Turkey Sliders with Cranberry Relish are a delightful twist on classic sliders, combining lean, juicy turkey patties with the sweet and tangy flavor of homemade cranberry relish. These mini sandwiches are perfect for holiday gatherings, game days, or casual family dinners. The combination of savory turkey and bright cranberry relish creates a balanced flavor profile that is both comforting and festive.

I love this recipe because it elevates simple ingredients into an elegant yet approachable dish. The sliders are easy to assemble, healthy, and full of flavor. The cranberry relish adds a burst of freshness and a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the savory turkey.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it is healthy, flavorful, and perfect for entertaining. Using lean turkey makes the sliders light yet satisfying, while the cranberry relish adds a unique flavor dimension. The combination of sweet and savory is irresistible, and the mini size makes it fun and approachable for all ages.

It’s also versatile and can be adjusted for sweetness, spiciness, or added textures. This recipe is a great way to enjoy turkey year-round, not just during the holidays, and can be made ahead for easy assembly during busy days.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

These sliders are a must-try because they combine juicy turkey, soft slider buns, and flavorful cranberry relish in every bite. The dish is perfect for those looking for a lighter alternative to traditional beef sliders without compromising on taste. It’s ideal for parties, brunches, or weeknight dinners and offers a fresh and festive presentation.

The balance of flavors—savory, sweet, and slightly tangy—makes these sliders universally appealing. They are also easy to customize with additional toppings like lettuce, cheese, or aioli for extra flavor and texture.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
• Total Time: 32–35 minutes

Servings and Calories

• Servings: 8 sliders
• Calories: Approximately 280 per slider
• Course: Main course or appetizer
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Turkey Sliders

• 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter for cooking
• 8 mini slider buns

For the Cranberry Relish

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• ¼ cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• Optional: ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Optional Toppings

• Lettuce
• Sliced cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or provolone)
• Mayonnaise or aioli

Cooking Directions

1. In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and optional cinnamon. Cook over medium heat until cranberries burst and mixture thickens, about 8–10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine ground turkey with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Form 8 small patties.
3. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook turkey patties 4–5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown.
4. Lightly toast slider buns in a skillet or oven.
5. Assemble sliders by spreading cranberry relish on the bottom bun, adding the turkey patty, optional toppings, and covering with the top bun.
6. Serve immediately.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Make the Cranberry Relish

1. In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and orange zest.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until cranberries burst and mixture thickens, about 8–10 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare Turkey Patties

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground turkey with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Form 8 small, evenly sized patties.

Step 3: Cook the Turkey

1. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Cook patties 4–5 minutes per side until fully cooked through and golden brown.
3. Optional: Add cheese slices during the last minute of cooking to melt.

Step 4: Toast the Buns

1. Slice slider buns in half and lightly toast in a skillet or oven until golden brown.

Step 5: Assemble the Sliders

1. Spread cranberry relish on the bottom bun.
2. Place cooked turkey patty on top.
3. Add optional toppings like lettuce, cheese, or aioli.
4. Cover with the top bun and serve warm.

How to Serve This Recipe

• Serve immediately for optimal flavor and freshness.
• Perfect for parties, brunches, or casual dinners.
• Pair with sweet potato fries, potato chips, or a fresh side salad.
• Can be served as appetizers or main course depending on portion size.

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh or frozen cranberries for the relish. Adjust sugar for sweetness.
• Do not overcook turkey patties to keep them juicy.
• Toasting buns adds flavor and prevents them from getting soggy.
• Prepare cranberry relish in advance to save time.
• For added flavor, mix a little orange zest into the turkey patties.

Variations

• Cheesy Sliders: Add a slice of cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack cheese.
• Spicy Relish: Add a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños to the cranberry relish.
• Avocado Addition: Add sliced avocado for creaminess.
• Herb-Infused: Mix fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into turkey patties for extra aroma.
• Mini Sandwich Board: Serve sliders alongside other small bites for a party platter.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store cooked turkey patties in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Assemble sliders fresh before serving.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked patties separately for up to 1 month. Thaw before assembling sliders.
• Reheating: Reheat patties gently in a skillet or microwave and toast buns before assembling.

Special Equipment Needed

• Skillet or frying pan
• Small saucepan for cranberry relish
• Mixing bowls
• Spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use leftover turkey?
Yes, cooked leftover turkey can be shaped into small patties and reheated.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, use plant-based patties or chickpea patties and serve with cranberry relish.

Can the cranberry relish be made ahead of time?
Yes, prepare up to 2–3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator.

Can I make these sliders smaller or larger?
Yes, adjust patty size to fit your preferred bun size.

What type of buns work best?
Mini slider buns, dinner rolls, or soft sandwich buns work perfectly.

Conclusion

Turkey Sliders with Cranberry Relish are a flavorful, festive, and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of juicy turkey, sweet and tangy cranberry relish, and soft slider buns creates a satisfying mini sandwich that everyone will love. Simple to assemble, versatile, and visually appealing, these sliders are a must-try recipe for family dinners, parties, or holiday gatherings.