Gather your loved ones around the table this holiday season with a festive and flavorful feast that’s sure to delight. These Holiday Herb Butter Turkey Sliders with Cranberry Sauce are the perfect balance of comfort and sophistication, blending juicy turkey, silky herb butter, and a tangy-sweet cranberry sauce for a bite-sized bite of holiday bliss.
Why You’ll Love This Holiday Herb Butter Turkey Sliders with Cranberry Sauce
These mini turkey sliders are the epitome of holiday cheer, packed with cozy, comforting flavors that will warm your heart (and your belly) this season. The herbed butter adds a lush, velvety texture and a zesty, aromatic punch, while the homemade cranberry sauce provides a bright, tart counterpoint that cuts through the richness. Plus, the bite-sized format makes them endlessly craveable and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or looking for a satisfying snack to fuel your holiday adventures, these sliders are sure to become a new seasonal favorite.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a simple list of ingredients that come together to create a symphony of holiday flavors. You’ll need ground turkey, butter, fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage, as well as cranberries, orange zest, and a touch of sugar for the cranberry sauce. Soft, pillowy dinner rolls or Hawaiian rolls provide the perfect base to showcase these delectable bites.
- 1 lb – Ground turkey
- 1/2 cup – Unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp – Fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp – Fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp – Fresh sage, finely chopped
Ingredient Substitutions
- Fresh herbs: You can use 2 tsp dried rosemary, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1 tsp dried sage instead of the fresh herbs.
- Ground turkey: Ground chicken or ground beef can be used in place of the turkey for a different flavor profile.
How to Make Holiday Herb Butter Turkey Sliders with Cranberry Sauce
Begin by preparing the herb butter. In a small bowl, combine softened butter with finely chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage. Mix until well combined, then set aside. Next, make the cranberry sauce by simmering cranberries, orange zest, sugar, and a splash of water until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Form the ground turkey into small, uniform patties, then cook them in a skillet over medium-high heat until they’re golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. To assemble the sliders, split the dinner rolls in half and generously spread the herb butter on the bottom buns. Top each bun with a turkey patty and a spoonful of the tangy cranberry sauce. Finish by adding the top buns and serving warm.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preparing the herb butter. In a small bowl, combine softened butter with finely chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage. Mix until well combined, then set aside. Next, make the cranberry sauce by simmering cranberries, orange zest, sugar, and a splash of water until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Form the ground turkey into small, uniform patties, then cook them in a skillet over medium-high heat until they’re golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
To assemble the sliders, split the dinner rolls in half and generously spread the herb butter on the bottom buns. Top each bun with a turkey patty and a spoonful of the tangy cranberry sauce. Finish by adding the top buns and serving warm.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
For an extra festive touch, you can garnish the sliders with a few fresh thyme sprigs or a sprinkle of chopped parsley.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Meat Swap: Try swapping the ground turkey for ground chicken or even ground beef for a heartier slider.
- Herb Variation: Experiment with different herb combinations, like adding a pinch of garlic powder or a squeeze of lemon juice to the butter.
- Slider Bar: For a fun and interactive presentation, set up a “slider bar” with an array of toppings like crispy bacon, melty cheese, or a zesty aioli for your guests to customize their own creations.
- Cranberry Twist: Add a splash of port or a pinch of cinnamon to the cranberry sauce for extra warmth and complexity.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete holiday meal.
Storage: Any leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the sliders in the oven or microwave before serving.
Make-Ahead: The herb butter and cranberry sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the sliders.
Nutrition Information
Each Holiday Herb Butter Turkey Slider with Cranberry Sauce packs a delicious punch of protein, carbohydrates, and essential nutrients. A single slider contains approximately 200 calories, 10 grams of fat, 20 grams of carbohydrates, and 15 grams of protein, making them a satisfying and balanced holiday indulgence.
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Protein: 15 g
- Carbs: 20 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the herb butter and cranberry sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! Both the herb butter and cranberry sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the sliders.
Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?
Yes, you can definitely substitute the ground turkey with ground chicken or beef if you prefer. The cooking times may vary slightly, but the overall method will remain the same.
How do I keep the sliders warm and crispy?
To keep the sliders warm and the buns crisp, you can place the assembled sliders on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven until ready to serve. This will help maintain their perfect texture.
Can I make these sliders gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the dinner rolls for gluten-free buns or slider rolls, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free option.
How many sliders does this recipe make?
This recipe will yield approximately 12-15 mini sliders, depending on the size of your patties and rolls. It’s a great recipe to scale up or down to suit your serving needs.
Try These Next
- Savory Turkey And Cranberry Sliders With Herb Sauce
- Smoky Maple Bbq Turkey Sliders With Cranberry Sauce
- Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Sliders With Cranberry Sauce
Delectable Holiday Herb Butter Turkey Sliders with Cranberry Sauce
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: 🎉 Festive & Seasonal Feasts
- Method: Baking and Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Holiday Herb Butter Turkey Sliders are the perfect festive treat, combining juicy turkey with rich herb butter and tangy cranberry sauce for a delightful bite-sized sandwich. Perfect for holiday gatherings!
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 4 tbsp herb butter (softened)
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 12 slider buns
– 1 cup cranberry sauce
– Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1.
2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, 2 tablespoons of herb butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
4. Form the turkey mixture into small patties, about the size of your slider buns.
5. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the turkey patties for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
6. While the patties are cooking, prepare the slider buns by spreading the remaining herb butter on the inside of each bun.
7. Once the turkey patties are done, assemble the sliders by placing a patty on the bottom half of each bun, topping with a spoonful of cranberry sauce, and finishing with the top half of the bun.
8. Place the assembled sliders on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for about 5 minutes, or until the buns are lightly toasted.
9. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve warm.
10.
Notes
These sliders can be made ahead of time and reheated just before serving.
Feel free to add cheese or other toppings as desired!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: turkey sliders, holiday recipe, festive food