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 Cranberry Turkey Sliders

✅ 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 Cranberry Turkey Sliders

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 | Cranberry Turkey Sliders

🍗 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 | Cranberry Turkey Sliders

🌿 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!

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