Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe
Introduction
These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are a delightful mini sandwich perfect for celebrating the flavors of Thanksgiving anytime. Juicy turkey patties seasoned with sage and paired with creamy melted cheese and tangy cranberry sauce make for an irresistible bite-sized treat.

Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Slider buns (soft brioche or whole wheat)
- Swiss or cheddar cheese (or pepper jack for a spicy kick)
- Cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, finely chopped onion, fresh sage, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overwork the meat.
- Step 2: Divide the turkey mixture into 8 equal portions and shape them into small patties, about 2 inches in diameter. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty to help them cook evenly.
- Step 3: Heat a skillet or grill over medium heat and add a little olive oil. Once hot, place the patties on the cooking surface. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Step 4: In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty and cover the skillet with a lid to allow it to melt.
- Step 5: While the turkey is cooking, slice the slider buns and lightly toast them on another skillet or in the oven until golden brown.
- Step 6: Spread a generous spoonful of cranberry sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Place the turkey patty with melted cheese on top, then add any additional toppings you desire, such as fresh spinach or arugula.
- Step 7: Place the top half of the bun on each slider and secure with a toothpick if needed. Serve warm and enjoy the delicious flavors of Thanksgiving!
Tips & Variations
- Use ground chicken or pork as an alternative to turkey for a different twist.
- Adding a dash of garlic powder or smoked paprika can enhance the seasoning.
- Swap cranberry sauce for a spicy mustard or a tangy chutney for varied flavor profiles.
- Try topping sliders with thinly sliced apple or avocado for added texture and freshness.
Storage
Store leftover turkey sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven to preserve juiciness and melt the cheese again. Avoid microwaving to keep the buns from becoming soggy.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the turkey patties ahead of time?
Yes, you can shape the patties and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just keep them covered to prevent drying out.
What type of cheese works best for these sliders?
Swiss and cheddar are classic choices that melt well and complement the turkey, but pepper jack adds a nice spicy kick if you prefer some heat.
PrintTurkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe
These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are a delightful mini sandwich perfect for any occasion. Featuring juicy ground turkey patties seasoned with fresh sage and onions, topped with melted cheese and tangy cranberry sauce, all nestled in soft slider buns. They combine classic Thanksgiving flavors into an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing appetizer or meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 sliders 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
For the Turkey Patties
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
For the Sliders
- 8 slider buns (soft brioche or whole wheat)
- 8 slices Swiss or cheddar cheese (or pepper jack for a spicy kick)
- Cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Optional toppings: fresh spinach or arugula
Instructions
- Prepare the turkey mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, finely chopped onion, fresh sage, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid toughening the meat.
- Form the patties: Divide the turkey mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each into a small 2-inch diameter patty. Make a shallow indentation in the center of each to promote even cooking.
- Cook the patties: Heat a skillet or grill over medium heat and add a little olive oil. Place the patties on the hot surface and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Melt the cheese: During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty and cover the skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt thoroughly.
- Toast the buns: While the patties cook, slice the slider buns and toast them lightly in a skillet or oven until golden brown.
- Assemble the sliders: Spread a generous spoonful of cranberry sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Top with the cheesy turkey patty, then add any extra toppings like fresh spinach or arugula.
- Finish and serve: Place the top half of the bun on each slider, secure with a toothpick if desired, and serve warm for a flavorful and festive treat.
Notes
- Be careful not to overmix the turkey mixture to keep the sliders tender.
- Using fresh sage enhances flavor, but dried can be substituted if needed.
- Ensure patties reach proper internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- Try different cheese varieties like pepper jack for a spicy twist.
- Optional leafy greens add freshness and a nutritional boost.
- Leftover cranberry sauce can be stored and used in other recipes.
Keywords: turkey sliders, cranberry sauce, Thanksgiving, mini burgers, ground turkey, quick appetizers, party food

