Tailgate Turkey Burger Sliders (Printable Version)
Juicy, seasoned turkey patties with melty cheese and classic toppings on soft buns, ideal for game day gatherings.
# What You Need:
→ Turkey Patties
01 - 1½ pounds ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
02 - 1 large egg
03 - ⅓ cup breadcrumbs
04 - 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
05 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
06 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
08 - 1 teaspoon salt
09 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
→ Slider Assembly
10 - 12 slider buns
11 - 6 slices cheddar cheese, halved
12 - ¼ cup mayonnaise (optional)
13 - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (optional)
14 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
15 - 2 Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced
16 - 12 pickle slices
17 - 2 tablespoons olive oil or nonstick cooking spray
# How to Make It:
01 - In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, fresh parsley, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix the ingredients gently until just incorporated, taking care not to overmix to maintain patty tenderness.
02 - Divide the turkey mixture into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a small patty, ensuring it is slightly larger than the slider buns to account for shrinkage during cooking.
03 - Preheat a grill or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly brush the cooking surface with olive oil or spray with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
04 - Place the patties on the preheated cooking surface. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until the patties are thoroughly cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
05 - During the final minute of cooking, place a half-slice of cheddar cheese on top of each turkey patty. Cover the grill or skillet briefly to allow the cheese to melt perfectly over the patties.
06 - Lightly toast the slider buns on the grill or in a toaster until golden brown and slightly crisp.
07 - If desired, spread mayonnaise and Dijon mustard onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Layer with fresh shredded lettuce, thinly sliced Roma tomatoes, a cheese-topped turkey patty, and a pickle slice. Crown each slider with the top half of the bun.
08 - Serve the turkey sliders immediately. For transport to an event, wrap them in aluminum foil to keep them warm.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- You'll be amazed at how much flavor we pack into these little turkey patties & no dry, bland burgers here, I promise!
- They're ridiculously easy to whip up for a crowd, making you look like a kitchen wizard without all the fuss.
02 -
- The number one rule for juicy turkey burgers is to avoid overmixing the meat; gentle handling prevents a tough texture.
- Don't be afraid to make your patties slightly larger than the buns before cooking, as turkey shrinks more than beef.
03 -
- Always ensure your patties are consistently sized for even cooking, which helps prevent some from being overcooked while others are undercooked.
- For ultimate juiciness, resist the urge to press down on the patties with your spatula while they cook; let them cook undisturbed.