If you’re on the lookout for a fun, flavorful twist on your usual sandwich routine, this Turkey Sliders with Cranberry Slaw Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. Imagine perfectly seasoned ground turkey mini patties, juicy and tender, topped with a vibrant, tangy cranberry slaw that adds just the right touch of sweetness and crunch. This dish strikes the perfect balance between comfort and freshness, bringing bright colors and bold flavors to your table in under 30 minutes. Whether it’s game day, a casual dinner, or a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering, these sliders deliver unbeatable taste with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients, this recipe shows you how easy it is to create something truly special. Each component plays a key role—ground turkey provides a lean, juicy base, while the fresh veggies and cranberries in the slaw offer bright color, crunchy texture, and a sweet-tart punch that elevates every bite.
- 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean): Offers a lean protein base that stays juicy without excess fat.
- 1 small shallot, finely minced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the patties.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Gives a fragrant kick that pairs beautifully with turkey.
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: Brings tang and complexity to the turkey mixture.
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Enhances umami and overall savoriness.
- ½ tsp salt: Seasons the meat perfectly, balancing flavors.
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper: Adds just a touch of heat.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Used for cooking patties, ensuring a nice sear and moisture retention.
- 1 cup finely shredded green cabbage: Adds crunch and freshness to the slaw.
- ½ cup finely shredded red cabbage: Offers beautiful color and a slightly different texture.
- ½ cup fresh cranberries, finely chopped: Provides bursts of sweet-tart flavor that make the slaw pop.
- 1 small carrot, grated: Brings natural sweetness and a vibrant orange hue.
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base that brings the slaw together and adds richness.
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar: Lends brightness and a subtle tang to balance the creamy mayo.
- 1 tsp honey: Adds a hint of natural sweetness to mellow the tartness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning the slaw perfectly.
- 6 slider buns: Small, soft buns that are just the right size for these mini delights.
- Butter or oil for toasting buns: Helps achieve golden, crisp buns full of flavor.
- Baby arugula or lettuce leaves (optional): Adds a fresh, peppery crunch if you like more greenery.
How to Make Turkey Sliders with Cranberry Slaw Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Slaw
Start by combining the shredded green and red cabbage, fresh cranberries, and grated carrot in a large mixing bowl. These veggies and berries bring vibrant color and a variety of textures to the slaw. In a smaller bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This dressing is where the magic happens—it balances creamy, sweet, and tangy notes that perfectly complement the savory patties. Pour the dressing over your veggie mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated. Pop the slaw into the fridge to chill while you move on to the patties.
Step 2: Mix and Form the Turkey Patties
Grab a large bowl and combine the ground turkey with minced shallot, garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mixing these ingredients ensures every bite is flavorful and juicy. Form the mixture into six evenly sized mini patties that are slightly wider than your slider buns; this way, they’ll fit just right once cooked and assembled.
Step 3: Cook the Turkey Patties
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add your turkey patties and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. You want them to develop a golden-brown crust while cooking through completely for that perfect juicy bite. The sear locks in moisture, making sure your sliders aren’t dry but irresistibly tender.
Step 4: Toast the Slider Buns
While the patties cook, lightly butter or oil the slider buns. Toast them in a dry pan or under a broiler just until golden brown. This step gives your buns a satisfying crunch and warmth that contrasts beautifully with the cool, crisp slaw.
Step 5: Assemble Your Turkey Sliders with Cranberry Slaw Recipe
Now comes the fun part. Place a hot turkey patty on each bottom bun, then generously spoon the chilled cranberry slaw on top. Add baby arugula or lettuce leaves if you want a fresh, peppery note. Cap it all off with the top bun and get ready to enjoy the perfect synergy of flavors and textures found only in this Turkey Sliders with Cranberry Slaw Recipe!
How to Serve Turkey Sliders with Cranberry Slaw Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like thin slices of red onion, extra fresh arugula, or a small sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs such as parsley can contribute an elevated freshness to each slider. These little touches enhance both visual appeal and flavor complexity with minimal effort.
Side Dishes
Pair these sliders with simple sides like sweet potato fries, a crisp garden salad, or even some tangy pickles. These options complement the bright cranberry slaw and juicy turkey patties without overpowering them, making for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, consider serving Turkey Sliders with Cranberry Slaw Recipe on a wooden board with small toothpicks or decorative cocktail sticks. You can even offer different sauces—like a spicy mayo or cranberry mustard—to let guests customize their bites. Using colorful plates or themed napkins can add a festive vibe that elevates the whole experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover patties and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the slaw fresh and prevents the buns from getting soggy, so you can enjoy the full textures and flavors when reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked turkey patties by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transferring them into a freezer-safe bag or container once frozen. The slaw isn’t freezer-friendly due to its fresh texture, so it’s best made fresh or stored in the fridge only.
Reheating
Reheat patties gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave to preserve tenderness. Toast buns if needed, then assemble with freshly chilled cranberry slaw right before serving to retain all the crispness and flavor.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground chicken or beef for the turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or lean ground beef can work well, though ground turkey’s mild flavor pairs particularly nicely with the vibrant cranberry slaw.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not at all! The flavors are balanced between savory, sweet, and tangy, making it approachable for all palates. You can easily add a dash of hot sauce if you like some heat.
Can I make the cranberry slaw without mayonnaise?
Yes, using Greek yogurt or a vinaigrette-only dressing are great alternatives if you prefer a lighter or dairy-based option.
How long will the sliders stay fresh after assembly?
They’re best enjoyed immediately, but if needed, assembled sliders can be stored in the fridge wrapped tightly for a few hours before serving.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Fresh cranberries are ideal for their crunch, but if frozen are your only option, thaw and drain them well to avoid extra moisture in the slaw.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey Sliders with Cranberry Slaw Recipe is a delightful way to enjoy the familiar comfort of sliders with a fresh twist that brightens your plate and your mood. Its combination of juicy turkey and zesty, colorful slaw feels like a special treat but comes together in no time. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making these sliders again and again for any occasion that calls for something delicious and memorable.
Print
Turkey Sliders with Cranberry Slaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 sliders
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Turkey Sliders with Cranberry Slaw offer a delicious and healthy twist on classic sliders. Ground turkey patties are seasoned with shallot, garlic, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce, then cooked to golden perfection. They’re topped with a vibrant, tangy cranberry cabbage slaw dressed with a honey-mayo vinaigrette for a refreshing crunch. Perfect as a quick and wholesome meal or appetizer, these sliders balance savory and sweet flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Turkey Patties
- 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey, preferably 93% lean
- 1 small shallot, finely minced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil, for cooking
Cranberry Slaw
- 1 cup finely shredded green cabbage
- ½ cup finely shredded red cabbage
- ½ cup fresh cranberries, finely chopped
- 1 small carrot, grated
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Additional
- 6 slider buns
- Butter or oil for toasting buns
- Baby arugula or lettuce leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cranberry Slaw: In a mixing bowl, combine the green and red shredded cabbage, finely chopped cranberries, and grated carrot. In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper to create the dressing. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss thoroughly to combine. Chill the slaw in the refrigerator until ready to serve to allow flavors to meld.
- Make the Turkey Patties: In a large bowl, add the ground turkey along with finely minced shallot and garlic. Add Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently but well until all ingredients are incorporated. Divide the mixture into six equal portions and shape each into a mini patty, ensuring they are slightly wider than your slider buns for a good fit.
- Cook the Patties: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the patties in the skillet and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the patties are golden brown on both sides. Avoid pressing down on the patties to keep them juicy.
- Toast the Slider Buns: Lightly butter or oil the slider buns. Toast them either in a dry pan on the stovetop or under a broiler until they are golden brown and slightly crisp. This enhances the flavor and prevents the buns from becoming soggy.
- Assemble the Sliders: Place a cooked turkey patty on the bottom half of each toasted slider bun. Add a generous spoonful of the chilled cranberry slaw on top of the patty. If using, add a few leaves of baby arugula or lettuce for extra freshness and crunch. Cover with the top bun and serve the sliders immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for the best tart flavor; frozen cranberries can be substituted but may alter texture.
- Adjust seasoning in the turkey mixture to your preference, adding more pepper or salt as needed.
- For a lighter slaw, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Make sure not to overcook turkey patties to maintain juiciness and tenderness.
- Slider buns can be substituted with small sandwich rolls or mini brioche buns for a richer flavor.
- This recipe is great for meal prep; keep patties and slaw refrigerated separately and assemble just before serving.
