Turkey Sliders

By Vallery Lomas

Published January 16, 2025

  • Christopher Testani for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Spencer Richards.
Media 1 of 1
Total Time
30 minutes
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Rating
5(393)
Comments
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These juicy turkey sliders are incredibly versatile: They’re simple enough for weeknights, but they’re also the perfect size for parties. The key is to use turkey with enough fat (ground turkey breast isn’t ideal here) so that your sliders will be perfectly moist; slathering them with a combination of barbeque sauce and mayonnaise provides additional insurance. Optional caramelized onions are the perfect savory, jammy topping to balance out the sharpness from the Cheddar and the sweet Hawaiian rolls, but the sliders are also great unadorned.

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Ingredients

Yield:12 sliders

  • 1½ pounds ground turkey (preferably 85 percent lean)

  • ½ medium yellow onion, finely chopped

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper

  • Ground cayenne (optional)

  • 2 teaspoons vegetable oil

  • 6 slices sharp Cheddar (about 6 ounces), each torn into 4 squares

  • 1 (12-ounce) package Hawaiian sweet rolls (12 buns), split

  • Barbecue sauce, mayonnaise, caramelized onions and pickle chips (optional), for serving

Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving

32 grams carbs; 53 milligrams cholesterol; 321 calories; 4 grams monosaturated fat; 3 grams polyunsaturated fat; 4 grams saturated fat; 12 grams fat; 2 grams fiber; 443 milligrams sodium; 20 grams protein; 2 grams sugar

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Prepare the turkey patties: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, onion, garlic powder, onion powder, 1½ teaspoons salt, ½ teaspoon pepper and a large pinch of cayenne, if using. On a large plate or cutting board, divide the meat into 12 equal portions (about ¼ cup each), then form them into 2 ½-inch-wide patties.

  2. Step 2

    Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-low. Once the oil is hot, add 6 patties to the skillet. Cook until slightly browned, cooked through and no longer pink in the center, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Set 2 squares of cheese on each patty and cook until the cheese has melted, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer the cooked patties to a plate. Repeat with the remaining patties and cheese.

  3. Step 3

    Meanwhile, heat the broiler. Place the Hawaiian bun halves on a baking sheet. Place on a rack in the top third of the oven and broil until just toasted. (Keep a close eye so they do not burn.)

  4. Step 4

    Assemble the sliders: If desired, generously smear barbecue sauce and mayonnaise on both sides of the toasted buns. Place the turkey patties in the buns and top with caramelized onions and pickle chips, if using. Enjoy immediately.

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Ratings

5 out of 5
393 user ratings
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Comments

KL

We make turkey burgers often. Adding a shredded medium zucchini to the meat mixture helps keep the patties juicy instead of dry.

rachel

Quick, easy and delicious! Baked in the oven at 375 for about 20 mins and came out great.

KAL

Easy recipe. Nothing really special to it. I make them with costco rolls (the ones that come in packs of 30). Would add double the amount of spice as the pinch was not enough. Made it with carmalized onions (which take a good hour). Tomato, lettuce, pickles and provolone (not the best cheese though). Not sure will make again but it was fine.

Nicole

Added a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and two tablespoons of butter to the burger mix. Really good!

Andrea H.

I took the advice of others and added some grated zucchini, and I also grated the onion that is added to the ground turkey. Spices as written. This made really moist, flavorful burgers (didn’t do sliders, cuz I had regular hamburger buns). Big hit with the whole family. Will keep this recipe in the rotation!

KHJ

Easy and delicious! A great summer meal. I upped the seasoning per usual (sorry NYT…) and my grocery store did not have mini buns so I just made regular patties which worked just fine. Otherwise, followed as written and everyone was happy. It’s 100% worth making the caramelized onions if you have the time.

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