If you are craving a burst of festive flavor wrapped in a cozy, handheld delight, then this Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe is your new go-to. With juicy ground turkey patties, melty cheddar cheese, and a sweet-tart cranberry sauce all nestled in soft slider buns, these little sandwiches pack a punch of taste and texture that will make any meal feel like a celebration. Whether you’re planning a casual get-together or simply want a fun twist on a weeknight dinner, this recipe brings together comforting ingredients in a way that’s both simple and irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of everyday ingredients, this Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe highlights how simplicity can lead to extraordinary flavor. Each component plays its part—from the savory turkey to the zesty cheese and bright cranberry sauce, creating a harmony that’s nothing short of mouthwatering.
- 1 pound ground turkey: The lean yet juicy foundation for the patties, perfect for a lighter slider option.
- 1 cup cranberry sauce: Choose homemade for freshness or store-bought for convenience; it adds that essential tangy sweetness.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp, melty, and rich, it perfectly complements the turkey.
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion: Adds a gentle bite and subtle crunch to the patties.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers a warm, aromatic depth without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just enough spice to keep things interesting.
- 12 slider buns: Soft, slightly sweet buns that hold everything together with a tender bite.
- Fresh spinach or arugula for garnish: Provides a pop of green freshness and a touch of peppery contrast.
- Olive oil for cooking: Helps brown the patties perfectly while keeping them moist.
How to Make Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your slider buns get beautifully toasted at just the right moment, enhancing their texture and taste.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey with garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and finely chopped red onion. Mix everything gently but thoroughly so all the flavors are evenly distributed without overworking the meat, which can make it tough.
Step 3: Form Patties
Divide the turkey mixture into 12 equal portions to keep the sliders uniform in size and cook evenly. Shape each portion into a small, round patty that fits perfectly on your slider buns – this is the heart of the Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe.
Step 4: Cook Patties
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add your patties. Cook them for 4-5 minutes per side until they develop a gorgeous golden crust and reach a safe internal temperature. This creates a juicy, flavorful base for your sliders.
Step 5: Add Cheese
One minute before the patties are done, place a handful of shredded cheddar cheese on each one and cover the pan. The cheese will melt perfectly, creating a gooey, indulgent topping that brings the whole slider together.
Step 6: Prepare Buns
While the patties cook, slice your slider buns in half and place them in the oven. Toasting the buns not only adds crunch but also prevents them from becoming soggy once the cranberry sauce is added.
Step 7: Assemble Sliders
Start by placing each cheesy turkey patty on the bottom half of the toasted buns. Spoon a generous dollop of cranberry sauce over the top for that signature sweet tartness. Add a handful of fresh spinach or peppery arugula for a burst of color and a hint of freshness.
Step 8: Complete the Sliders
Top each slider with the remaining halves of the buns, pressing down lightly to keep everything snug and ready for serving.
Step 9: Serve Warm
Arrange your Cranberry Turkey Sliders on a platter and serve immediately. These sliders are best enjoyed warm when the cheese is melty and the flavors shine at their very best.
How to Serve Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes like fresh spinach or arugula add an inviting touch of green and a gentle crunch that cuts through the richness of the turkey and cheese. Feel free to get creative with other leafies such as baby kale or watercress to suit your taste.
Side Dishes
Pair your sliders with classic sides like crispy sweet potato fries or a zesty coleslaw. Both complement the sliders perfectly, adding bright textures and flavors that balance the ensemble beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe on miniature wooden boards or rustic trays surrounded by small bowls of extra cranberry sauce and pickles. It’s a guaranteed conversation starter that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the cranberry sauce and greens separate until serving helps maintain freshness.
Freezing
These sliders freeze well! Freeze cooked patties individually on a baking sheet, then transfer them to freezer bags. Slider buns freeze separately. When ready, thaw patties overnight and reheat alongside thawed buns.
Reheating
Reheat patties gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through, then melt cheese on top. Toast buns again for that satisfying crispness before assembling your sliders fresh.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes! Ground chicken is a great substitute and will offer a similar mild flavor and texture. Just keep an eye on cooking times since the fat content differs.
Is homemade cranberry sauce better than store-bought?
Homemade cranberry sauce adds a fresher, more vibrant taste and allows you to control sweetness, but quality store-bought sauce works well and saves time.
Can these sliders be made vegetarian?
Absolutely, try swapping the turkey patties for seasoned veggie patties or bean-based sliders for a vegetarian-friendly option that pairs wonderfully with cranberry sauce.
How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?
To prevent sogginess, toast the buns before assembling and add fresh greens last. Serving immediately after assembly also keeps them deliciously fresh.
What cheese alternatives work in this Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe?
Swiss or provolone cheese are excellent alternatives that melt well and bring their own subtle flavor, complementing the sweet and savory elements.
Final Thoughts
Making this Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe is like giving your taste buds a delicious hug—warm, satisfying, and slightly festive. It’s a recipe that brings friends and family together effortlessly. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how these sliders quickly become one of your favorites too!
Print
Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cranberry Turkey Sliders are a delightful and easy-to-make recipe perfect for gatherings or a fun meal. Featuring juicy turkey patties infused with savory spices, topped with melted cheddar cheese and tangy cranberry sauce, all nestled in soft slider buns with fresh greens for a perfect bite every time.
Ingredients
Slider Patties
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- Olive oil for cooking
Toppings & Assembly
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 12 slider buns
- Fresh spinach or arugula for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for toasting the slider buns.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and finely chopped red onion. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly incorporated to ensure flavorful patties.
- Form Patties: Divide the turkey mixture into 12 equal portions and shape each into a slider-sized patty, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
- Cook Patties: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the patties in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until they are cooked through and golden brown.
- Add Cheese: During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with shredded cheddar cheese and cover the skillet. Allow the cheese to melt perfectly over the patties.
- Toast Buns: While the patties cook, slice the slider buns in half and toast them lightly in the preheated oven for added texture and warmth.
- Assemble Sliders: On the bottom half of each toasted bun, place a turkey patty with melted cheddar cheese. Top generously with cranberry sauce and garnish with fresh spinach or arugula for a burst of freshness.
- Complete Sliders: Place the top halves of the buns onto each assembled slider to finish.
- Serve Warm: Arrange the sliders on a serving platter and serve immediately while warm for the best taste and experience.
Notes
- You can use store-bought cranberry sauce for convenience or homemade for a more natural taste.
- Make sure patties are cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Adding fresh greens like spinach or arugula balances the sweetness of the cranberry sauce.
- To add more flavor, consider mixing chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme into the turkey before cooking.
- These sliders are great for parties or quick family meals and can be doubled easily.
