PAT Gina seasons these burgers perfectly. And unless you are standing in the kitchen while she’s preparing them, you’ll never be able to tell whether they’re turkey or ground beef. Once these babies hit the grill and the sizzle starts, your neighbors will be peeking over the fence. Ground turkey, as a rule, has less fat than ground beef, so don’t buy lean ground turkey (also known as ground turkey breast). Instead, buy regular ground turkey, which is a mix of white and dark meat, and makes for a moister burger. We also add the garlic, shallot, cheddar cheese, and Worcestershire sauce to give it some extra juice and flavor. What you’re left with is a healthy little handful (if you can eat just one!).

　　

Ingredients

makes 12 mini-burgers, serving 4

　　2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

　　1 small shallot, finely chopped

　　1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese

　　1 pound ground turkey

　　Dash of Worcestershire sauce

　　Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

　　2 tablespoons olive oil, for brushing

　　12 small dinner rolls, split in half

　　2 plum tomatoes, sliced

　　Pickle slices, ketchup, mustard, or other condiments you like

　　

Step 1

Preheat your grill to medium-heat, using charcoal, or heat a gas grill to medium-high heat.

　　

Step 2

Toss together the garlic, shallot, and cheese in a medium bowl. Mix in the ground turkey, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Divide the burgers into twelve equal-sized patties (about 3 inches wide). Brush the patties with the olive oil.

　　

Step 3

Grill the burgers over medium heat for 4 or 5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.

　　

Step 4

Toast the rolls on the grill for the last few minutes of cooking the burgers. Lay the patties on the rolls, and top with sliced tomatoes and condiments of your choice.

　　Reprinted with permission from The Neelys' Celebration Cookbook by Pat and Gina Nelly. Copyright © 2011 by Pat and Gina Nelly with Anna Volkwein. Excerpted by permission of Knopf, a division of Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.Pat and Gina Neely are restaurateurs, best-selling authors, popular speakers, and hosts of the Food Network hit series Down Home with the Neelys. They recently opened their first New York City restaurant, Neely's Barbecue Parlor. They live with their daughters in Memphis, where they enjoy cooking at home with family and friends.Ann Volkwein is a best-selling food and lifestyle author based in New York City and Austin, Texas. Her previous books include: The Arthur Avenue Cookbook, Chinatown New York, Mixt Greens (with Andrew Swallow), and, with Guy Fieri: Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives; More Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives; and Guy Fieri Food.