Welcome to my kitchen, where the aroma of cooking brings back cherished memories! Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Classic Ground Turkey Cranberry Sliders. These delightful sliders are not just a meal; they’re a celebration of flavors that remind me of cozy family gatherings. The savory ground turkey pairs beautifully with the sweet-tart cranberry sauce, creating a mouthwatering bite that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply looking for a quick weeknight dinner, these Classic Ground Turkey Cranberry Sliders will surely become a favorite in your home!
What is Classic Ground Turkey Cranberry Sliders?
Classic Ground Turkey Cranberry Sliders are a delightful twist on traditional sliders, combining the lean protein of ground turkey with the festive flavor of cranberry sauce. This recipe draws inspiration from American cuisine, where turkey is often celebrated during holiday feasts. The sliders are not only delicious but also versatile, making them suitable for various occasions. With their savory and sweet profile, they embody the spirit of comfort food while offering a healthier alternative to beef sliders.
Why You’ll Love This Classic Ground Turkey Cranberry Sliders
- Convenient: Quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Tasty: The combination of turkey and cranberry creates a unique flavor that pleases everyone.
- Health Benefits: Lower in fat than traditional sliders, making them a healthier choice for families.
- Family Appeal: Kids and adults alike will enjoy these sliders, making them a hit at any table.
Who It’s For
These Classic Ground Turkey Cranberry Sliders are ideal for busy families looking for quick meal solutions, health-conscious cooks wanting a nutritious option, and food lovers eager to explore new flavors. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your family, these sliders fit the bill perfectly.
When to Cook It
These sliders are perfect for a variety of occasions, including weeknight dinners, holiday celebrations, and casual family meals. They also make a fantastic appetizer for parties or game day gatherings, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied!
- 1 lb ground turkey: The main protein source, lean and flavorful.
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce: Adds sweetness and moisture; can substitute with homemade cranberry sauce for a fresher taste.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the mixture; use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion: Provides flavor; shallots can be used for a milder taste.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder; can replace with a flax egg for a vegan option.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Enhances flavor; fresh minced garlic can be used for a stronger taste.
- 1 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a bit of heat; white pepper is a milder alternative.
- Slider buns: The perfect vessel for your sliders; whole grain or lettuce wraps can be healthier options.
- Fresh spinach or lettuce: For topping; arugula adds a peppery kick.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, cranberry sauce, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Form the mixture into small patties, about the size of your slider buns.
- Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of oil if desired, then cook the patties for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked and golden brown.
- Assemble the sliders by placing a turkey patty on each slider bun. Top with fresh spinach or lettuce for a crunchy finish.
- Serve warm and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!
- Stevia: A natural sweetener with zero calories, perfect for those monitoring sugar intake.
- Monk fruit: Another natural option that provides sweetness without affecting blood sugar levels.
- Allulose: A low-calorie sugar that tastes like sugar but has minimal impact on blood glucose.
- It’s best to avoid honey or maple syrup, as they can spike blood sugar levels significantly.
- Large mixing bowl
- Skillet or frying pan
- Spatula or tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Cooking thermometer (optional, for checking doneness)
- Keep it Moist: Chef Jamie Oliver suggests adding a splash of chicken broth to the turkey mixture for extra moisture and flavor.
- Season Generously: Chef Ina Garten emphasizes the importance of seasoning your meat well. Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper!
- Experiment with Herbs: Chef Gordon Ramsay recommends adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to elevate the flavor profile of your sliders.
- Perfect Patty Size: Chef Rachael Ray advises making your patties slightly larger than the buns, as they will shrink while cooking.
- Rest Before Serving: Chef Alton Brown suggests letting the patties rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain their juices and enhance flavor.
- Refrigeration: Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked patties individually wrapped in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes on each side, or microwave for 30-60 seconds until heated through.
- Oven Method: For a crispy finish, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
- Keep Toppings Separate: Store fresh toppings like spinach or lettuce separately to maintain their freshness and crunch.
- Overmixing the Turkey Mixture: Mixing too much can lead to tough sliders. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed for a tender texture.
- Not Preheating the Skillet: Skipping this step can result in uneven cooking. Always preheat your skillet to ensure a nice sear on the patties.
- Using Too Much Breadcrumbs: Adding excess breadcrumbs can dry out the sliders. Stick to the recommended amount for the perfect balance of moisture.
- Skipping the Resting Time: Cutting into the sliders immediately can cause juices to run out. Let them rest for a few minutes to enhance flavor and juiciness.
- Ignoring Seasoning: Under-seasoning can lead to bland sliders. Don’t be afraid to season generously for a flavorful bite!
Q: Can I make Classic Ground Turkey Cranberry Sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the patties in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook.
Q: Are Classic Ground Turkey Cranberry Sliders suitable for meal prep?
Yes, these sliders are perfect for meal prep, as they store well in the fridge and can be reheated easily.
Q: Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey for these sliders?
It depends; ground chicken can be used, but the flavor and texture may vary slightly from the turkey version.
Q: Are Classic Ground Turkey Cranberry Sliders kid-friendly?
Yes, kids typically enjoy the sweet and savory combination, making them a great option for family meals.
Q: Can I freeze Classic Ground Turkey Cranberry Sliders?
Yes, these sliders freeze well, allowing you to enjoy them later without losing flavor or texture.
In conclusion, Classic Ground Turkey Cranberry Sliders are a delightful addition to any meal, combining festive flavors with wholesome ingredients. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these sliders with your loved ones as much as I do! If you try this recipe, please leave a comment below and share your experience. Happy cooking!
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Classic Ground Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A delicious and festive slider recipe featuring ground turkey and cranberry sauce, perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Slider buns
- Fresh spinach or lettuce for topping
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, cranberry sauce, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined and form into small patties.
- Preheat a skillet over medium heat and cook the patties for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked.
- Assemble the sliders by placing a turkey patty on each slider bun and topping with fresh spinach or lettuce.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
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Notes
- Feel free to add cheese or other toppings as desired.
- These sliders can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Pan-fry
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Classic Ground Turkey Cranberry Sliders