Print

Best Lighter Mini Turkey Sliders with Tangy Cranberry Aioli

best lighter mini turkey sliders - featured image
Print Recipe

These mini turkey sliders are the perfect lighter comfort food, featuring juicy turkey patties with grated apple and onion, topped with a tangy cranberry aioli. Ready in about 30 minutes, they’re great for game day, meal prep, or a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey (93/7 works best)
  • 1/2 cup finely grated onion (about half a medium onion)
  • 1/2 cup finely grated apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
  • 1/4 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 12 mini slider buns (whole wheat or brioche)
  • 4–6 leaves of butter lettuce, torn into bun-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • Optional: 4 slices of sharp cheddar or provolone, cut into quarters

Instructions

  1. Make the aioli first. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, cranberry sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and cayenne if using. Whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. Set aside in the fridge.
  2. Prep your onion and apple. Using the large holes of a box grater, grate the onion and apple into a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Gather the edges and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
  3. Mix the patties. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, grated onion and apple, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix gently until just combined.
  4. Shape the patties. 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. Place on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  5. Cook the patties. Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat. Add the patties in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If adding cheese, place a piece on each patty during the last minute and cover the pan to melt.
  6. Toast the buns. While the patties rest, split the slider buns and toast them lightly in the same pan or under the broiler for about 1 minute.
  7. Assemble the sliders. Spread a generous spoonful of cranberry aioli on the bottom half of each bun. Add a lettuce leaf, then a turkey patty. Top with a few slices of red onion and the top bun. Secure with a toothpick if desired.
  8. Serve immediately. Best straight off the griddle, but they hold up well for about 30 minutes if serving a crowd.

Notes

Don’t skip squeezing the liquid from the grated onion and apple—this prevents the patties from falling apart. Use a hot pan (medium heat) for best browning. Let patties rest 2-3 minutes after cooking. Double the aioli recipe—it keeps in the fridge for up to a week and is great on sandwiches, salads, or as a dip.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey sliders, mini sliders, cranberry aioli, healthy sliders, game day food, lighter comfort food, turkey burgers

Find it online: https://dinadishes.com/best-lighter-mini-turkey-sliders-with-tangy-cranberry-aioli/