Turkey Cranberry Sliders

There’s something magical about the combination of turkey and cranberry in recipes, especially when this duo comes together in my favorite Turkey Cranberry Sliders. Perfect for a festive gathering or a cozy family dinner, these sliders are a delicious way to celebrate the holiday season without too much fuss. Imagine tender turkey nestled in soft buns, complemented by the sweet-tart burst of cranberries, pure flavor bliss. Let’s dive into making these scrumptious sliders.

Turkey Cranberry Sliders are an inventive spin on traditional holiday flavors. While turkey is often relegated to the Thanksgiving table, I believe it deserves a place year-round. These sliders not only satisfy your seasonal cravings but also provide a great option for leftovers. Additionally, they’re versatile enough to adapt to various diets. When I first made these sliders for a potluck, they quickly became a crowd favorite, and I knew I had to share them with you.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (feel free to use gluten-free)
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 slider rolls (minis or regular)
• 2 cups arugula or baby spinach (for a fresh crunch)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for drizzling)

Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures we have a warm toasty environment for our sliders.

Step 2:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, cranberry sauce, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. Mix until just combined; you don’t want to overwork the meat.

Step 3:

Shape the mixture into small patties, about the size of the slider buns. You should get around 12 patties. Lay them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 4:

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the turkey is cooked through and slightly golden on top.

Step 5:

While the patties are baking, slice the slider rolls in half. If desired, lightly toast the insides of the rolls in a skillet.

Step 6:

Assemble your sliders by placing a turkey patty on the bottom half of each roll, topping with fresh arugula and a drizzle of olive oil if you like.

Step 7:

Place the top half of the roll on each slider and serve warm. For an extra flavor kick, serve with additional cranberry sauce on the side.

Nutritional Information

These Turkey Cranberry Sliders pack a lot of flavor while being mindful of nutrition. Each slider, without the bun, comes in at around 150 calories, with lean protein and essential vitamins from the arugula. Swapping out the regular buns for whole-grain or gluten-free options can make them even healthier.

Healthier Alternatives

If you’re looking to lighten these sliders up, consider using ground turkey breast instead of the regular ground turkey. You can also replace the slider rolls with lettuce wraps for a low-carb twist. For added flavor, try mixing in some diced bell peppers or finely chopped spinach into the turkey mixture for extra nutrients and color.

Serving Suggestions

These sliders are perfect for any gathering and pair wonderfully with sides like roasted vegetables or a refreshing salad. For a delightful addition, whip up my delightful Honey Lime Fruit Salad. It adds a burst of color and sweetness to balance the savory sliders. You can also serve these alongside Taco Stuffed Peppers for a fun twist on your meal.

Common Mistakes

A common mistake when making Turkey Cranberry Sliders is overmixing the turkey mixture, which can lead to tough patties. Remember to mix just enough for everything to come together. Another tip is to ensure your oven temperature is accurate; using a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the patties reaches 165°F (75°C) will ensure they’re properly cooked.

Chef’s Notes

• For a touch of heat, mix in some crushed red pepper flakes into the turkey mixture.
• If you ever have leftover patties, they freeze beautifully. Just wrap them in plastic, store them in an airtight container, and they’ll last for about three months.
• Feel free to swap the breadcrumbs for crushed chips for additional crunch and flavor.

FAQs

• Q1: Can I make Turkey Cranberry Sliders ahead of time?
  A1: Absolutely; You can prepare the patties ahead and store them in the fridge for up to a day or freeze them for longer storage.
• Q2: What do I do with leftover cranberry sauce?
  A2: Leftover cranberry sauce is perfect for serving alongside the sliders, or you can use it in other dishes such as oatmeal or desserts.
• Q3: Are these sliders gluten-free?
  A3: Yes, you can make them gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and rolls.

It’s time to gather your ingredients and create these delightful Turkey Cranberry Sliders. They’re sure to be a hit not just at holiday gatherings but anytime you crave a comforting treat. Happy cooking, my friend!

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