These Cranberry Turkey Sliders are a fun twist on your traditional turkey dish! With juicy turkey patties topped with tangy cranberry sauce, every bite is packed with flavor!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a good slider? They’re perfect for parties or just a cozy night in. I like to serve them with a side of sweet potato fries. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This is the star of the show! Ground turkey is lean and healthy. If you want a richer flavor, consider using ground chicken or even ground beef as a substitute.
Onion and Garlic: These add great flavor! I prefer yellow onion for its balance of sweetness. If you’re avoiding onions, try using onion powder or shallots for a subtler taste.
Dried Sage: This herb gives the turkey a lovely, earthy flavor. You can swap in thyme or rosemary if needed. Both will bring their own unique twist!
Slider Buns: Brioche buns are my favorite for their sweetness and softness. If you’re watching carbs, consider lettuce wraps instead. Gluten-free buns are also a good substitute.
Cranberry Sauce: You can use homemade or store-bought sauce. If you like a spicier touch, try mixing in some jalapeños for a kick.
How Do You Cook Ground Turkey Without It Being Dry?
Cooking ground turkey can be tricky since it tends to dry out easily. To keep it juicy, don’t overmix when prepping your patties; just combine the ingredients gently. Also, monitor the cooking time closely.
- Cook on medium heat; it helps maintain moisture.
- Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.
Adding cheese at the end, as described in the recipe, helps lock in moisture, making the sliders tender and flavorful.
How to Make Cranberry Turkey Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Turkey Patties:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Sliders:
- 6 slider buns, preferably brioche or soft dinner rolls
- 6 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
- Butter for toasting buns
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. It includes around 10 minutes for prepping the ingredients, 15-20 minutes for cooking the patties, and a few minutes to assemble the sliders. Perfect for a quick dinner or a fun party snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Turkey Patties:
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried sage, salt, and black pepper. Be careful not to overmix; just stir gently until everything is well combined.
2. Forming the Patties:
Take the turkey mixture and shape it into 6 small patties, about the size of your slider buns. Make them a little flatter in the center, as they will puff up slightly while cooking.
3. Cooking the Patties:
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the turkey patties and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they’re fully cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
4. Melting the Cheese:
In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty. Cover the pan with a lid to help the cheese melt beautifully over the turkey.
5. Toasting the Buns:
While the patties are cooking, slice the slider buns in half. Lightly butter the cut sides and toast them in the same skillet or in the oven until they’re golden brown and delicious!
6. Assembling the Sliders:
Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise onto the bottom halves of the toasted buns. Place a cheesy turkey patty on each bottom piece, and top it all off with a generous spoonful of cranberry sauce.
7. Finishing Touch:
Now, add the top bun to your sliders. If you like, you can garnish with a small sprig of fresh thyme for a pop of color and flavor!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Cranberry Turkey Sliders are ready! Serve them warm and enjoy this delicious twist on turkey. Ideal for gatherings or simply a tasty weeknight meal!
Can I Use Leftover Turkey for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey works perfectly in this recipe. Just shred or chop the meat, mix it with the other ingredients, and form into patties. This is a great way to use up post-holiday turkey!
Can I Make These Sliders Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free slider buns or lettuce wraps as an alternative. You can also check that your sauces, especially the mayonnaise and cranberry, are gluten-free as well.
What Can I Substitute for Cranberry Sauce?
If you’re looking for alternatives, try using a different fruit sauce, like apple or raspberry. You can also mix some chutney or even BBQ sauce for a unique flavor twist.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave for a quick option!
