All Recipes - Quick Whole Grain Buns & Brain-Healthy Turkey Burgers

Quick Whole Grain Buns & Brain-Healthy Turkey Burgers



Looking for a filling, brain-healthy dinner that's quick to make and family-approved? These MIND diet-friendly turkey burgers with homemade whole grain buns and crispy roasted potatoes have ingredients that support brain health without sacrificing flavor. With healthy fats, whole grains, leafy greens, and omega-3-rich add-ins, this meal is both nourishing and satisfying—perfect for a weekend evening. Plus, the buns and burgers are designed to be unfussy, using minimal dishes and streamlining prep time.

Quick Whole Grain Buns & Brain-Healthy Turkey Burgers

Total Time: 60 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the burgers

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1/4 cup spinach, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • pepper, to taste

For the roasted potatoes

  • 3 medium potatoes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
  • dried rosemary, optional

For the yogurt sauce

  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, nonfat
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste

For the Quick Whole Grain Buns

  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 3/4 cup water, warm
  • 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup bread flour, Tip: When measuring flour, always scoop the flour out of the bag or container with a spoon and sprinkle it into the measuring cup.
  • 2 tbsp ground flaxseed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Optionally, line two baking sheets with unbleached parchment paper.
  2. Wash and cube potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Toss with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and herbs if using. Spread evenly on one baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, then you'll flip them later.
  3. In a bowl (You can use the same bowl you mixed the potatoes in, just give it a rinse.), whisk warm water, honey, and yeast. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
  4. Stir in flours, ground flaxseed, salt, and olive oil until a dough forms. If the dough seems too dense, add a little extra water. Knead for 5 minutes (hand or mixer). This is hard work, but think of it as strength-training exercise. Divide into 4 equal balls, flatten into bun shapes.
  5. Place on the second baking sheet. Cover with a towel to rest while preparing burgers. In a bowl (you can again use the same bowl you mixed the dough in), combine ground turkey, spinach, flaxseed meal, spices, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Form into 4 patties about 1/2-inch thick.
  6. Flip potatoes and return to oven for another 10-15 minutes until crispy.
  7. Place buns in the oven (400°F/200°C) and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Optional: Brush buns with water or olive oil and sprinkle with seeds before baking.
  8. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil.
  9. Cook patties 5-6 minutes on one side. Flip and cook 5-6 minutes on the other side. Flip again and cook another 5 minutes. Then flip one more time and cook 5 more minutes until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
  10. Slice buns and layer with turkey patties, avocado slices, leafy greens, or yogurt sauce. Serve with crispy roasted potatoes on the side.


Published: Feb 22, 2025