe

Okay, getting ready for this amazing burger is actually straightforward, but organization is key, especially when hot oil is involved! You need your main stars: the ground turkey for the patties and the bacon, which we are prepping for its special deep-fry treatment. Don’t forget the standard cheeseburger necessities like those sharp cheddar slices and soft buns.

The dredging station is crucial, so make sure you have your flour, egg, and breadcrumbs ready to go. My biggest insistence here? Use a good quality vegetable oil for frying the bacon. Cheap oil will ruin that gorgeous crispy coating we are working so hard to achieve. If you want to see how I handled the massive amount of cheese in my Philly Cheesesteak, you know I take dairy selection seriously!

Here’s the quick list of everything you need on your counter:

• 1 pound of good quality ground turkey
• 4 slices of bacon, chopped into maybe three little pieces each
• 4 hamburger buns—I like brioche, but use what you love!
• 4 slices of cheddar cheese—get the sharp kind!
• The coating trilogy: about 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 egg (beaten up nicely), and 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• Plenty of vegetable oil for deep frying—make sure you have about 2 inches in your pot.
• Salt and pepper, obviously.
• All your favorite toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, and whatever sauces make your heart sing.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Irresistible Deep Fried Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe

Alright, this is where the real fun begins! We are tackling this in stages because we need perfect bacon before we even look at the turkey patties. Just follow these steps closely, especially around the hot oil, and you’ll have the most flavorful burger you’ve ever made. It’s much easier than it sounds, especially if you get your assembly line ready first. If you’re looking for other ways to turn your bacon into something amazing, you absolutely must check out my recipe for candied bacon—though this recipe uses a different technique! Don’t crowd the pot, and remember to watch that oil!

Preparing the Deep Fried Turkey Bacon for the Irresistible Deep Fried Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe

First thing’s first: we need to make that amazing crunchy bacon! Set up your dredging station right next to where you’ll be frying. That means three shallow dishes in a row. Dish one gets your flour, dish two gets that beaten egg—whisked really well—and dish three gets your breadcrumbs. You want your bacon pieces (cut into thirds) to get fully coated in each station. This coating technique might seem fussy, but it’s how we achieve that ultra-crispy, professional texture that keeps the bacon from getting limp once it hits the burger!

Now, get your oil heating! You need about two inches of vegetable oil deep in your pot or fryer. You are aiming for a steady 350°F (175°C). This is important—too cool and it gets greasy; too hot and the outside burns before the inside cooks perfectly. Carefully drop the breaded bacon pieces in batches. Don’t crowd the pot! They only need about 2 to 3 minutes to turn golden brown and crisp. Pull those beauties out immediately and drain them thoroughly on paper towels. Seriously, drain them well! Any excess oil is just going to make your final burger greasy, and we don’t want that.

Cooking Patties and Assembling the Irresistible Deep Fried Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe

While that oil is hot, let’s get those turkey patties moving. Mix your ground turkey with salt and pepper—that’s it for seasoning the meat itself; the bacon brings the flavor bomb. Form them into four even patties. You can cook these on a hot grill or in a skillet, whatever you prefer! I tend to use a cast-iron skillet because I like getting a good sear, similar to how I tackle my smash burgers.

Cook the patties until they just hit your preferred doneness. During that very last minute of cooking, put a slice of cheddar right on top of each patty. Let it melt until it’s gloriously soft and gooey. While that’s happening, give your buns a quick toast! Warm buns just hold up better, trust me. If you loved the meat in my burger bowls, you’ll love how tender these patties are!

Time for assembly! Bottom bun first. Layer on that cheesy turkey patty. Then, go crazy with your deep-fried bacon. I always put the toppings on after the bacon—lettuce, juicy tomato slices, a little sharp onion, and a drizzle of spicy mayo. Pop the top bun on, and get ready to bring this masterpiece to the table. This burger is all about that savory crunch, so don’t skimp on those fried bits!

Tips for Perfecting Your Irresistible Deep Fried Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe

So, you’ve got the basic steps down, but if you want to elevate this burger from “really great” to “OMG, I need an extra napkin” level, I have a few little trade secrets to share. These are the small details that I noticed made a huge difference when I was testing batches to get this recipe just right. It’s all about managing moisture and texture!

My first tip focuses on your star: the turkey. If you’re buying ground turkey, try to grab one that has at least 85/15 on the label. We need a little fat in there for flavor and juiciness, especially if you’re cooking it dry on a skillet. Leaner stuff, like 93/7, can sometimes dry out quickly, and we absolutely can’t have a dry turkey patty when we’re piling on bacon!

Next, let’s talk oil temperature again, because this is non-negotiable for the bacon. Keep that thermometer handy! If the oil drops below 335°F while you’re frying the coated bacon, you’re just soaking the coating in oil, and you’ll lose that critical crispiness. If you’re worried about temperature control, using a dedicated deep fryer is honestly the best investment, even if it’s just a small one. Consistency is everything when you’re frying things breaded!

Finally, let’s choose the vehicle for this amazing creation—the bun. Because we have so many rich, savory elements—the cheese, the fried bacon—we need a bun that can stand up to the moisture without collapsing into mush halfway through eating. I’m usually a big fan of a classic, soft potato roll, but for this specific burger, a slightly sturdier brioche bun works wonders. It offers a hint of sweetness that balances the saltiness of the bacon, and they hold up beautifully under pressure. If you’re looking for other great bun recipes, check out how I make my fluffy dinner rolls—the technique transfers well!

Manage that fat, nail that temperature, and pick a sturdy bun, and you’ve got an absolute winner every single time.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for the Irresistible Deep Fried Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe

I always tell people that while my recipe calls for ground turkey, don’t feel locked into it! This is your kitchen, after all. If you’re looking for a richer, more traditional burger flavor—maybe something beefier to stand up to that intensely flavored deep-fried bacon—feel free to swap it out! I wrote a whole post on some of my favorite ways to use turkey, but for burgers, ground beef changes the game entirely.

When you switch from turkey to beef, you immediately get a deeper, more robust savory flavor. If you go that route, I’d suggest aiming for an 80/20 blend. That extra fat content in the beef will keep things juicy, which is super important since turkey is naturally leaner. The ground beef patty will be heavier, flavor-wise, so you might want to slightly adjust your toppings, maybe going with a tangier sauce to cut through the richness.

What about the cheese? Cheddar is awesome because it melts perfectly and has that great sharpness, but sometimes you want something milder or stretchier. If cheddar just isn’t speaking to you for this burger, try Monterey Jack! Jack cheese melts like a dream—it gets smooth and creamy without the sharpness of cheddar, giving the burger a meltier texture overall. Gruyère is another luxurious option if you want to feel fancy, though it has a nuttier profile you should consider.

Honestly, the key ingredient that shouldn’t change is how you treat that bacon. Breading and frying it separately is the soul of this burger, no matter what meat ends up under the bun!

Serving Suggestions for the Irresistible Deep Fried Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe

Okay, you’ve built this magnificent tower of flavor and texture—the juicy turkey, the spicy toppings, and that glorious, crunchy deep-fried turkey bacon. Phenomenal! Now, what do you serve alongside it? This burger is already a heavy hitter, so we need sides that offer a little contrast without putting you into a food coma straight away. You want something either crispy to match the bacon or something bright and tangy to cut through the richness of the cheese and the fried coating.

My absolute first recommendation, hands down, is crispy potatoes. But not just plain fries! You need something seasoned. I usually whip up a batch of oven-roasted or air-fried potatoes seasoned heavily with salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder. Check out how I make my air fryer garlic parmesan french fries—they’re light enough to not feel like you’re adding another fried element, but the flavor payoff is huge when you dip them in extra burger sauce!

If you’re trying to balance out all that savory goodness, you need something cool and acidic. Forget heavy mashed potatoes here! A simple, crisp coleslaw dressed with a light vinegar dressing is fantastic. The crunch of the cabbage and the bright, tart flavor just reset your palate between bites of that decadent burger. It’s the perfect palate cleanser when you’re having a rich meal like this one.

Lastly, if you’re feeling mildly virtuous (haha!), a simple side salad works wonders. No need for heavy dressings here either—just crisp romaine, maybe some chopped cucumber, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top will do the trick. It offers that lovely coolness that keeps you coming back for another bite of that deep-fried turkey bacon goodness!

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Leftover Irresistible Deep Fried Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe Components

Oh, leftovers! I always hope there won’t be any because this burger is designed to be eaten immediately, especially with that amazing deep-fried turkey bacon. Seriously, once that crunchy coating hits the moisture from the cheese and toppings, it loses its crunch fast. So, my number one rule? Do NOT try to store the burger fully assembled. That’s just asking for soggy sadness the next day.

If you actually managed to save some of the delicious components, you can pull them apart and store them separately in the fridge. Put the cooked turkey patties in one airtight container. Keep the deep-fried turkey bacon in another container, totally separate from everything else. And the veggies and buns? Toss those! Or at least wrap them up super tight. Leftover cold bacon is just sad, period.

The patties reheat surprisingly well, but the bacon needs special attention to bring back that crispiness we worked so hard for!

Reheating the Turkey Patty

For the turkey patty, honestly, the microwave is your enemy here. It heats unevenly and makes the meat tough. Skip the microwave unless you are completely desperate! Instead, I strongly recommend either popping the patty in a toaster oven or a conventional oven set to about 325°F (160°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes. You just want to warm it through gently. If you’re using a skillet, a quick sear on medium heat for a couple of minutes per side works magic too.

Bringing Back the Crisp in the Deep Fried Turkey Bacon

This is the most important part—saving the crunch! You cannot microwave this bacon, or it will turn into chewy, sad rubber bands. We need dry heat to wick away any residual moisture the bacon might have absorbed overnight. The best tools for this job are your trusty air fryer or a toaster oven.

If you’re using the air fryer, lay the bacon pieces in a single layer and blast them at about 375°F (190°C) for just 3 to 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them because they go from perfect back to burnt really quickly! If you don’t have an air fryer, the regular oven works almost as well; spread them on a baking sheet lined with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 7 minutes. They should come out snapping again, ready to rebuild your Irresistible Deep Fried Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger!

Frequently Asked Questions About the Irresistible Deep Fried Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe

Can I air fry the bacon instead of deep frying it for this turkey burger?

You absolutely can! If you want to skip the deep fryer, the air fryer is your best friend here. You must still dredge the bacon pieces just like the recipe says. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook them at about 370°F (188°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. It gets them incredibly crispy, though I still think the texture from the deep-fried bacon has a slight edge in crunch!

What kind of oil is the absolute best for frying the bacon?

For the best results in achieving that perfect battered crust, you need an oil with a high smoke point. Vegetable oil or canola oil works perfectly fine and is cost-effective, as noted in the main instructions. If you want a little something extra, peanut oil gives a great neutral flavor and handles high heat beautifully. Just make sure whatever you use is fresh!

Can I prepare some components of this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, but be strategic! You can certainly form your turkey burger patties a day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. The best thing to prep ahead is the bacon—fry it completely, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container (see my storage tips!). Just don’t assemble the burger until you are ready to eat, or you’ll lose that glorious crisp!Soup might be better for make-ahead meals, but this burger begs to be fresh!

Is it okay to use pre-cooked bacon in this recipe?

No, I really wouldn’t recommend it for this specific burger. We need the raw bacon to be cut into pieces *before* breading and frying. That’s what allows the coating to adhere and create that wonderful, thick, crunchy shell around the meat when fried. Pre-cooked bacon is just too fragile and won’t hold the coating correctly.

Nutritional Estimates for the Irresistible Deep Fried Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe

Okay, let’s talk turkey—literally! While this burger is certainly indulgent because of that amazing deep-fried bacon, sticking to ground turkey helps keep things a little more balanced than if we went with heavy beef. However, because we are deep-frying bacon chunks and wrapping them around the patty, we are definitely adding richness into the mix here!

Here are the general estimates I came up with based on the ingredients listed. But listen, this is just a guide. If you use a leaner turkey or skip the mayo, your numbers will drop! Treat these figures as a general idea of what you’re looking at for one perfectly assembled burger.

Remember, these figures are based on the standard recipe components, including the cheese and a standard helping of standard toppings like lettuce and tomato. They don’t account for extra ketchup or mustard you might pile on. Use this information responsibly!

• Serving Size: 1 burger
• Calories: 550
• Fat: 30g (This includes the fat from the deep-fried bacon, which is significant!)
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 110mg
• Sodium: 750mg (Bacon and cheese add up quickly!)
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 38g
• Sugar: 6g

See? Decent protein punch from the turkey, and the fat is where most of the excitement comes from, thanks to that delicious, crispy exterior we’ve created. If you are trying to reduce sodium, your first move should definitely be looking for low-sodium bacon cuts before you even start preparing!

Share Your Irresistible Deep Fried Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Creations

Well, that’s it! You’ve got the blueprint for what I think is one of the most fun burgers you can possibly make at home. Now, the best part is hearing from you! I put my heart into perfecting the texture of that deep-fried turkey bacon, and I really want to know how it turned out on your grill.

Did the dredging station work perfectly for you? Which toppings did you decide on to go with that amazing salty crunch? Tell me everything!

Please, please, please leave a rating down below and drop a comment telling me how your Irresistible Deep Fried Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe turned out. Did you stick with the turkey, or did you try my suggestion and swap it for beef? I love seeing your creations, so snap a photo once you’ve got that beautifully stacked burger ready to eat and tag me on social media!

If you have any burning questions that I missed, or if you want to share a substitution that turned out surprisingly great, head over to my contact page. I read every single note, and your feedback helps me make sure these recipes are the very best they can be for everyone!

Thanks so much for cooking with me today!

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