1. Prepare the Spicy Guacamole

Start by preparing the spicy guacamole. In a medium bowl, mash the ripe avocados with a fork until smooth, leaving a few chunks for texture if desired. Stir in the chopped tomato, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a milder guacamole, you can adjust the amount of jalapeño or omit the cayenne pepper entirely.

Once the guacamole is ready, set it aside, or refrigerate it if you’re preparing it ahead of time. It’s best served fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container for up to a day.

2. Prepare the Burger Patties

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, crumbled bacon, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, and chopped jalapeño. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix the ingredients together gently until just combined—be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can make the burgers tough.

Divide the turkey mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty. Make sure the patties are slightly larger than your burger buns, as they will shrink slightly while cooking.

3. Cook the Burgers

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, carefully add the burger patties. Cook the burgers for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). If you’re using cheese, place a slice of cheese on each patty during the last minute of cooking, allowing it to melt.

Alternatively, you can grill the burgers over medium heat, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. Grilling will impart a slightly smoky flavor to the burgers, which pairs wonderfully with the spicy guacamole.

4. Toast the Buns

While the burgers are cooking, slice the burger buns in half and lightly toast them in a separate pan or on the grill. Toasting the buns adds a bit of crunch and prevents them from becoming soggy when topped with the guacamole and turkey patty.

5. Assemble the Burgers

Once the turkey patties are cooked and the buns are toasted, it’s time to assemble the burgers. Place each turkey-bacon patty on the bottom half of a toasted bun. Generously top each patty with a spoonful of the spicy guacamole.

Add any additional toppings you prefer, such as fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of freshness or sliced tomato for added juiciness.

Place the top half of the bun on each burger and serve immediately. These burgers are perfect when paired with sweet potato fries, a side salad, or your favorite chips