There’s something magical about the combination of cranberry and turkey that screams comfort and festivity. Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, savory slider bursting with juicy turkey and sweet-tart cranberry sauce, all nestled within a soft bun. It’s like a hug for your taste buds, making every bite a delightful experience that dances on your palate.
These cranberry turkey sliders are perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy family dinners, or even just a fun weeknight treat. I remember the first time I served these at Thanksgiving; everyone was raving about them! They’re not just sliders; they’re an emotional connection to joyous moments shared over food with loved ones. Get ready for an explosion of flavors that’ll leave you craving more! For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes for gatherings recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These cranberry turkey sliders are quick to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights
- The fusion of sweet and savory flavors makes them irresistible to all ages
- Their vibrant colors and textures create an eye-catching platter that steals the show
- Versatile enough for any occasion, from game days to holiday feasts!
I once served these sliders at a family gathering, and the delighted expressions on my relatives’ faces were priceless.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Ground Turkey: Choose lean turkey for a healthier option while still enjoying great flavor.
Cranberry Sauce: Use homemade or store-bought; both will add sweetness and moisture.
Slider Buns: Opt for soft, fresh buns that can hold up to the juicy filling without falling apart.
Fresh Sage: Chopped sage adds an aromatic depth that beautifully complements the turkey and cranberry.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the flavor of the turkey mixture.
Cheddar Cheese (optional): A slice of sharp cheddar adds richness and gooey goodness.
Olive Oil: For cooking the turkey mixture; it adds flavor and helps prevent sticking.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cranberry Turkey Sliders
Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure as we whip up these scrumptious cranberry turkey sliders!
Prepare the Turkey Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, chopped sage, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until everything is well incorporated without overworking it.
Form Slider Patties: Shape the turkey mixture into small patties about 2-3 inches wide. This allows them to cook evenly while fitting perfectly on your slider buns.
Sear the Patties: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add patties to the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
Add Cranberry Sauce and Cheese (optional): In the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a spoonful of cranberry sauce and cheese if using. Cover with a lid until melted for extra gooeyness.
Assemble Your Sliders: Place each patty on a slider bun. You might want to add some extra cranberry sauce or even lettuce for crunch!
Serve Warm!: Plate your sliders with toothpicks to keep them together for easy serving. Enjoy immediately while they’re warm and flavorful!
These steps will help you create mouthwatering cranberry turkey sliders that will impress anyone lucky enough to snag one!
You Must Know
- Cranberry turkey sliders are a delightful twist on traditional sliders, combining savory turkey with sweet-tart cranberries
- Perfect for holiday gatherings or game day, they’re easy to make and sure to impress
- The vibrant colors and flavors will brighten up your table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the turkey patties first; then, while they cook, toast the slider buns. This sequence ensures that everything is hot and ready to serve together, creating a harmonious dining experience.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ground turkey for chicken or even veggie burgers. You can also experiment with various cheeses like brie or cheddar, adding extra flavor and creaminess to your sliders.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes for optimal texture without drying them out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect cranberry turkey sliders, always season your meat well before cooking
- Avoid overcooking the patties; they should be juicy inside
- Serve with fresh toppings like arugula for a peppery bite that complements the sweetness of cranberries
Cooking these cranberry turkey sliders always reminds me of my cousin’s annual holiday bash when we decided to ditch the standard fare and surprise everyone with these little beauties instead. The laughter around the table was heartwarming, and everyone left asking for the recipe!
FAQ
Can I use leftover Thanksgiving turkey for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just shred or chop it, mix it with some spices, and form sliders.
What toppings pair well with cranberry turkey sliders?
Consider adding arugula, cream cheese, or even a slice of avocado for extra flavor.
How do I prevent my turkey patties from drying out?
Make sure not to overcook them; cook until they reach 165°F for juicy patties.
Cranberry Turkey Sliders
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8 sliders 1x
Description
Cranberry turkey sliders are a delightful fusion of savory turkey and sweet-tart cranberry sauce, all nestled in a soft slider bun. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, these sliders offer a burst of flavor that brings joy to every bite. Simple to prepare and visually appealing, they are sure to impress your guests and loved ones alike.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 8 slider buns (soft)
- 2 tbsp fresh sage (chopped)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 4 slices cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, chopped sage, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Form the mixture into small patties, about 2-3 inches wide.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked.
- In the last minute of cooking, top each patty with cranberry sauce and cheese if desired. Cover until melted.
- Assemble sliders by placing each patty on a bun; add extra cranberry sauce or toppings like lettuce if preferred.
- Serve warm with toothpicks for easy handling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
