Turkey Avocado Burgers

Makes 4 burgers

2/3 cup fresh or panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup minced shallot (from 1 large shallot)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 pound ground turkey (93% lean/7% fat)
1 medium avocado, pitted and chopped
1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lime juice
4 slices Monterey Jack cheese
4 slices tomato
4 thin slices red onion
4 hamburger buns

Place the breadcrumbs, yogurt, shallot, garlic, chili powder, cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and cayenne in a large bowl and mix to combine.

Add the turkey and use your fingers to combine the meat and flavorings until just combined. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Form each a patty about 1 inch thick and 3 1/2 inches wide. Place on a plate or baking sheet. Press your thumb into the center of each patty to create a dimple, which will help keep the burgers from bulging in the center as they cook. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Heat an indoor or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Meanwhile, lightly mash together the avocado, lime juice, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt in a small bowl.

Grill the burgers uncovered until cooked through and they reach an internal temperature of 160°F, 3 to 4 minutes on each side. During the last minute of cooking, top each burger with a slice of cheese, cover the grill, and let the cheese melt. Transfer to a clean plate.

Grill buns until toasted, about 30 seconds per side.

Place a patty on the bottom of each bun. Top the patties with the mashed avocado, along with a slice of tomato and red onion, and close the bun.

Recipe Notes

• Storage: Refrigerate leftover patties, tightly wrapped, for up to 3 days.
• Stovetop option: You can also cook the burgers inside instead of grilling them: Heat the oven to 375°F. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the burgers and cook undisturbed until a golden-brown crust forms on the bottoms, about 3 minutes. Flip the burgers with a flat spatula. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake until the burgers reach an internal temperature of 160°F, 5 to 7 minutes more. During the last minute of cooking, add a slice of cheese to each burger, return them to the oven, and let the cheese melt.