There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of turkey and cranberries, especially when they come together in a fun, bite-sized slider. These Cranberry Turkey Sliders pack a flavor punch that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, lazy weekends, or even just because it’s Tuesday and you want to feel fancy. juicy air fryer turkey breast Imagine sinking your teeth into tender turkey meat topped with zesty cranberry sauce, all nestled between soft, fluffy buns. cheesy stuffed flank steak crispy spatchcock turkey recipe Each bite bursts with savory goodness blended with sweet and tart notes that will make your taste buds dance.
Let me take you on a little journey through my kitchen where these sliders came to life. Picture it: a bustling Thanksgiving dinner where leftovers are the star of the show. After everyone has gorged themselves on turkey and stuffing, what do you do with the leftover turkey? You create these mouthwatering Cranberry Turkey Sliders! My family raved about them as if I had cooked up a Michelin-star meal, and honestly, who doesn’t love feeling like a culinary genius with minimal effort? These sliders bring everyone together, laughing over their deliciousness while reminiscing about past holidays. Turkey melt sliders with cranberry aioli.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Cranberry Turkey Sliders are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for any occasion
- The flavor is a delightful mix of savory turkey and tangy cranberry sauce
- Visually appealing with their vibrant colors, they’ll be the highlight of your table
- Plus, they’re versatile enough for holiday feasts or casual gatherings any time of year
Everyone in my family couldn’t resist these sliders; their smiles were priceless when they took that first bite.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ground Turkey: Choose lean ground turkey for a healthier option that still packs flavor in every bite.
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Cranberry Sauce: Use homemade or store-bought; both work wonderfully to add sweetness and moisture.
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Slider Buns: Soft mini buns are ideal; they soak up juices without falling apart.
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Garlic Powder: A must-have seasoning that elevates the turkey’s flavor profile significantly.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing flavors; don’t skip this part!
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Fresh Herbs (like thyme or parsley): Adds freshness and color; you can use dried if fresh isn’t available.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep the Ingredients: Begin by gathering all ingredients on your countertop to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Chop any herbs you’d like to use for an extra kick.
Mix the Turkey Filling: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chopped herbs. Mix gently until everything is well incorporated without overworking the meat.
Shape Your Sliders: Form small patties from the mixture—about two ounces each works well. Aim for uniformity so they cook evenly.
Cook the Sliders: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. Cook each patty for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Add Cranberry Sauce: Once patties are cooked through, spread cranberry sauce generously on top of each slider while they’re still in the pan to warm it slightly.
Assemble Your Sliders: Remove patties from heat and place them onto slider buns. Add additional cranberry sauce if desired and top with your favorite toppings like lettuce or cheese before serving.
Enjoy this delightful dish at your next family gathering or during cozy movie nights at home!
You Must Know
- These cranberry turkey sliders are the ultimate leftover transformation
- They blend savory turkey with tart cranberries, creating a flavor explosion that’s perfect for any gathering
- The delightful aroma will have everyone flocking to your kitchen faster than a turkey on Thanksgiving morning
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking your turkey patties until golden brown, then toast the slider buns while preparing the cranberry sauce. This sequence ensures everything is hot and fresh when served.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out turkey for chicken or add unique spices like cumin or smoked paprika. Customizing keeps this recipe fresh and exciting every time. For more inspiration, check out this sticky honey chicken recipe recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to keep them crispy and delicious.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure these cranberry turkey sliders shine, always use freshly chopped herbs for extra flavor
- Avoid overcooking the patties; they should be juicy and tender
- Lastly, let sliders rest before serving for maximum flavor infusion!
Cooking these cranberry turkey sliders reminds me of the first Thanksgiving I hosted. My family’s delighted faces made all the effort worthwhile, turning leftovers into something spectacular.
FAQ
Can I use leftover roasted turkey for these sliders?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted turkey works wonderfully with this recipe for added flavor.
What can I serve with cranberry turkey sliders?
Pair them with sweet potato fries or a crisp salad for a complete meal. For more inspiration, check out this watermelon feta salad recipe.
How can I make these sliders healthier?
Use whole grain buns and lean ground turkey to create a healthier version without sacrificing taste.
Cranberry Turkey Sliders
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 8 sliders 1x
Description
Cranberry Turkey Sliders are a delightful and easy way to transform holiday leftovers into a gourmet bite-sized treat. These sliders feature juicy turkey patties paired with zesty cranberry sauce, all nestled in soft slider buns. Perfect for any occasion, from festive gatherings to cozy nights in, each bite offers a savory-sweet flavor explosion that will impress your family and friends. Simple to make and visually appealing, these sliders are sure to be the highlight of your table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 8 soft slider buns
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh herbs (thyme or parsley), chopped
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients on your countertop for an organized cooking experience.
- In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chopped herbs until just combined.
- Form the mixture into small patties (about 2 ounces each).
- Heat a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Spread cranberry sauce on top of each patty in the pan to warm slightly.
- Assemble sliders by placing patties on buns and adding any extra toppings before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider (100g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
