Directions

1. 1

   Heat a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bacon pieces and cook until crispy, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, leaving the bacon drippings in the skillet.

2. 2

   If toasting the buns, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a separate large skillet over medium-high heat. Place two burger rolls cut-side down in the skillet and toast until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and the remaining two rolls.

3. 3

   Place the ground turkey on a cutting board and season generously with salt and pepper. Gently form the turkey into 4 burger patties, each about 1/2 inch thick. Handle the meat as little as possible to keep the patties tender.

4. 4

   Increase the heat under the skillet with bacon drippings to high. Carefully place the turkey patties in the skillet without moving them. Cook for 3 minutes without disturbing.

5. 5

   Flip the burgers carefully and cover the skillet with a lid. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until the burgers reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If desired, place a slice of American cheese on each burger immediately after flipping so it can melt during cooking, or add it when 1 minute of cooking time remains.

6. 6

   While the burgers are cooking, combine the mayonnaise and ketchup in a small bowl to create the sauce.

7. 7

   Assemble each burger as follows: spread sauce on the bottom half of a toasted bun, add lettuce leaves, place the cooked turkey patty on top, add the crispy bacon pieces, and cover with the top half of the bun. Serve immediately with pickle slices on the side if desired.