Cranberry Turkey Sliders are not just an ordinary meal; they’re a whimsical journey of flavors, textures, and delightful aromas that whisk you away to holiday gatherings. Imagine biting into a tender turkey patty nestled between two fluffy buns, all while the sweet-tart goodness of cranberry sauce dances on your palate like it’s auditioning for a Broadway show. For more inspiration, check out this lunch options recipe.
Every time I make these sliders, I’m transported back to family reunions where laughter and delicious food flowed freely. The moment those sliders hit the table, they become the culinary stars of the show, competing for attention with Aunt Mabel’s infamous fruitcake. So whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or simply indulging in comfort food at home, these Cranberry Turkey Sliders promise an unforgettable flavor experience.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Cranberry Turkey Sliders are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests
- The combination of sweet cranberry and savory turkey creates a mouthwatering flavor profile
- They look stunning on any plate with their vibrant colors and appealing presentation
- Versatile enough for any occasion, they can be served as appetizers or a main dish
One Thanksgiving, my cousin Eric took one bite and declared it “the best thing since sliced bread.” I still remind him of that day every time we gather around the dinner table. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ground Turkey: Use lean ground turkey for a healthier option; it’s flavorful without being too greasy.
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Cranberry Sauce: Opt for homemade if possible; it adds a fresh sweetness that jarred versions can’t match.
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Slider Buns: Choose soft, mini brioche buns for their buttery flavor and pillowy texture.
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Fresh Herbs: Parsley or thyme elevate the flavors; chop finely to distribute evenly in your patties.
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Salt and Pepper: Season generously; they enhance every bite and bring out the turkey’s natural flavors.
For the Toppings:
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Sliced Cheese: Cheddar or gouda melts beautifully over warm turkey patties; choose based on your preference.
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Lettuce Leaves: Crisp greens add freshness and crunch; iceberg works well here.
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Sliced Red Onion: A little bite from red onion balances the sweetness of cranberries beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cranberry Turkey Sliders
Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and tools—a mixing bowl, baking tray, and spatula will come in handy. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when you need it.
Mix the Turkey Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey with chopped herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined—overmixing makes patties tough.
Form Slider Patties: With clean hands, divide the mixture into equal portions and shape them into small patties about 1 inch thick. Aim for uniform size so they cook evenly.
Bake the Patties: Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C); they should be golden brown.
Add Cranberry Sauce and Cheese: During the last 5 minutes of baking, top each patty with cranberry sauce and cheese slices. Return to oven until cheese melts beautifully—this is where magic happens!
Assemble Your Sliders: Slice your buns in half and layer lettuce on each bottom half first for added crunch. Place a patty on top followed by more cranberry sauce if desired before capping with bun tops.
These delightful Cranberry Turkey Sliders are now ready to serve! Enjoy them warm with friends or family while basking in compliments about how amazing they taste!
You Must Know
- These cranberry turkey sliders are perfect for holiday gatherings, offering a delightful blend of sweet and savory
- The juicy turkey paired with tart cranberries creates a flavor explosion that your guests will love
- Plus, they’re easy to assemble and can be made ahead of time!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve perfectly juicy cranberry turkey sliders, start by seasoning the turkey before cooking. Grill or pan-sear until golden brown, then bake briefly to ensure even cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the turkey for chicken or even a plant-based option. Add spices like cumin or garlic powder for an extra flavor kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly shaped sliders, use a cookie cutter to form the patties evenly
- Don’t skip resting the meat after cooking; it keeps them juicy
- Always taste your mixture before cooking; adjust seasonings if needed for maximum flavor impact
Sharing these cranberry turkey sliders at my last family gathering had everyone asking for seconds! Watching my cousin try to stack three on his plate was priceless—definitely a crowd-pleaser moment.
FAQ
Can I use leftover turkey for these sliders?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey works beautifully in this recipe and saves time.
What type of bread should I use?
Slider-sized brioche or whole grain buns complement the flavors wonderfully.
Can I freeze these sliders?
Yes, you can freeze cooked sliders in airtight containers for up to three months.
Cranberry Turkey Sliders
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8 sliders 1x
Description
Cranberry Turkey Sliders are a festive delight, combining tender turkey patties with tangy cranberry sauce and fluffy brioche buns. Perfect for holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers, these sliders offer a mouthwatering blend of sweet and savory flavors that will leave your guests asking for more. Easy to make and visually appealing, they are a flavorful addition to any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1/2 cup homemade cranberry sauce
- 8 mini brioche slider buns
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- Lettuce leaves (for topping)
- Sliced red onion (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into 8 equal-sized patties.
- Place patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C).
- In the last 5 minutes of baking, top each patty with cranberry sauce and cheddar cheese.
- Assemble sliders by placing lettuce on the bottom half of each bun, adding the patty, more cranberry sauce if desired, and capping with bun tops.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider (90g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Swap ground turkey for chicken or a plant-based alternative for variety. Enhance flavor by adding spices such as garlic powder or cumin to the turkey mixture. Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for up to three months.
