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These Cranberry Turkey Sliders are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy—ideal for holiday gatherings, game day, or a cozy family dinner! Juicy turkey patties infused with cranberry sauce, topped with melty Havarti cheese, and finished with a buttery poppy seed glaze, these sliders are easy to make and impossible to resist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Festive & Flavorful – Cranberry and turkey = holiday perfection!
✅ Healthier Option – Lean ground turkey + whole wheat buns.
✅ Great for Crowds – Easy to make in batches for parties.
✅ No Frying Needed – Baked, not fried, for a lighter meal.
✅ Quick & Simple – Ready in 40 minutes start to finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Turkey Patties:
- 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean for best texture)
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or no-sugar-added)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat or panko)
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 8 slider buns (whole wheat or brioche)
- 8 slices Havarti cheese (or Swiss for a sharper taste)
For the Poppy Seed Topping:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp poppy seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Make the Turkey Mixture
- In a bowl, combine ground turkey, cranberry sauce, breadcrumbs, onion, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently (don’t overwork the meat).
3️⃣ Form & Bake the Patties
- Shape into 8 small patties (size of slider buns).
- Bake 20-25 minutes until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
4️⃣ Prepare the Poppy Seed Topping
- Mix melted butter, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds in a bowl.
5️⃣ Assemble the Sliders
- Top each patty with Havarti cheese and return to oven for 2-3 minutes to melt.
- Place patties on bun bottoms, drizzle poppy seed mix on tops, and assemble.
6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
- Best served warm—great with a side of sweet potato fries or salad.
Pro Tips for Success
🍗 Don’t overmix – Keeps the patties tender.
🍗 Use a cookie scoop – For evenly sized sliders.
🍗 Make ahead – Prep patties and refrigerate before baking.
🍗 Toast the buns – Adds extra crunch!
Variations & Swaps
🌿 Gluten-Free? Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.
🌿 Spicy Kick? Add ½ tsp cayenne to the turkey mix.
🌿 Different Cheese? Try Brie or Gouda for a richer flavor.
🌿 Vegetarian Option? Swap turkey for lentils or mushrooms.
Serving & Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in the fridge for 3 days (reheat in oven or microwave).
- Freeze unbaked patties for up to 1 month (thaw before baking).
- Great for meal prep – Assemble sliders and wrap individually.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
❓ Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes! Chicken works just as well.
❓ Can I make these ahead?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate before baking (add 5 extra mins).
❓ What can I substitute for cranberry sauce?
Try fig jam or apple butter for a different sweetness.
❓ Can I grill these instead of baking?
Absolutely! Cook on medium heat for 4-5 mins per side.
Final Thoughts
These Cranberry Turkey Sliders are a crowd-pleasing twist on classic sliders—juicy, slightly sweet, and packed with flavor. Perfect for Thanksgiving leftovers, Christmas parties, or a weeknight treat!
🎉 Tag your creations with #TurkeyCranberrySliders!