Juicy Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe: Festive Bites for All

Cranberry turkey sliders pack a delightful punch of seasonal flavors that dance across your palate.

Small sandwiches deliver big taste in compact packages.

Juicy meat combines with tart berries for an unexpected twist.

Weekend gatherings become memorable when you serve these mini delicacies.

Crisp textures and rich undertones make each bite irresistible.

Casual entertaining reaches new heights with these simple yet impressive little sandwiches.

Let the culinary adventure begin and surprise everyone at your next gathering.

Easy Instructions For Cranberry Turkey Sliders

Step 1: Blend Turkey Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, crispy bacon bits, tangy dried cranberries, fresh green onions, and aromatic garlic. This combination creates a flavor-packed base for the sliders.

Step 2: Season the Blend

Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper over the mixture. Gently fold the ingredients together, ensuring even distribution without compressing the meat too much.

Step 3: Add Binding Ingredients

Mix in soft breadcrumbs and a beaten egg. Fold delicately to help the ingredients stick together while keeping the meat tender and light.

Step 4: Shape Slider Patties

Craft 8 compact patties, slightly smaller than the slider buns to account for potential shrinkage during cooking. Ensure each patty is uniform in size for even cooking.

Step 5: Prepare the Skillet

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering and hot. The oil should be around 375°F for perfect searing.

Step 6: Cook Turkey Patties

Carefully place the patties in the hot skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 7: Add Melty Cheese

In the final minute of cooking, crown each patty with a quarter slice of Swiss cheese. Allow the cheese to melt slightly and become gloriously gooey.

Step 8: Toast Slider Buns

While the patties rest momentarily, lightly toast the slider buns to enhance their texture and warmth.

Step 9: Assemble Sliders

Build the sliders by spreading a thin layer of cranberry sauce on the bottom bun. Place the cheese-topped turkey patty and complete with the top bun.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the sliders immediately while they’re piping hot. The combination of savory meat, melted cheese, and sweet cranberry sauce creates an irresistible flavor explosion.

Pro Tips To Make Cranberry Turkey Sliders Better

• Prevent Meat Toughness: Mix ingredients gently to avoid overworking the ground turkey, which can lead to dense and tough sliders.
• Ensure Proper Cooking: Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption and optimal juiciness.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Add cheese during the last minute of cooking and cover the skillet briefly to help it melt evenly and smoothly.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Let the turkey mixture rest for 10-15 minutes before forming patties to allow seasonings to blend and intensify.
• Bun Toasting Technique: Lightly butter the slider buns before toasting for extra crispness and a rich, golden color.

Tasty Ideas For Cranberry Turkey Sliders

• Lean Protein Power: Replace ground turkey with ground chicken for a lighter, equally flavorful slider option.
• Low-Carb Champion: Swap slider buns with large lettuce leaves, creating a crisp, carb-conscious wrap perfect for keto dieters.
• Vegetarian Victory: Substitute turkey with black bean and quinoa patties, maintaining the recipe's texture while offering a plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Gourmet: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, allowing those with sensitivities to enjoy the sliders without compromise.

Great Sides To Pair With Cranberry Turkey Sliders

• Pair Savory Bacon Turkey Sliders with Complementary Flavors
• Craft a Crisp Apple Cider Cocktail: Mix fresh apple cider with bourbon, adding a cinnamon stick for warmth that echoes the slider's sweet and smoky notes. The drink's tartness cuts through the richness of the bacon and turkey.
• Select a Zesty Side Salad: Toss mixed greens with dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and a light apple cider vinaigrette. This accompaniment mirrors the slider's fruity undertones while providing a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Tangy Coleslaw: Prepare a creamy coleslaw with a hint of Dijon mustard and fresh green onions. The crisp, cool slaw balances the slider's warm, hearty flavors and adds textural complexity to the meal.

How To Keep Cranberry Turkey Sliders Fresh

• Store cooked turkey sliders in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place sliders on a baking sheet, cover with foil to retain moisture, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 2-3 minutes to crisp the bun.

Cranberry Turkey Sliders Questions Answered

• What makes the turkey bacon cranberry sliders unique?

The combination of ground turkey, crispy bacon, sweet dried cranberries, and melted Swiss cheese creates a flavor-packed slider that balances savory and tangy elements.

• Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken is an excellent substitute and will work perfectly with the same seasoning and cooking method for these sliders.

• How do I know the turkey patties are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring the patties are safe to eat and remain juicy.

• What if I don't have breadcrumbs?

You can substitute with crushed crackers, panko, or quick oats to help bind the turkey patties and maintain their structure during cooking.

Why Cranberry Turkey Sliders Are Perfect For Parties

• Craft Delicious Sliders: Blend unique ingredients like ground turkey, bacon, and dried cranberries for a mouthwatering twist on traditional sliders that will surprise and delight your taste buds.
• Quick Cooking Adventure: Prepare these sliders in a short span, making them perfect for spontaneous gatherings or when you want a gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor Explosion: Combine sweet cranberries, savory bacon, and melted Swiss cheese to create a harmonious taste profile that elevates these turkey sliders from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Ideal for game day, family dinners, or casual get-togethers, these sliders offer a sophisticated yet approachable meal that appeals to both adults and kids.

What Goes Into Cranberry Turkey Sliders

• Ground Turkey: A lean protein that provides a light and healthy foundation for the sliders.
• Bacon: Adds a rich, smoky flavor and enhances the overall taste of the turkey mixture.

• Dried Cranberries, Green Onions, Garlic: Contribute a sweet, tangy, and aromatic dimension to the turkey patties.

• Breadcrumbs, Egg: Help hold the patty together and maintain a tender texture.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.

• Swiss Cheese: Provides a creamy, mild flavor that complements the turkey patty.

• Slider Buns: Soft, small bread rolls that perfectly frame the turkey patty.
• Cranberry Sauce: Adds a sweet and tangy finish to the slider.

• Olive Oil: Used for searing the patties and creating a golden-brown exterior.

Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Cranberry turkey sliders bring festive flavors to classic mini sandwiches with a perfect balance of savory and sweet. Crisp bread, tender turkey, and tangy cranberry sauce create an irresistible bite-sized treat you’ll crave at any gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 4 slices bacon, chopped

Produce and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 2 green onions, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Binding and Topping:

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 8 mini slider buns
• 2 tbsp cranberry sauce
• 2 slices Swiss cheese, cut into quarters

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, chopped bacon, dried cranberries, minced green onions, and minced garlic, creating a robust flavor foundation for the sliders.
2. Sprinkle salt and black pepper over the mixture, gently folding the ingredients to ensure even distribution without overworking the meat.
3. Incorporate breadcrumbs and beaten egg into the turkey mixture, using a light touch to bind the ingredients while maintaining a tender texture.
4. Form the mixture into 8 compact, uniform patties, making sure they are slightly smaller than the slider buns to allow for slight shrinkage during cooking.
5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, approximately 375°F.
6. Carefully place the turkey patties in the skillet, cooking for 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
7. During the final minute of cooking, top each patty with a quarter slice of Swiss cheese, allowing it to melt slightly.
8. While patties rest briefly, lightly toast the slider buns for added texture and warmth.
9. Assemble the sliders by spreading a thin layer of cranberry sauce on the bottom bun, placing the cheese-topped turkey patty, and completing with the top bun.
10. Serve immediately while the patties are hot and the cheese is melted, offering a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors.

Notes

• Customize the meat blend by experimenting with ground chicken or a mix of turkey and pork for varied flavor profiles.
• Incorporate finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to add extra crunch and depth to the slider patties.
• Keep patties uniform in size by using a small ice cream scoop or measuring cup for consistent cooking and presentation.
• Prevent dry sliders by avoiding overmixing the meat and using fresh, high-quality ground turkey with some fat content for moisture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg