These Thanksgiving turkey sliders are my go-to when I want all the classic holiday flavors packed into a handheld bite. I get juicy ground turkey patties seasoned simply, topped with melted Swiss cheese, layered onto soft Hawaiian buns, and finished with cranberry mayo, crispy fried onions, and a brush of chive butter. Everything tastes familiar and comforting, but the slider format makes it fun and perfect for sharing at parties or casual holiday meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it delivers Thanksgiving flavor without the stress of a full holiday spread. The ground turkey patties cook evenly and stay juicy, the cranberry mayo adds a sweet and tangy contrast, and the crispy onions bring the crunch that every good slider needs. I also like that these come together in about an hour and can be partially prepped ahead, which makes them ideal for entertaining. They disappear fast every time I serve them.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Turkey patties
2 lb ground turkey (93/7)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp onion powder
Cranberry mayo
½ cup mayonnaise
3–4 tbsp cranberry sauce
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1–2 tsp pineapple juice
Pinch salt
Pinch pepper
For the sliders
1 pack King’s Hawaiian 9-count slider buns
9 pieces Swiss cheese
½ cup crispy fried onions
Gravy for dipping
I start by mixing the ground turkey with Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until just combined. I divide the mixture into nine equal portions and shape them into patties slightly larger than the buns. I place them on parchment paper and freeze them for 30 minutes so they hold their shape during cooking.
While the patties freeze, I stir together the mayonnaise, cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, salt, and pepper. I refrigerate the cranberry mayo so it thickens and the flavors blend.
I heat a griddle over medium heat and toast the slider buns cut-side down until golden, then set them aside. I turn the heat up to medium-high, lightly oil the surface, and cook the frozen turkey patties for about 3–4 minutes per side until they reach 165°F internally. I top each patty with Swiss cheese and let it melt.
To assemble, I spread cranberry mayo on the bottom buns, add a turkey patty, sprinkle on crispy fried onions, and spread more cranberry mayo on the top buns. I close the sliders, brush the tops with melted chive butter, and serve them warm with gravy on the side for dipping.
Servings And Timing
I get 9 sliders from this recipe.
Prep time: about 20 minutes
Freeze time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 8–10 minutes
Total time: about 60–70 minutes
Variations
I sometimes swap Swiss cheese for provolone, Havarti, or white cheddar when I want a slightly different flavor. If I want extra herb flavor, I mix a little thyme or sage into the turkey patties. When I can’t find pineapple juice, I use a small amount of orange juice in the cranberry mayo for sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, I place them in a 325°F oven, covered loosely with foil, until warmed through. I keep the gravy separate and reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave.
FAQs
Can I Make The Patties Ahead Of Time?
I often form the patties ahead and freeze them. They can stay frozen for up to two months, and I cook them straight from frozen with a couple of extra minutes per side.
Can I Use Leftover Turkey Instead Of Ground Turkey?
I can use leftover turkey, but it doesn’t hold together as well. Ground turkey gives me better texture and patties that fit the buns perfectly.
What If I Don’t Have Pineapple Juice?
I substitute lemon or orange juice, starting with a small amount and adjusting to taste so the cranberry mayo doesn’t become too tart.
How Do I Keep The Sliders Warm For A Party?
I place the assembled sliders in a covered dish in a 200°F oven for up to 30 minutes. They stay warm without drying out.
Are These Sliders Kid-Friendly?
I find they’re very kid-friendly because the flavors are familiar and mild. I sometimes go lighter on the cranberry mayo for picky eaters.
Conclusion
These Thanksgiving turkey sliders are one of my favorite ways to bring holiday flavors to the table in a fun, shareable form. I love how the juicy turkey, creamy cranberry mayo, and soft buns come together into something that feels festive but easy. Whether I serve them for a holiday party or a cozy family gathering, they always vanish fast.
These Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders bring together all your favorite holiday flavors in a fun, handheld form. Juicy turkey patties, cranberry mayo, melted Swiss cheese, and crispy onions are layered on soft Hawaiian buns and brushed with chive butter for the perfect festive bite.
Total Time:70 minutes
Yield:9 sliders
Ingredients
2 lb ground turkey (93/7)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp onion powder
½ cup mayonnaise
3–4 tbsp cranberry sauce
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1–2 tsp pineapple juice
Pinch salt
Pinch pepper
1 pack King’s Hawaiian 9-count slider buns
9 pieces Swiss cheese
½ cup crispy fried onions
Gravy for dipping (optional)
½ stick butter, melted
1 tsp chopped fresh chives
Instructions
In a bowl, mix ground turkey with Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until just combined.
Divide into 9 portions and shape into patties slightly larger than the buns. Freeze on parchment paper for 30 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate to thicken.
Toast slider buns cut-side down on a griddle over medium heat. Set aside.
Increase heat to medium-high and lightly oil the griddle. Cook frozen patties 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through (165°F). Top with Swiss cheese to melt.
Assemble the sliders: spread cranberry mayo on bottom buns, add a turkey patty, sprinkle crispy fried onions, then spread more cranberry mayo on top buns. Close the sliders.
Brush the tops with melted chive butter and serve warm with gravy for dipping if desired.
Notes
Use orange juice if pineapple juice isn’t available.
Chilling the patties helps them hold shape and cook evenly.
To keep warm for a party, place in a 200°F oven covered for up to 30 minutes.
Provolone, Havarti, or white cheddar can replace Swiss cheese.
Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat in the oven for best results.
