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Easy Turkey Cranberry Sliders: Best Budget Dinner

turkey cranberry sliders - featured image

Juicy turkey patties with sweet cranberry sauce and melty cheese on soft slider buns. A budget-friendly, kid-approved dinner that comes together in 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 12 slider buns (e.g., Martin’s potato rolls or King’s Hawaiian)
  • 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce (canned)
  • 6 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese (cut in half)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound ground turkey, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried sage, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix with your hands until just combined.
  3. Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions. Roll each into a ball, then flatten into a patty about 2 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick.
  4. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Transfer to a plate.
  5. Split slider buns in half. Place bottom halves on a baking sheet, cut side up. Spread about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce on each bottom bun.
  6. Place a cooked turkey patty on each bottom bun. Top each with half a slice of cheese. Place top buns on, cut side down.
  7. Brush tops of buns with melted butter. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top if using.
  8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until cheese is melted and buns are golden and slightly crispy.
  9. Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Serve warm.

Notes

Don’t overwork the turkey mixture to keep patties tender. Use a hot pan for a golden crust. Don’t press down on patties while cooking. Toast buns for extra crunch if desired. Patties can be formed up to 24 hours in advance. Freeze uncooked patties for up to 3 months. Leftover sliders can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.

Nutrition

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