Make your holiday leftovers special with Turkey Cranberry Sliders. These mini sandwiches combine juicy turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and melted cheese. They’re served on soft Kings Hawaiian rolls, making them a hit at any event.
These sliders are quick to make, needing just 20 minutes to prepare and 35 minutes to cook. They’ve earned a 5-star rating from 51 votes. Plus, each slider has only 247 calories, making them a guilt-free treat.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Turkey Sliders
Turkey sliders are a great choice for those who want a smaller burger. They use ground turkey or leftover turkey. These mini sandwiches are healthier and taste great, making them perfect for any event.
What Are Turkey Sliders?
Turkey sliders are small turkey burgers on soft buns. They’re leaner than beef burgers, making them good for those watching their diet. You can add many toppings and sauces to make them your own.
Brief History of Sliders
The first sliders came out in the 1920s at White Castle. They were called “sliders” because they were small and easy to eat. Now, the term “slider” means any small sandwich, including turkey ones.
“Turkey sliders are a satisfying and healthy alternative to traditional beef sliders, offering a lean protein source and a variety of customization options.”
Ingredients for Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Making tasty protein-packed sliders starts with the right ingredients. For delicious Turkey Cranberry Sliders, you need fresh and flavorful parts. They come together to create a great taste.
Ground Turkey
The base of these sliders is ground turkey. Choose lean, high-quality turkey for nutritious and tasty sliders. Turkey is a great lean protein, perfect for a healthier slider.
Key Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dried thyme
- Paprika
These seasonings boost the ground turkey’s flavor. They make a tasty base for your Turkey Cranberry Sliders.
Fresh Cranberries
Fresh cranberries are the highlight of these sliders. Use homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce for a sweet and tart flavor. The cranberries add a nice contrast, making the sliders even better.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter | ½ cup (1 stick) |
| Garlic Cloves, Finely Chopped | 4 |
| Onion, Chopped | 1 small |
| Leftover Roast Turkey Meat or Deli Turkey | 1 lb. |
| White American and/or Provolone Cheese | 6 oz. |
| Leftover Cranberry Sauce | ⅓ cup |
| Mayonnaise | 3 Tbsp. |
| King’s Hawaiian Rolls or Small Soft Dinner Rolls | 1 (12-oz.) package |
| Pickled Hot Cherry Peppers | 2 |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make tasty turkey sliders. They will surely please your taste buds.
Health Benefits of Turkey
Turkey is a top pick for healthy sliders, low-calorie sliders, and protein-packed sliders. It’s a lean protein, which is better for your heart than fatty meats. Turkey also packs essential minerals and vitamins like niacin, selenium, and vitamin B6, adding nutrition to your sliders.
Lean Protein Source
Ground turkey comes in different blends, like 85% lean/15% fat, 93% lean/7% fat, and 99% fat-free. The leaner options, like 93% and 99% fat-free, have fewer calories and less saturated fat. Choosing turkey over red meat can lower heart disease risk by 19%.
Minerals and Vitamins
A 3-ounce serving of roasted turkey is packed with nutrients. It has 8.1 grams of niacin, 1 milligram of iron, 2.1 milligrams of zinc, and 25.3 milligrams of selenium. These nutrients support your body’s functions, making turkey a great choice for healthy sliders and protein-packed sliders.
“Eating poultry instead of red meat may reduce the risk of breast cancer.”
Turkey’s high protein helps with weight loss and management. It keeps you full, making it perfect for low-calorie sliders that are still tasty and satisfying.
Preparing Your Ingredients
To make the perfect turkey cranberry sliders, start by preparing your key ingredients. You’ll need ground turkey and homemade cranberry sauce. Let’s look at how to handle these ingredients carefully.
How to Cook Ground Turkey
First, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey burger patties. Cook, breaking them up with a spatula, until they’re fully browned and cooked through. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
Season the turkey with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like. This adds extra flavor.
Making Cranberry Sauce
While the turkey cooks, let’s make the homemade cranberry sauce. In a saucepan, mix fresh cranberries, orange juice, and sugar. Heat it until it simmers, then let it cook for 10-15 minutes.
Stir occasionally until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Remove it from heat and let it cool before using it in your sliders.
Now that the ground turkey is cooked and the cranberry sauce is ready, you’re almost there. Next, we’ll talk about how to put these tasty mini-burgers together.
Assembling Your Sliders
Making the perfect mini turkey burgers or turkey mini sandwiches is all about how you put them together. Choose soft Hawaiian rolls or fluffy brioche for the buns. Slice them in half to get the top and bottom halves.
Now, it’s time to add the ingredients. Start with the bottom bun, then a slice of cheese. Add a juicy turkey patty and a spoonful of homemade cranberry sauce. Don’t forget the caramelized onions for extra flavor. Finish with another cheese slice and the top bun. Press down gently to keep everything together.
Finally, brush the tops with butter-Dijon sauce. This will make them golden brown when baked.
Choosing the Right Buns
The bun is the base of your mini turkey burgers or turkey mini sandwiches. Choose soft, fluffy buns like Hawaiian rolls or brioche. They’ll hold up to the fillings without getting too soggy.
Layering Your Ingredients
After picking the right buns, it’s time to build your sliders. Start with the bottom bun, then a cheese slice, the turkey patty, cranberry sauce, and caramelized onions. Top it with another cheese slice and the top bun. Press down gently to keep everything in place.
By carefully building your mini turkey burgers or turkey mini sandwiches, you’ll get a delicious mix of flavors and textures in every bite.
Creative Variations of Turkey Sliders
Turkey sliders are a blank canvas for your creativity. You can mix and match flavors to make your own special sliders. Want to add cheese or a spicy twist? The choices are endless.
Adding Cheese
Cheese can take your turkey sliders to the next level. Try using Swiss, Brie, or Provolone for a creamy, rich taste. These cheeses complement the turkey perfectly.
Spicy Turkey Sliders Options
- For a spicy kick, add jalapeños or chipotle peppers to your turkey mix.
- Top your sliders with spicy aioli or sriracha mayo for an extra zing.
- Use pepper jack cheese or smoky Gouda for a bold flavor.
Be bold with your turkey slider creations. The goal is to mix flavors that excite your taste buds.
| Turkey Burger Variations | Percentage of Recipes |
|---|---|
| Recipes featuring cheese as a key ingredient | 70% |
| Recipes incorporating spicy elements | 40% |
| Recipes showcasing unique flavor combinations | 40% |
| Recipes catering to party or game day occasions | 60% |
These numbers show turkey sliders are getting more creative. By trying new flavors and methods, you can make sliders that impress and satisfy.
Serving Suggestions
When serving turkey cranberry sliders, the right sides can make a big difference. These small treats go well with many dishes. They can please any palate.
Best Sides to Pair With
Sweet potato fries are a great choice. Their sweetness and crunch are a nice contrast. A fresh cabbage slaw with carrots and apple cider vinegar is also tasty.
Want to wow your guests? Try roasted veggies like cherry tomatoes and mozzarella. Or, a creamy avocado salad with corn and lime dressing is a hit.
Presentation Tips
How you serve your sliders matters. Place them on a big platter with fresh herbs or cranberries. This adds color and makes them look appealing. For a buffet, keep them warm in a slow cooker.
Make sure to have extra cranberry sauce on hand. It lets guests enjoy the perfect mix of sweet and tangy. With these tips, your sliders will be the main attraction.
| Side Dish | Prep Time | Difficulty | Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sweet Potato Fries | 30 minutes | Easy | Sweet potatoes, olive oil, sea salt |
| Cabbage Slaw | 15 minutes | Easy | Cabbage, carrots, mayo, apple cider vinegar |
| Roasted Vegetable Salad | 45 minutes | Medium | Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, olive oil |
| Avocado Corn Salad | 20 minutes | Easy | Avocado, corn, red onion, lime juice |
Storage and Reheating
Enjoying turkey and cranberry sliders is a treat. But what about leftovers? Storing and reheating them right is key to keeping their flavor and texture.
Storing Leftover Sliders
Keep your leftover sliders fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This keeps moisture in and buns from drying out. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months for longer storage.
Reheating Tips for Best Flavor
- Oven Reheating: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place sliders on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and reheat for 10-15 minutes. This keeps the slider crisp.
- Microwave Reheating: For quick reheating, use the microwave for 30-60 seconds. But, the bun might get softer.
- Air Fryer Reheating: Reheat sliders in an air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes. This restores their original texture.
Before reheating, brush buns with melted butter or oil. This prevents them from drying out. It makes your leftover sliders taste as good as new.
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 4 days |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months |
Follow these tips to enjoy your Turkey Cranberry Sliders long after they’re made. A little care makes leftovers just as tasty as the first time.
Turkey Sliders for Special Occasions
Turkey Cranberry Sliders are great for holiday gatherings and game day parties. They’re a tasty way to enjoy Thanksgiving leftovers or a lighter game day option.
Holiday Gatherings
Make your turkey sliders festive for holiday celebrations. Add festive toothpicks or garnishes to match the season. They’re perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings.
Game Day Parties
Turkey sliders are a great choice for game day. Shape them like a football or your team’s logo for a fun presentation. They offer a tasty, light option for game day.
| Slider Options | Cheese Pairings | Serving Tips |
|---|---|---|
| – Deli turkey – Thanksgiving turkey – Chicken – Ham – Roast beef | – Havarti – Swiss – Provolone – White Cheddar – Gouda – Colby | – Serve sliders at room temperature – Use festive toothpicks or garnishes for holidays – Arrange in the shape of a football or team logo for game day |
Turkey Cranberry Sliders are perfect for any special occasion. They’re delicious and sure to please your guests. Enjoy these tasty bites and make lasting memories with your loved ones.
Tasty Dipping Sauces
Make your Turkey Cranberry Sliders even better with tasty dipping sauces. Choose from classic turkey gravy or sweet and spicy options. These condiments will add a new flavor dimension to your mini sandwiches.
Classic Turkey Gravy
Try serving your sliders with a rich turkey gravy for a traditional touch. This sauce goes well with the juicy turkey and adds moisture to the buns. Just mix turkey drippings, broth, flour, and spices for a delicious gravy.
Sweet and Spicy Sauce Ideas
- Cranberry Chipotle Sauce: Mix tart cranberries, warm chipotle peppers, honey, and vinegar for a sweet and smoky sauce.
- Honey Mustard Dip: Combine Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and garlic powder for a creamy, tangy dip.
- Sage-Mustard Aioli: Blend mayonnaise, mustard, and fresh sage for a savory, herb-infused sauce.
Offer a range of slider dipping sauces and turkey slider condiments to please everyone. Let your guests pick their favorite to enjoy the perfect flavor mix.
Nutritional Information
These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are a great choice for a balanced meal. Each slider has about 247 calories. It has 26 grams of carbs, 13 grams of protein, and 10 grams of fat.
Caloric Breakdown
The sliders are made up of 48% carbs, 29% fat, and 23% protein. This makes them a healthy option for your diet. The turkey is lean, and the cranberries add vitamins and minerals.
Dietary Considerations
If you want to eat fewer carbs, try using a lettuce wrap instead of a bun. You can also use low-sodium turkey and cheese to cut down on sodium. These sliders are flexible and can fit into many diets, making them a great choice for any meal.