Ah, the holidays! There’s just something magical about gathering around with friends and family, sharing laughter and delicious food. One of my absolute favorite holiday treats is these turkey cranberry sliders. They’re not just tasty; they carry that warm, cozy feeling that makes the season so special. Trust me, once you start preparing these sliders, the aroma of ground turkey mingling with sweet cranberry sauce will have everyone flocking to the kitchen! Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, making them a perfect addition to any festive gathering. Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe together!
Ingredients for Turkey Cranberry Sliders Holiday Recipe
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these delightful sliders shine. Here’s what you’ll need:
1 pound ground turkey: This is the star of the show! Make sure to grab a lean variety for juicy, tender patties.
1 cup cranberry sauce: Use your favorite homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce. It adds that perfect sweet-tart flavor!
1 teaspoon garlic powder: A must for that delicious savory kick. If you love garlic (like I do), feel free to add a bit more!
1 teaspoon onion powder: This gives a lovely depth of flavor to the turkey. It’s a little secret that makes a big difference.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors. Adjust to taste, especially if you’re using a seasoned turkey.
1/2 teaspoon pepper: A dash of freshly ground black pepper adds just the right hint of spice.
12 slider buns: Look for soft, delicious buns that can hold all that goodness without falling apart. Choose whole grain for extra flavor!
1/2 cup cream cheese: This creamy layer on the buns is what makes every bite decadent. Let it soften a bit for easy spreading.
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: This adds a touch of freshness and color. Plus, it looks beautiful on top!
With these ingredients ready to go, you’re all set to create some mouthwatering turkey cranberry sliders!
How to Prepare Turkey Cranberry Sliders Holiday Recipe
Now that we’ve got our ingredients lined up, let’s jump into the fun part—making these delicious sliders! I promise, you’re going to love how simple and satisfying this process is. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a holiday treat that everyone will adore!
Step-by-Step Instructions
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your sliders will bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together with your hands or a spoon until well blended. It’s okay if it gets a bit messy; that’s part of the fun!
Next, form the turkey mixture into small patties. Aim for about 12 patties, making sure they’re roughly the same size for even cooking.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a touch of oil. Cook the patties for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until they’re fully cooked through. They should be golden brown on the outside and no longer pink inside.
While the patties are cooking, grab your slider buns! Spread a generous layer of cream cheese on each bun. This creamy goodness is going to make every bite feel luxurious!
Once the patties are ready, place one on each cream-cheesed bun, and top generously with cranberry sauce. You can’t have too much cranberry sauce, trust me!
Sprinkle a bit of chopped parsley on top for that pop of color and freshness. Then, place the top bun on each slider.
Finally, transfer your assembled sliders to a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for 5-10 minutes. This will warm them up and make the buns delightfully toasty!
And there you have it! These turkey cranberry sliders are not only easy to make, but they also fill your kitchen with a festive aroma that’ll have everyone buzzing with anticipation. Enjoy!
Tips for Success
Alright, friends! Let’s make sure your turkey cranberry sliders turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips and tricks to elevate your sliders and avoid common hiccups along the way:
Don’t skip the seasoning: This is crucial! Ground turkey can be a bit bland on its own, so make sure to season well. Taste the mixture before forming the patties—don’t be shy about adjusting the garlic and onion powder to your liking!
Use a meat thermometer: To ensure your turkey patties are cooked through, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This takes the guesswork out of cooking and keeps them juicy!
Let the sliders rest: After baking, give your sliders a minute or two to rest before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and keeps everything from falling apart when you bite in.
Get creative with toppings: While cranberry sauce is a classic, feel free to mix it up! Add a slice of cheese, some avocado, or even a bit of arugula for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
Make it a make-ahead meal: If you’re short on time, you can prepare the patties in advance. Just store them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to cook. This way, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Serve warm: For the best flavor and texture, serve these sliders warm. You can keep them in a low oven if you’re making a big batch and want to keep them cozy until it’s time to eat!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to impress your holiday guests with these tasty turkey cranberry sliders. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying these turkey cranberry sliders, it’s always nice to know what you’re putting into your body. So, here’s the estimated nutritional data per slider:
Calories: 150
Fat: 6g
Protein: 10g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 200mg
Fiber: 1g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands of ingredients used and portion sizes. Regardless, these sliders are a delightful and lower-calorie option for your holiday spread, allowing you to indulge without the guilt!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you, these turkey cranberry sliders are a game-changer for your holiday gatherings! They’re packed with flavor, super easy to whip up, and a total crowd-pleaser. Here’s why you’re going to fall head over heels for this recipe:
Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes from prep to plate, you can have these sliders ready in no time, leaving you plenty of moments to enjoy with your loved ones.
Flavorful Combination: The savory turkey pairs perfectly with the sweet-tart cranberry sauce, creating a delicious balance that everyone will adore.
Great for Leftovers: If you have leftover turkey from your holiday feast, this recipe is an excellent way to use it up without sacrificing taste!
Customizable: Feel free to get creative with toppings! Add some cheese, fresh veggies, or even different sauces to make them your own.
Kid-Friendly: These sliders are a hit with kids and adults alike, making them a perfect option for family gatherings.
Make Ahead Option: Prepare the turkey patties ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer, so you’re ready to cook whenever you need a quick meal.
Trust me, once you serve these sliders, they’ll be the star of your holiday table! Enjoy every delicious bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve made these delicious turkey cranberry sliders, you might be wondering how to store any leftovers. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Proper storage and reheating will ensure that your sliders stay tasty and fresh for later enjoyment.
To store the sliders, first let them cool down to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container. If you want to keep them extra fresh, you can separate the patties and buns with parchment paper. This prevents them from getting soggy. They’ll last in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days, but trust me, they probably won’t last that long!
If you’re looking to keep them for a longer period, you can freeze the sliders. Just wrap each slider tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing their flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge.
For reheating, I recommend the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the sliders on a baking sheet. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to keep them from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. If you prefer, you can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overdo it to avoid that rubbery texture—just 30 seconds to a minute should do the trick!
With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can savor your turkey cranberry sliders even after the holidays. Enjoy every last bite!
FAQ Section
I’ve gathered some of the most common questions about making these delicious turkey cranberry sliders, so you can tackle any concerns and enjoy the cooking process even more!
Can I use leftover turkey for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover turkey is a fantastic way to make these sliders even quicker. Just shred or chop the turkey and mix it with the seasonings before forming your patties. It’ll add a rich flavor that everyone will love!
What if I can’t find slider buns?
No worries at all! If you can’t find slider buns, you can use small dinner rolls or even cut larger buns in half. The key is to make sure they’re sturdy enough to hold all that turkey and cranberry goodness!
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the patties ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and cook them just before serving. This will save you time and let you enjoy the festivities without being stuck in the kitchen!
How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?
To prevent sogginess, store the patties and buns separately. Assemble them just before serving to keep everything fresh and delicious. Using parchment paper between layers when storing can also help!
Can I freeze the sliders for later?
Definitely! You can freeze the assembled sliders or just the patties. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, so you can enjoy them anytime!
What can I serve with these sliders?
These turkey cranberry sliders pair wonderfully with a side of sweet potato fries, a fresh salad, or even some festive roasted veggies. You could also serve them with extra cranberry sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra flavor boost!
With these FAQs answered, I hope you feel even more excited to get cooking and enjoy these scrumptious turkey cranberry sliders during the holidays! Happy cooking!
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