These sliders are small turkey and stuffing patties, topped with cranberry sauce and cheese on soft slider buns and baked until the cheese melts. The recipe makes 12 sliders and takes 35 minutes. It is also a way to use leftover turkey, since cooked turkey can go in place of the ground turkey.
Save this recipe for later:
The stuffing mix is mixed straight into the meat, so each patty already tastes like a holiday plate before the cranberry sauce goes on.
What Goes in the Sliders
The card at the bottom has the full list. In short:
- Ground turkey (1 pound): the base of the patties. It takes on the spices and the cranberry sauce well.
- Stuffing mix (1 cup): bread crumbs and seasoning, mixed into the turkey for flavor and texture.
- Cranberry sauce (1 cup): sweet and tangy, and it adds moisture to balance the savory patty.
- Slider buns (12): soft, mini-sized buns that hold everything together.
- Shredded cheese (1/2 cup): it melts over the top.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): for browning the patties in the skillet.
- Garlic powder and onion powder (1 teaspoon each), salt and pepper: the seasoning for the meat.
Making the Patties
Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the turkey, stuffing mix, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper in a bowl and form small patties. Brown them in the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, turning once so both sides color. Browning both sides seals in moisture and adds flavor.
Place the buns on a baking sheet, layer each with a patty, cranberry sauce and cheese, and bake until the cheese melts. Serve them warm.
If you use a meat thermometer, the turkey should reach 165°F (74°C) inside.
Ways to Change Them
- Spicier: add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the turkey mixture.
- Vegetarian: use a plant-based substitute, or finely chopped mushrooms mixed with beans.
- Other cheeses: pepper jack adds heat, and goat cheese adds a tangy contrast to the sweet cranberry.
- Extra toppings: lettuce or mayonnaise are listed on the card. Fresh arugula, sliced avocado or a drizzle of balsamic glaze also work.
- Herbs: thyme or rosemary in the turkey mixture gives it a more aromatic flavor.
What to Serve With Them
Sweet potato fries or a green salad with a light vinaigrette go well with the sliders. A warm bowl of soup works too. For dipping, try tangy mustard, garlic aioli or sriracha mayo. For a holiday spread, cranberry relish or a slice of roasted apple on top suits the turkey and cranberry. Extra cranberry sauce on the side is another easy choice.
How Long It Takes
Prep is about 15 minutes, which covers mixing the ingredients and forming the patties. Cooking is about 20 minutes: browning the patties, then baking until the cheese melts. The total is 35 minutes. Preparing the ingredients ahead saves time.
Nutrition per Slider
One slider has approximately 250 calories, 10 grams of fat (3 grams saturated), 30 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 3 grams of sugar, 15 grams of protein and 400 milligrams of sodium.
FAQ
Can you use leftover turkey?
Yes. Use the leftover turkey in place of the ground turkey.
How long do the sliders last in the refrigerator?
Up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
What goes well with them?
Sweet potato fries, a crisp salad or a bowl of soup.
Are they gluten-free?
They can be, with gluten-free stuffing mix and slider buns. Check the labels on everything you use.
The Foodie Yummy Cookbook
12 reader-favorite recipes in one printable PDF. Enter your email and download it instantly.
Made it or loved it? Share this recipe
Written and edited by The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team
The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team writes and edits the recipes on Foodie Yummy: classic American potluck salads, holiday sides and easy comfort food, with a few low-carb options. Every recipe lists exact quantities, numbered steps and a printable recipe card, plus notes on swaps, storage and make-ahead timing. Spot a problem with a recipe? Tell us through the contact page and we will correct it. About us
Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Ingredients
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, mix ground turkey, stuffing mix, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Form the mixture into small patties.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the patties until browned on both sides.
Place the slider buns on a baking sheet and layer the patties, cranberry sauce, and cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
These sliders are great for using leftover turkey.
Feel free to add additional toppings like lettuce or mayonnaise.
Nutrition
| Serving Size | 1 slider |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 calories |
| Sugar Content | 3g |
| Sodium Content | 400mg |
| Fat Content | 10g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 3g |
| Unsaturated Fat Content | 6g |
| Trans Fat Content | 0g |
| Carbohydrate Content | 30g |
| Fiber Content | 1g |
| Protein Content | 15g |
| Cholesterol Content | 60mg |