Sunday Dinner

Quick Turkey Burger Sliders Recipe

Looking for a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers? This turkey burger sliders recipe is a fantastic option that combines lean protein with delightful flavors. These mini-sized treats are perfect for parties, gatherings, or a fun family meal.

In this blog post, I’ll share a recipe for turkey burger sliders that are easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to satisfy your taste buds. Small burgers are perfect for little hands to hold onto or a perfect appetizer. These are sure to be a big hit for all parties involved!

Ingredients:

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 pound (450g) ground turkey- My personal preference is lean meat, but honestly you can get whatever is on sale at the grocery store!
    • 1/4 cup Italian bread crumbs (This decreases the amount of ingredients you use, it’s all included in these bread crumbs. Plus, I almost always have this flavor on hand vs plain bread crumbs)
    • 1/3 cup finely chopped onion (If you’re afraid your little ones won’t like these, switch it to onion powder)
    • 1 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (Don’t fret if you don’t have this at home, they’re still delicious without it)
    • 1 tsp mayonnaise (See bottom of this post for the reasons behind this secret ingredient)
    • 1 egg
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
    • Mini hamburger buns- You can use Hawaiian rolls or small soft dinner rolls
    • Toppings of your choice (lettuce, tomato, cheese, pickles, condiments, etc)

Instructions for Turkey Burger Sliders Recipe:

  1. Prepare the Turkey Patty Mixture:
    • In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, egg, salt, and black pepper.
    • Gently mix the ingredients together until well combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
  2. Shape the Sliders:
    • Divide the turkey mixture into equal portions and shape them into small patties, roughly the size of your slider buns or the size of a golf ball. It’s easier to use wet hands for this so it doesn’t stick as easily.
    • Place the burger patties on a plate or tray lined with parchment paper, with a little space between each patty.
  3. Cook the Sliders:
    • Preheat a grill or stovetop pan/large skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Lightly grease the cooking surface with oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
    • Cook the turkey sliders for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
  4. Assemble the Sliders:
    • Slice the mini burger buns in half horizontally.
    • Place a turkey patty on the bottom half of each bun.
    • Add your desired toppings, such as lettuce, tomato slices, cheddar cheese, or pickles.
    • Top with the other half of the bun.
  5. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Arrange the mini turkey burgers on a serving platter or tray
    • Serve them hot, and consider providing an array of condiments like ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise for customization.
    • These sliders pair wonderfully with a side of crispy fries, sweet potato wedges (my favorite way to serve these), or a fresh salad.

Storing the Sliders

To store mini turkey burger sliders for later use, follow these guidelines to maintain their freshness and quality:

Cool Down: Allow the turkey burger sliders to cool down completely before storing them. Leaving them at room temperature for no more than 2 hours is advisable to prevent bacterial growth.

Individual Wrapping: Wrap each slider individually to protect them and prevent them from drying out. You can use plastic wrap or aluminum foil for this purpose. Ensure they are tightly wrapped to maintain their moisture.

Airtight Container: Place the individually wrapped sliders in an airtight container or freezer-safe resealable bags. Make sure the container or bags are tightly sealed to prevent air exposure and freezer burn.

Labeling: Label the container or bags with the contents and the date of storage. This will help you keep track of the storage time and ensure you use the oldest sliders first.

Freezing/Reheating

  1. Freezer Storage: Place the container or bags in the freezer. Ideally, store them in a single layer to avoid crushing or deformation. If you need to stack them, separate the layers with parchment paper or freezer-safe dividers.
  2. Proper Freezer Temperature: Set your freezer to 0°F (-18°C) or below to maintain the quality of the turkey burger sliders during storage.
  3. Freezer Storage Duration: Turkey burger sliders can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. After that, they may start to lose quality and flavor. It’s recommended to consume them within this timeframe for the best taste and texture.
  4. Thawing and Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the stored sliders, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can reheat them using the methods mentioned earlier, such as the oven, stovetop, or microwave. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before consuming.

By following these storage guidelines, you can safely store turkey burger sliders in the freezer and enjoy them at a later time without compromising their taste and texture.

To reheat these easy turkey burger sliders and enjoy them again, you can follow these simple steps or check out this (click here) easy to follow blog post:

  1. Oven Method:

    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Place the turkey burger sliders on a baking sheet or in a baking dish.
    • Cover the sliders with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
    • Place the baking sheet or dish in the preheated oven.
    • Reheat the sliders for about 10-15 minutes or until they are heated through.
    • Check the internal temperature of the sliders with a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (75°C).
  2. Stovetop Method:

    • Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
    • Place the turkey burger sliders in the skillet.
    • Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil to help trap the heat and moisture.
    • Reheat the sliders for approximately 5-7 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are warmed throughout.
    • Use a meat thermometer to verify that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  3. Microwave Method:

    • Arrange the turkey burger sliders on a microwave-safe plate.
    • Place a damp paper towel or microwave-safe cover over the sliders to help retain moisture.
    • Microwave the sliders on high power for about 30-45 seconds per slider, or until they are heated through.
    • Check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (75°C).

Remember, the exact reheating time may vary depending on the size of the sliders and the power of your oven or microwave. It’s crucial to monitor the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure they are thoroughly reheated to a safe temperature.

Once reheated, serve the turkey burger sliders immediately with your favorite condiments and enjoy their flavorful goodness all over again.

Sides for Turkey Burger Sliders

This turkey burger sliders recipe pairs well with a variety of delicious sides. Here are some popular options to complement your sliders:

Kid Favorite Sides

  1. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries are a great choice to serve alongside turkey burger sliders. You can either make them from scratch or find pre-made frozen sweet potato fries for convenience. (click here)
  2. Pickles: A side of tangy dill pickles or bread and butter pickles adds a burst of flavor and crunch to your meal. They can be served on the side or added as a topping to the sliders.
  3. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a classic side that pairs well with sliders. Brush the corn with melted butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper for added flavor.
  4. Baked Beans: Hearty and flavorful baked beans make a satisfying side dish. You can make your own homemade baked beans or use canned beans for a quick and easy option.
  5. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with a mix of seasonal fruits adds a touch of sweetness and balance to the meal. Choose a combination of berries, melons, citrus fruits, and grapes. (click here)

Adult Favorite Sides

  1. Coleslaw: This is a refreshing coleslaw with a tangy dressing adds a nice crunch and contrast to the sliders. Consider a classic creamy coleslaw or a tangy vinegar-based coleslaw.
  2. Mixed Green Salad: A fresh mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing side option. Add some cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite vegetables for added color and texture.
  3. Potato Salad: Creamy and tangy potato salad complements turkey burger sliders nicely. Choose a classic mayonnaise-based potato salad or try a lighter version with a mustard-based dressing.
  4. Grilled Vegetables: Fire up the grill and prepare a medley of grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper, they make a delicious and healthy side dish.
  5. Oven-Baked Onion Rings: Crispy onion rings are a popular choice to accompany sliders. You can make them at home using sliced onions dipped in a seasoned batter and baked until golden and crispy.

Feel free to mix and match these sides based on your preferences and the occasion. The key is to have a balance of flavors, textures, and variety to complement the tasty turkey burger sliders.

Substitutions or additions for this turkey burger recipe

If you don’t have lean ground turkey, you can use ground beef. The recipe is the exact same. Ground beef will need to be drained a little more because of the fat content but nothing you aren’t capable of.

You can switch up the type of cheese you use. You can replace cheddar with feta cheese, gouda cheese or even mozzarella cheese. The world is your oyster!

I personally enjoy sweet caramelized onion on mine. I just think it takes this already delicious burger to the next level.

This turkey burger sliders recipe is a crowd-pleasing option that brings together the deliciousness of burgers with the lean benefits of turkey meat. This recipe offers a flavorful combination of herbs, spices, and other ingredients to elevate your sliders. Whether you’re hosting a super bowl party or enjoying a family meal with littles, these mini-sized delights are sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings. Get ready to enjoy these tasty turkey burger sliders bursting with flavor!

 

Why mayonnaise in the burger?

Including mayonnaise in turkey burgers serves several purposes:

  1. Moisture: Turkey meat can be leaner and drier compared to beef, so adding mayonnaise helps to keep the burgers moist and prevents them from becoming dry during the cooking process.
  2. Flavor: Mayonnaise adds a creamy and slightly tangy flavor to the turkey burgers, enhancing their overall taste.
  3. Binding Agent: Mayonnaise acts as a binding agent, helping to hold the ingredients together and prevent the burgers from falling apart while cooking.
  4. Texture: The mayonnaise helps to create a tender and juicy texture in the turkey burgers, making them more enjoyable to eat.

When using mayonnaise in turkey burgers, it’s important to choose a good-quality mayonnaise that you enjoy, as it will contribute to the overall flavor of the burgers. If you have specific dietary preferences or restrictions, you can also explore alternative options like vegan mayonnaise or homemade mayo substitutes.

 

If you’re looking for something refreshing after your sliders, check out how to make Starbucks sweet cream foam (click here) for the perfect treat.

Turkey Burger Sliders

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Ground turkey
  • 1/4 cup Italian bread crumbs
  • 1/3 cup Finely chopped onion
  • 1 clove Minced garlic
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp Mayonnaise
  • 1 Egg
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper
  • Mini hamburger buns Hawaiian or soft dinner rolls

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine turkey, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, egg, salt, and black pepper
  • Mix ingredients together until well combined, be careful not to overmix
  • Shape the mixture into patties, this is easier with wet hands
  • Preheat a grill or stove pan over medium/high heat
  • Lightly grease the cooking surface with cooking oil or spray
  • Cook the sliders for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (75 degrees C) to ensure they are fully cooked
  • Assemble your sliders and enjoy!

Notes

When assembling your sliders, toppings can include lettuce, tomato slices, cheddar cheese or pickles. 
If serving cheese burgers, put the piece of cheese on the slider once fully cooked so it gets that melty cheese appeal.