Intro and Brief Recap
Have you ever craved a dish that combines the warm, savory flavors of turkey with the sweet tartness of cranberry? Turkey Cranberry Sliders are the answer to your culinary longing. These delightful little sandwiches pack a flavor punch and a satisfying texture that will leave your taste buds dancing.
Imagine biting into a perfectly toasted slider bun, filled with succulent turkey, creamy cheese, and a generous dollop of tangy cranberry sauce. The aroma wafts through your kitchen as you prepare these sliders, making them an irresistible choice for gatherings or cozy family dinners. Whether it’s Thanksgiving leftovers or a casual weekend feast, these sliders promise a mouthwatering experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Key Ingredients For Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Slider Buns: Opt for soft, fresh slider buns to enhance the overall texture and flavor of your dish.
- Ground Turkey: Choose lean ground turkey for a healthier option, while still providing rich flavor.
- Cranberry Sauce: Use homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce; either works well but ensure it’s not too chunky.
- Sliced Swiss Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture to the sliders.
- Fresh Spinach: Adding spinach gives a pop of color and a nutritious boost to your sliders.
For the Seasoning:
- Garlic Powder: Provides depth of flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Dried Thyme: This herb complements the turkey perfectly with its earthy notes.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Instructions For Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
First Step: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Second Step: Prepare the Turkey Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
Third Step: Form Slider Patties
Shape the turkey mixture into small patties that fit comfortably on your slider buns. Aim for about two inches in diameter.
Fourth Step: Bake the Patties
Place the patties on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Fifth Step: Assemble the Sliders
Once cooked, place each patty on a slider bun. Add a slice of Swiss cheese on top followed by a spoonful of cranberry sauce and fresh spinach.
Sixth Step: Serve Warm
Transfer to plates and serve immediately for maximum warmth and flavor. Enjoy these delightful sliders at your next gathering!
Expert Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh produce and high-quality meats to elevate your sliders’ taste.
- Customize Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like avocado slices or mayonnaise for extra creaminess.
- Make Ahead Option: Prepare the turkey patties ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake.
Presentation Ideas
This Turkey Cranberry Sliders is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Festive Platters: Arrange your sliders on a large serving platter alongside fresh herbs and seasonal fruits for an eye-catching centerpiece.
- Dipping Sauces: Include a variety of dipping sauces like honey mustard or ranch dressing to enhance the flavors and provide guests with options.
- Colorful Garnishes: Use lettuce, sliced tomatoes, or pickles as garnishes around the sliders to add color and freshness to your presentation.
Storage Tips
To maintain the freshness of your Turkey Cranberry Sliders, follow these storage tips. First, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help preserve their taste and texture for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the sliders. Wrap each slider individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, they can last for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Pairing Suggestions
When enjoying your Turkey Cranberry Sliders, consider these delightful pairings. A crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the sliders perfectly. Alternatively, sweet potato fries offer a comforting contrast that balances the flavors well. For beverages, a refreshing cranberry spritzer or sparkling water enhances the festive feel while keeping it light.
Nutritional Information
These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are not only delicious but also provide essential nutrients. Each slider contains lean protein from turkey and antioxidants from cranberries. Additionally, if you use whole grain slider buns, you’ll gain extra fiber that aids digestion. By making smart ingredient choices, you can enjoy this tasty dish without compromising your health goals.
FAQs:
What ingredients do I need for Turkey Cranberry Sliders?
To prepare Turkey Cranberry Sliders, gather ground turkey, cranberry sauce, slider buns, and optional ingredients like cream cheese or spices for added flavor. You can customize these sliders by adding toppings such as lettuce or cheese. Ensure you season the ground turkey well so that each bite bursts with flavor. This dish is not only easy to make but also perfect for gatherings or casual dining.
Can I make Turkey Cranberry Sliders ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare Turkey Cranberry Sliders ahead of time for convenience. Prepare the turkey mixture and shape it into patties in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them. Alternatively, you can fully assemble the sliders without toppings and refrigerate them until serving time. This flexibility makes hosting easier since you can focus on other aspects of your gathering.
How do I reheat leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders?
Reheating leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders is simple! The best method is to use an oven to retain their texture and flavor. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the sliders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. If you’re short on time, you can also use a microwave; just be cautious not to overheat them as this may make the buns soggy.
Are Turkey Cranberry Sliders suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Turkey Cranberry Sliders are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts. You can prepare several patties at once and store them separately from the buns or toppings until you’re ready to eat during the week. They are easy to reheat and serve with various sides throughout the week, making healthy eating convenient without sacrificing taste or variety in your meals.
Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Turkey Cranberry Sliders are the perfect blend of savory turkey and sweet cranberry flavors, all nestled in soft slider buns. These mini sandwiches are easy to prepare, making them an ideal choice for gatherings, game days, or a cozy family dinner. With succulent ground turkey, creamy Swiss cheese, and tangy cranberry sauce, each bite delivers a delightful taste sensation. Serve them warm for maximum enjoyment and watch your guests come back for seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Makes 8 sliders 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 8 small slider buns
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper; mix well.
- Shape the mixture into small patties about 2 inches in diameter.
- Place patties on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Assemble each slider by placing a patty on a bun, topping with Swiss cheese, cranberry sauce, and spinach.
- Serve immediately while warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 70mg