There’s something truly delightful about sinking your teeth into a warm, juicy Cranberry Turkey Slider. These tender mini sandwiches combine the savory goodness of turkey with a hint of tartness from cranberries, making them a crowd-pleasing treat. Having whipped these up countless times for family gatherings, I can assure you they bring smiles to every table.
Why Make This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The sweet and tangy cranberry pairs perfectly with savory turkey, creating an enticing flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
- Healthy Alternative: Ground turkey is leaner than beef, making these sliders a lighter choice without sacrificing taste.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
- Fun for Everyone: These sliders can be customized by each guest, allowing a personal touch for every palate.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual game day, a holiday gathering, or a backyard BBQ, these sliders fit right in. I personally love serving them during Thanksgiving leftovers!
Recipe Overview
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 6 sliders
- Difficulty level: Easy
This recipe is simple and requires only basic cooking techniques like mixing and sautéing.
My Experience Making This Recipe
I remember the first time I made these sliders; I was a bit unsure about the right balance of seasoning. After a couple of tries, I discovered that a hint of garlic powder and some fresh herbs really elevate the flavor! The satisfaction of perfecting the recipe brings me back to it again and again.
How to Make Cranberry Turkey Sliders
Start by mixing ground turkey with breadcrumbs, diced onions, and a splash of cranberry sauce. Form the mixture into small patties. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the patties until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Toast your slider buns while the turkey is cooking to add a lovely crunch, and you’ll have a delightful assembly process with each bite bursting with flavor.
Expert Tips for Success
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh ground turkey and high-quality cranberry sauce for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough sliders.
- Finishing Touches: For a gourmet twist, add a slice of brie cheese on top of the sliders during the last minute of cooking for a creamy addition.
- Check Doneness: Ensure turkey is fully cooked by checking that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Use a Non-Stick Skillet: This helps prevent the patties from sticking and makes for easier flipping.
How to Serve Cranberry Turkey Sliders
Serve these sliders warm, topped with a dollop of extra cranberry sauce for an extra kick. Pair them with sweet potato fries or a crisp salad for a complete meal. For a festive touch, skewer with toothpicks and garnish with fresh herbs to create lovely bite-sized hors d’oeuvres.
Storage and Reheating Guide
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For extended storage, freeze the cooked patties separately in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, ensuring they retain their moisture.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like crushed rice cereal or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Dairy-Free Version: Skip any cheese toppings or use dairy-free cheese options for an allergen-friendly slider.
- Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the turkey mixture for a spicy variation.
- Herb-Infused: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for added depth of flavor.
Nutritional Highlights
These sliders are a great source of lean protein, providing essential nutrients without excessive fat. Ground turkey is low in calories and packed with vitamins, making them a nutritious alternative. Be mindful of any added sugars in cranberry sauce if you’re watching your sugar intake.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Sliders Falling Apart: Ensure you don’t skip the binding agents like breadcrumbs and eggs, which help hold everything together.
- Dry Sliders: Be cautious not to overcook the turkey. Cooking them only until they reach the appropriate temperature will keep them juicy.
- Flavor Lacking: Taste the turkey mixture before cooking. If you find it bland, consider adjusting your seasoning and adding more herbs or spices.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use leftover turkey for this recipe?
Yes! Shredded leftover turkey can be used. Just mix it with the other ingredients to form a cohesive patty mixture. -
Are these sliders suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture ahead of time, form the patties, and store them in the fridge until ready to cook. -
Can I freeze the cooked sliders?
Yes, cooked sliders can be frozen and reheated without losing quality, making them perfect for quick weeknight meals. -
What kind of buns should I use?
Sliders are typically served on soft dinner rolls, but you can try whole grain or slider-sized ciabatta for a different twist!
Cranberry Turkey Sliders
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 sliders 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free option available
Description
Delightful mini sandwiches combining savory turkey with a hint of tartness from cranberries, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup diced onions
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Slider buns, for serving
- Brie cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Mix ground turkey with breadcrumbs, diced onions, and cranberry sauce.
- Form the mixture into small patties.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook patties until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Toast slider buns while turkey is cooking.
- Assemble sliders and serve warm, optionally topped with extra cranberry sauce.
Notes
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor; do not overmix turkey mixture to avoid tough sliders.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg