Turkey Brie Cranberry Burgers are juicy, savory, slightly sweet, and topped with creamy melted brie. A gourmet-style turkey burger recipe that feels fancy but comes together fast.

Turkey Brie Cranberry Burger Recipe
This Turkey Brie Cranberry Burger is what happens when a regular turkey burger gets a little holiday glow-up. Juicy seasoned turkey patties are topped with creamy brie, sweet-tart cranberry, and greens for a burger that tastes restaurant-worthy without the restaurant bill.
It is savory, creamy, slightly sweet, and honestly a little dramatic in the best way. The brie melts beautifully over the warm turkey patty, the cranberry adds that pop of flavor, and the whole thing feels cozy, fancy, and very “I totally meant to make dinner this impressive.”
This is also a great recipe when you have leftover cranberry sauce hanging around after Thanksgiving or Christmas. Instead of letting that little container stare at you from the fridge, turn it into a burger topping. Much better ending.
Why You’ll Love These Turkey Burgers
- They feel gourmet: brie and cranberry instantly make a simple turkey burger feel special.
- They cook quickly: perfect for a weeknight dinner that does not taste boring.
- They are great for leftovers, especially if you have cranberry sauce after the holidays.
- They are lighter than beef burgers, but still satisfying and full of flavor.
- No complicated sauces needed: the brie and cranberry do all the work.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this burger is that it uses simple ingredients but tastes like something you would order at a cute little bistro with overpriced sparkling water.
- Ground turkey: Use regular ground turkey if possible, not extra-lean, so the burgers stay juicy.
- Cranberries or cranberry sauce: they add sweetness and a little tang.
- Brie cheese: creamy, melty, and absolutely perfect with turkey.
- Kale, arugula, or lettuce: something fresh and a little peppery balances the richness.
- Burger buns: whole wheat, brioche, pretzel buns, or your favorite burger buns all work.
- Seasonings: simple seasoning brings flavor to the turkey without overpowering the toppings.
How To Keep Turkey Burgers Juicy
Turkey burgers have a reputation for being dry, but they do not have to be. The trick is to avoid overworking the meat, season it well, and cook it just until it reaches a safe internal temperature.
Ground turkey should be cooked to 165°F. A meat thermometer is your best friend here. It keeps the burgers safe without accidentally turning them into hockey pucks. Very important. We want burgers, not emotional damage.
Brie and Cranberry: The Perfect Combo
Brie is buttery, creamy, and mild, which makes it a perfect match for lean turkey. Cranberries add sweetness and acidity, so every bite has that savory-sweet balance that makes this burger so good.
If you are using leftover homemade cranberry sauce, amazing. If you are using store-bought cranberry sauce, also amazing. If you are using dried cranberries inside the patty and cranberry sauce on top, now we are really having fun.

Recipe Tips
- Toast the buns: this keeps them from getting soggy and adds great texture.
- Melt the brie: place the cooked burger under the broiler or in a toaster oven for a minute until the cheese softens.
- Do not press the burgers: pressing them while cooking pushes out the juices.
- Use a thermometer: turkey burgers are best when cooked to 165°F, not guessed.
- Add greens last: kale, arugula, or lettuce should go on right before serving.
Variations
- Thanksgiving Burger: add a spoonful of stuffing or a little turkey gravy.
- Spicy Cranberry Burger: mix cranberry sauce with a little chipotle, jalapeño, or hot honey.
- Apple Brie Turkey Burger: add thin slices of crisp apple.
- Caramelized Onion Version: Add caramelized onions for a sweeter, richer burger.
- Low Carb Version: Serve it in lettuce wraps or over a salad.
What To Serve With Turkey Brie Cranberry Burgers
These burgers are delicious with simple sides like a green salad, roasted vegetables, sweet potato fries, regular fries, or even leftover holiday sides. If you are making them in the fall or winter, roasted butternut squash or Brussels sprouts would be perfect.
For a lighter dinner, serve the burger with a crisp salad and skip the fries. For a full comfort meal, bring on the fries. This is a judgment-free burger zone.
Can I Make These Ahead?
Yes. You can shape the turkey patties a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge until ready to cook. You can also cook the patties ahead of time and reheat them gently, then add the brie and cranberry right before serving.
For the best texture, assemble the burgers right before eating so the buns stay toasted and the brie stays melty.
Turkey Brie Cranberry Burger Recipe
Ready to make them? Here is the full recipe for these juicy, creamy, sweet-savory turkey burgers. They are simple enough for a weeknight but special enough for guests, especially during the holiday season.
Turkey Brie Cranberry Burgers
Equipment
- Skillet or grill pan
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Instant-read thermometer
Ingredients
For the Burgers
- 1 pound ground turkey 93% lean recommended
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons dried cranberries finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For Assembly
- 4 burger buns
- 6 ounces brie cheese sliced
- 1/3 cup cranberry sauce or extra dried cranberries
- 1 cup arugula kale, or lettuce
- Butter or oil for toasting buns optional
Instructions
Make the Burgers
- In a bowl, combine ground turkey, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and chopped dried cranberries. Mix gently until combined.
- Divide mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into patties with a slight indentation in the center.
Cook
- Heat olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
- Cook patties for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until browned and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Assemble
- Toast buns if desired.
- Place cooked patties on bottom buns and top each with sliced brie. Broil or cover skillet for 1 minute until melted.
- Add cranberry sauce and greens.
- Top with bun and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use regular ground turkey instead of extra lean for juicier burgers.
- Swap cranberry sauce for fig jam for a gourmet twist.
- Arugula works beautifully here.
- Best served fresh.











oh wow this looks so good, you are making me hungry loll great recipe 🙂 thanks for sharing @tisonlyme143
lol! You’re welcome Dorothy
This looks so good! I love getting creative with burger recipes.
Me too KaylaSue! some combinations works, others fail
never tried or seen those before…
Just like Thanksgiving in a burger 😉
this sounds good thanks for the recipe
You’re welcome!
These burgers look incredibly delicious! Of course turkey and cranberry is a perfect flavour combination.. but I can only imagine how good the melted brie tastes alongside the two. Thanks for the great recipe, you can definitely consider that I will be recreating it.
Thanks Thalia.. imagine with the Brie 😉 Try it and let me know how it tasted!
This makes me think of Thanksgiving on a bun! Love the flavors and the healthy aspect of it. Thanks for linking to the In and Out of the Kitchen Link Party!
That was my intention! Thanksgiving! Thank you Cynthia
Yum – I just Saw this on Pinterest … looks delicious!
Thanks Tina!
What a fabulous flavour combo! Can’t wait to try this for myself – pinning 🙂
Thanks Nicola!! they taste amazing!
I love easy meals with huge flavor. Thanks for sharing at Fluster’s Creative Muster, hope to see you again!
Thanks so much for stopping by Robin!
Featuring Friday at Bacon Time!
Thanks so much Mindie ! I am so grateful!
What a great taste combination – can’t wait to try it. Thank you for sharing at Share It One More Time. Cathy
That sandwich looks really good. It makes me think of Thanksgiving.
Thanks so much Michelle! indeed it’s Thanksgiving on a burger!
Quick question…..did you grind your own fresh turkey breast before cooking it, or did you just buy ground turkey? Can’t wait to try this yummy burger.
Hi Maureeen I bought it already ground. They sell it at the supermarket.
If yours doesn’t sell it you can do 2 things:
– Ask your butcher to do it for you
– If you have the grinder attachment on your KitchenAid you can do it there.
Hope that helps!
Is this supposed to be 1tsp of oil? 11 seems really excessive
Yes, sorry about that! It’s a typo. I’ll fix it right away