Turkey Cranberry Sliders are a perfect little bundle of tasty comfort. These mini sandwiches bring together tender turkey, a touch of cranberry sauce, and often a bit of melty cheese or fresh greens, all piled onto soft slider buns. They’re simple, flavorful, and just the right size for a quick snack or a fun party treat.
I love making these sliders whenever I want something easy but still special. The cranberry sauce adds a nice sweet-tart punch that really makes the turkey shine. Sometimes I’ll add a little mayo or mustard for some extra flavor, and it all comes together so nicely without needing a whole turkey dinner. They’re great to whip up with leftovers, too.
For serving, I usually line them up on a platter for friends or family to grab and enjoy. They’re perfect for game days, holiday gatherings, or even just a casual lunch at home. I like pairing them with crispy chips or a light salad to keep things balanced. These sliders always bring a little festive feeling to the table, no matter the season.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This is the star protein here. I like lean turkey for a healthy option, but you can use ground chicken or even shredded rotisserie chicken if you want. Just season well to keep it flavorful.
Herbs & Spices: Thyme and sage add a warm, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with turkey. If you don’t have dried, use fresh but reduce the amount by half. Garlic and onion powders boost the taste without extra chopping.
Cranberry Sauce: The sweet and tart cranberry topping is what makes these sliders special. Store-bought works fine, but homemade cranberry sauce gives a fresher taste. You could also try a berry jam or chutney for a twist.
Provolone Cheese: This melts nicely and complements the flavors well. Swiss, mozzarella, or even gouda are good alternatives if you prefer something different or mild.
Slider Buns: Soft dinner rolls are ideal to hold everything together without overpowering the flavors. You can swap for mini brioche buns for a richer bite or whole wheat rolls for a healthier option.
How Can You Make the Perfect Turkey Patties for Sliders?
Forming and cooking turkey patties just right ensures juicy, flavorful bites. Here’s how to get it spot on:
- Mix the turkey gently with herbs and spices to keep it tender—don’t overwork the meat or patties will get tough.
- Shape the patties evenly so they cook at the same rate—smaller, slider-sized ones work best.
- Use medium heat in the skillet and cook about 4-5 minutes per side until nicely browned and fully cooked inside.
- Add cheese near the end and cover the pan to melt it gently without drying out the meat.
- Let patties rest a couple of minutes after cooking to keep juices locked in.
With these tips, your turkey patties will be juicy, flavorful, and the perfect base for your sliders!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – I prefer a sturdy skillet to cook the turkey patties evenly and melt the cheese perfectly.
- Mixing bowl – for combining the turkey with herbs and spices without making a mess.
- Measuring spoons – to get the herbs and spices just right for consistent flavor.
- Slider buns – soft rolls that hold all the delicious fillings together.
- Baking sheet or platter – for assembling and optionally warming the sliders in the oven.
- Spatula – to flip the patties easily without breaking them.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use cooked, shredded chicken instead of turkey for a quick alternative—just season as usual for flavor.
- Add a slice of Swiss or cheddar cheese for a different melty experience.
- Mix in chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley for a fresh twist.
- Spread a layer of cream cheese or mayonnaise mixed with herbs on the buns for extra creaminess.
Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns (soft dinner rolls)
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 slices provolone cheese (halved)
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter, for cooking patties
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook, with an optional 5–7 minutes of warming the sliders in the oven. So, plan for roughly 25 minutes from start to finish for a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix and Shape the Turkey Patties:
In a medium bowl, gently combine the ground turkey with dried thyme, sage, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the spices are evenly mixed without overworking the meat, then divide the mixture into 12 equal parts. Shape each portion into a small patty that fits your slider buns.
2. Cook the Patties and Melt Cheese:
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the turkey patties in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned and cooked through. During the last minute of cooking, lay a half slice of provolone cheese on each patty and cover the skillet so the cheese melts perfectly.
3. Assemble and Warm the Sliders:
Slice the slider buns horizontally and arrange the bottom halves on a baking sheet or serving plate. Place each cooked turkey patty with melted cheese onto the bottom buns, then spoon a good amount of cranberry sauce on top of each. Cover with the tops of the buns. If you like, warm the assembled sliders in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to heat through and lightly toast the buns.
4. Garnish and Serve:
Add fresh thyme sprigs on top for a festive look if you’d like, then serve these tasty turkey cranberry sliders warm. Perfect for holidays, game days, or any casual gathering!
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Turkey?
Yes! Ground chicken works well as a substitute. Just season it the same way and cook thoroughly. Keep an eye on the patties as chicken can cook a bit faster than turkey.
How Do I Store Leftover Sliders?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the buns soft and the turkey juicy.
Can I Make These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Cook the patties in advance and assemble the sliders just before serving. You can also prepare the cranberry sauce and keep it refrigerated until ready to use.
What’s a Good Alternative to Provolone Cheese?
Swiss, mozzarella, or gouda cheeses all melt nicely and pair well with turkey and cranberry. Feel free to use your favorite cheese for a different flavor twist.
