If you love the cozy, festive flavors of the holidays but want a fun, bite-sized way to enjoy them, this Thanksgiving Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe is an absolute game changer. Picture juicy turkey patties seasoned with fragrant sage, topped with melty cheese, and a generous dollop of vibrant cranberry sauce all nestled in soft slider buns. These sliders capture the essence of a Thanksgiving feast in every scrumptious bite, making them perfect for gatherings, game days, or simply a delicious twist on dinner that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Thanksgiving Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe lies in its simple but perfectly balanced ingredients. Each item plays an essential role, adding unique texture, flavor, and that unmistakable holiday charm you crave.
- 1 pound ground turkey: The lean, juicy base for your flavorful patties.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and moisture to keep the patties tender.
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage (or 1 tablespoon dried): Imparts that signature savory herb flavor essential to autumn dishes.
- Salt to taste: Enhances all the natural flavors beautifully.
- Pepper to taste: Provides a gentle bite that complements the sweetness of the cranberry.
- Slider buns (soft brioche or whole wheat): Soft, pillowy bread that holds everything together perfectly.
- Swiss or cheddar cheese (or pepper jack for a spicy kick): Melted cheese takes these sliders to the next level of indulgence.
- Cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought): The star sweet and tangy ingredient that gives these sliders their festive flair.
How to Make Thanksgiving Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Turkey Patty Ingredients
Start by combining your ground turkey, finely chopped onion, fresh sage, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Use your hands or a spoon to blend everything just until incorporated. Overmixing can make the patties tough, so a gentle touch is key here to keep them juicy and tender.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Divide the mixture into eight equal portions and shape them into small patties, about two inches wide. Making a small indentation in the center of each patty is a clever trick to ensure they cook evenly and don’t puff up awkwardly in the middle—trust me, it makes a difference!
Step 3: Cook the Turkey Patties
Heat a skillet or grill to medium and add a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking. Cook your patties for five to six minutes per side until they’re cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This step guarantees juicy, flavorful turkey that will melt in your mouth.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
Right before your patties finish cooking, place a slice of your chosen cheese on each one. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt beautifully on top, adding creamy richness that pairs perfectly with the tart cranberry sauce.
Step 5: Toast the Slider Buns
While the patties are cooking, slice your slider buns in half and lightly toast them in a separate skillet or oven. Toasting adds a subtle crunch and warmth that makes every bite that much more satisfying.
Step 6: Assemble Your Sliders
Spread a generous spoonful of cranberry sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Next, place your cheesy turkey patty on top, followed by any additional toppings you love—fresh spinach or peppery arugula are fantastic choices here for a pop of color and crunch.
Step 7: Final Touch and Serve
Top each slider with the bun’s upper half and optionally secure it with a toothpick to keep everything intact. Serve them warm, and get ready for compliments because these Thanksgiving Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe creations are absolute crowd-pleasers!
How to Serve Thanksgiving Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a simple garnish can elevate the presentation and flavor of your sliders. A few fresh sage leaves or a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley on the plate adds a festive touch and brightens the dish visually.
Side Dishes
These sliders are hearty but pair wonderfully with classic side dishes like crispy sweet potato fries, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or roasted Brussels sprouts. These sides add balance and complement the flavors without overpowering your sliders.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange your Thanksgiving Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe on a beautiful wooden board or tiered platter. Consider adding small ramekins of extra cranberry sauce or mustard for dipping. You can even place decorative toothpicks with little autumn leaves on top to keep things festive and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping the components separated—patties, buns, and cranberry sauce—helps maintain freshness and texture for your next meal.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? Freeze cooked turkey patties wrapped individually in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. Slider buns don’t freeze as well but can be toasted fresh when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Reheat turkey patties gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to avoid drying them out. Toast your buns fresh, reassemble your sliders with cranberry sauce, and you’ve got a delicious quick meal that tastes like fresh-made!
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken can work just as well and still provide a tender, flavorful base for your sliders. Just season it well and check the cooking temperature to ensure it’s safe to eat.
Is it better to use fresh or dried sage for this recipe?
Fresh sage offers a more vibrant flavor and aroma, but dried sage is a fine substitute when fresh isn’t available. Just use half the amount if you’re using dried since it’s more concentrated.
How spicy will these sliders be with pepper jack cheese?
Using pepper jack adds a mild to moderate spicy kick that complements the sweet cranberry sauce nicely. If you’re sensitive to spice, sticking with Swiss or cheddar is a safe and delicious choice.
Can I make these sliders vegetarian?
While this recipe relies on ground turkey, you can replace it with a vegetarian patty, like a savory chickpea or black bean burger. Adjust the seasoning and cook times accordingly for the best results.
What’s the best cranberry sauce to use?
Homemade cranberry sauce adds a fresh, tangy flavor that shines in this recipe, but a good-quality store-bought sauce works perfectly too. Choose one with a nice balance of sweet and tart to complement the turkey and cheese.
Final Thoughts
These Thanksgiving Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe bites are pure joy on a plate—easy to make yet full of festive, comforting flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a holiday get-together or just want a fun way to enjoy your Thanksgiving favorites anytime, these sliders are a must-try. So grab your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and prepare to delight your taste buds with this simple but unforgettable dish!
Print
Thanksgiving Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Thanksgiving Turkey Cranberry Sliders offer a delightful twist on traditional holiday flavors, combining juicy sage-spiced ground turkey patties with melted cheese and tangy cranberry sauce, all nestled in soft slider buns. Perfect for festive gatherings or a fun appetizer.
Ingredients
Turkey Patties
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage (or 1 tablespoon dried sage)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Sliders
- 8 slider buns (soft brioche or whole wheat)
- 8 slices Swiss or cheddar cheese (or pepper jack for a spicy kick)
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Optional toppings: fresh spinach or arugula
Instructions
- Prepare the turkey mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, finely chopped onion, fresh sage, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the meat, which keeps the patties tender.
- Shape the patties: Divide the turkey mixture into 8 equal portions. Shape each into a small patty about 2 inches in diameter. Press a small indentation in the center of each patty to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the patties: Heat a skillet or grill over medium heat and add olive oil. Once hot, place the patties on the cooking surface. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring they are safely cooked through.
- Melt the cheese: During the last minute of cooking, place a cheese slice on each patty. Cover the skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt evenly and thoroughly.
- Toast the slider buns: While the patties cook, slice the slider buns in half and toast them lightly on another skillet or in the oven until they are golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Assemble the sliders: Spread a generous spoonful of cranberry sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Add a turkey patty with melted cheese on top. For added freshness and texture, include optional toppings like fresh spinach or arugula.
- Serve: Top each slider with the bun’s top half, securing with a toothpick if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the harmonious blend of savory turkey, melted cheese, and tart cranberry flavors that capture the spirit of Thanksgiving.
Notes
- Use fresh sage for a more vibrant flavor, but dried sage can also be used if fresh is unavailable.
- Make sure patties reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Customize sliders with different cheeses or additional toppings like caramelized onions or crispy bacon for extra flavor.
- These sliders can be prepared ahead by shaping the patties and refrigerating before cooking.
- For a healthier option, choose whole wheat slider buns and use low-fat cheese.
