Turkey Sliders
Introduction
I first made these turkey sliders on a drizzly Saturday when I wanted something warm, simple, and reassuring. The smell of browned turkey, sweet toasted rolls, and a hint of onion filled the kitchen and felt like a cozy hug. My kids sneaked bites off the platter as I finished assembling them, and the quiet clinking of plates turned into lively chatter.
What made these sliders special to me was how they transformed a weeknight into something celebratory without much fuss. They are juicy yet lighter than beef sliders, and small enough to taste a little of everything on the plate. If you love easy party food or a faster family dinner, these sliders become a go-to. For another small-sandwich idea, I sometimes peek at a cheeseburger slider riff I like from Cheeseburger Sliders.
The Secret Behind This Delicious Recipe
These sliders are quick, family-approved, and leaner than traditional beef sliders while staying flavorful. They are perfect for busy nights, game-day gatherings, or when you want to prepare something ahead and finish fast. The combination of ground turkey, finely chopped onions, and a touch of Worcestershire blends into patties that brown nicely and remain moist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Patties:
- 1 pound ground turkey (preferably 93% lean for juiciness)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion (fresh is best)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (or soy sauce as substitute)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Assembly and Toppings:
- 12 slider rolls or small Hawaiian rolls
- 6 slices mild cheddar cheese, halved (or pepper jack for heat)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted, for brushing rolls
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (mix with a little Dijon for extra tang)
- 1/4 cup sliced pickles or thinly sliced dill pickles
- Optional: lettuce leaves, thin tomato slices, or cranberry sauce for a sweet contrast
Notes:
- Use fresh ingredients for best flavor. Ground turkey labeled 93% is more moist than very lean varieties.
- Breadcrumbs can be swapped for crushed crackers or oat flour for a gluten-free option.
How to make Turkey Sliders
Step 1: Mix the Patty Base
- In a bowl combine 1 lb ground turkey, 1/4 cup finely chopped onion, 1 egg, 1/3 cup breadcrumbs, 1 tbsp Worcestershire, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Gently mix until just combined. Overworking makes patties tough.
Step 2: Form Small Patties
- Divide into 12 even portions and shape into patties slightly larger than the rolls. Press a shallow indent in the center of each patty to prevent puffing while cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Patties
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high and add 1 tablespoon oil. When shimmering, add patties in a single layer without crowding.
- Cook about 4 to 5 minutes per side, flipping once, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Texture should be firm but still moist inside.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Melt
- When patties are nearly done, place half-slices of cheese on each patty and cover the pan for about 1 minute to melt. The cheese should be just gooey.
Step 5: Toast the Rolls
- Preheat oven to 350°F if finishing in oven. Brush roll tops lightly with melted butter.
- Place assembled bottom rolls on a baking sheet, add patties, then tops, and bake 5 minutes until warm. Alternately, toast in a skillet until golden.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
- Spread mayo or Dijon mayo on rolls, add patty with melted cheese, top with pickle, lettuce, or a spoonful of cranberry sauce for a sweet note. Serve hot.
Visual cues:
- Patties should be golden brown outside and no longer pink in the center.
- Cheese should be melted and glossy.
- Rolls lightly toasted and butter-scented.
Tips & Recipe Variations
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure 165°F internal temperature for safe, juicy results.
- If patties crumble, add an extra tablespoon of breadcrumbs or a splash of milk to bind.
- For more flavor, add 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley or 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika to the mix.
- Vegetarian option: swap patties for seasoned mashed chickpea or plant-based burger mixture and cook similarly.
- Low-carb variation: use large lettuce leaves or low-carb buns instead of rolls.
- Make ahead: form patties and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, or freeze raw patties separated on a tray then bagged for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: cover sliders with foil and warm at 300°F for 10 to 12 minutes, or microwave single sliders for 30 to 45 seconds.
How to Serve
- Pair these sliders with crisp sides like roasted sweet potato fries, a simple green salad, or coleslaw.
- For drinks, light beers, sparkling water with citrus, or a chilled iced tea complement the savory turkey.
- Presentation tip: serve sliders on a wooden board with toothpicks, and place small bowls of extra pickles and cranberry sauce nearby.
- Rough nutrition estimate per slider: around 220 to 280 calories depending on rolls and toppings; use whole-grain rolls for more fiber.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes. Form patties up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate, or freeze raw patties for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge before cooking.
Q: Can I freeze leftover cooked sliders?
A: You can freeze cooked patties separately and reheat; assembled sliders are best eaten fresh to avoid soggy rolls.
Q: What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?
A: Soy sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar works as a substitute; both add savory depth.
Q: How do I prevent the patties from drying out?
A: Do not overcook. Aim for 165°F internal temperature and use a little fat in the pan. A small egg and breadcrumbs help retain moisture.
Review
“These turkey sliders were an instant hit at our family game night. Juicy, flavorful, and easy to make in a single skillet. I loved the hint of onion and the melty cheese. They felt special but were ready in under 30 minutes.” – A happy home cook
Conclusion
These turkey sliders are the kind of recipe I make when I want something comforting, quicker than a full sit-down meal, and loved by everyone at the table. They bring simple ingredients together into a delicious, shareable bite. If you enjoy variations with a sweet contrast, you might like the twist in Easy Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls – Healthy Little …. For another take on turkey slider seasoning and assembly, check out Turkey Sliders Recipe – The Cookie Rookie®.
For additional cozy soups and small-sandwich ideas to pair with these sliders, browse my favorite creamy soup recipe here: Creamy Turkey Wild Rice Soup.
Turkey Sliders
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl combine ground turkey, finely chopped onion, egg, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until just combined.
- Divide mixture into 12 even portions and shape into patties slightly larger than the rolls. Press a shallow indent in the center of each patty to prevent puffing while cooking.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high and add oil. When shimmering, add patties in a single layer without crowding.
- Cook about 4 to 5 minutes per side, flipping once, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- When patties are nearly done, place half-slices of cheese on each patty and cover the pan for about 1 minute to melt.
- Preheat oven to 350°F if finishing in oven. Brush roll tops lightly with melted butter.
- Place assembled bottom rolls on a baking sheet, add patties, then tops, and bake for 5 minutes until warm.
- Spread mayo or Dijon mayo on rolls, add patty with melted cheese, top with pickles, lettuce, or a spoonful of cranberry sauce. Serve hot.
Notes
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