Festive Holiday Sliders

Name: Festive Holiday Sliders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 sliders
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped; 1 egg; Salt and pepper, to taste; 12 slider buns; 1 cup cranberry sauce; 8 oz brie cheese, sliced; Arugula, for garnish

Highlighted under: Festive Feast Kitchen

I absolutely love making these Festive Holiday Sliders during the holiday season. They encapsulate the joy of togetherness and festive flavors in every bite. Each slider is a mini masterpiece, combining savory turkey patties with a touch of cranberry sauce and creamy brie. It's a delightful twist that makes these sliders a must-try for your holiday gatherings. They’re so easy to prepare, and I can’t help but smile watching my friends and family savor them around the table!

Created by

Rafael

Last updated on 2026-01-06T23:13:27.755Z

Every holiday season, I look forward to crafting these sliders that not only taste incredible but also resonate with the spirit of celebration. The combination of juicy turkey and tart cranberry sauce is a flavor explosion that never fails to impress. Last year, I experimented with adding fresh herbs to the patties, which elevated the taste even more. I can't recommend enough to use a good quality brie for a luxurious mouthfeel!

The beauty of these sliders lies in their versatility. They can be served as an appetizer at parties or as a light meal. My favorite trick is to make the patties ahead of time and freeze them; this way, I can pop them out whenever unexpected guests arrive. It truly saves time and ensures everyone gets to enjoy these delicious bites!

        Why You'll Love These Sliders
        Savory turkey blends perfectly with sweet cranberry sauce
Creamy brie adds a touch of gourmet flair
Perfect for parties or cozy family gatherings

      

Mastering the Turkey Patty

When forming the turkey patties, ensure they're uniform in size to promote even cooking. An ideal thickness is about half an inch, which allows them to cook through without drying out. Use your hands to shape the patties gently, and make a small indentation in the center of each patty; this helps them stay flat while cooking and prevents puffing up.

Ground turkey can be lean, which makes it susceptible to drying during cooking. Adding breadcrumbs and egg not only binds the patties but also helps retain moisture. If you want to amplify the flavor, consider incorporating spices like smoked paprika or garlic powder. This can elevate the taste profile, making the sliders even more irresistible.

Assembly and Flavor Balancing

Layering the ingredients thoughtfully is key to achieving balanced flavors in each slider. Start with the turkey patty while it’s still warm, as this will slightly melt the brie cheese and enhance its creaminess. Follow it with cranberry sauce, distributing it evenly to ensure every bite is sweet and tart, counteracting the savory turkey beautifully.

To keep the sliders from becoming soggy too quickly, I recommend using toasted buns. Lightly grill or toast them until they’re golden brown, which adds both flavor and a texture contrast to the creamy brie and tender turkey. This small step makes a significant difference, especially if you’re preparing for a crowd and want to keep the sliders enjoyable throughout the event.

Ingredients

For the Sliders:

1 lb ground turkey
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
1 egg
Salt and pepper, to taste

For Assembly:

12 slider buns
1 cup cranberry sauce
8 oz brie cheese, sliced
Arugula, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Turkey Patties

In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, parsley, onion, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and form the mixture into 12 small patties.

Cook the Patties

Heat a grill or skillet over medium heat. Cook the turkey patties for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Assemble the Sliders

On each slider bun, place a turkey patty, a slice of brie, and a generous spoonful of cranberry sauce. Top with arugula and close the bun.

Serve

Serve warm and enjoy the festive flavors! These sliders are perfect for a holiday gathering.

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize the toppings! Other great options include sautéed mushrooms, avocado slices, or even a spicy aioli for an added kick.

Make-Ahead Tips

You can prepare the turkey patties a day in advance, which is perfect for reducing stress on the day of your gathering. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. Just remember to bring the patties to room temperature for about 20 minutes before cooking; this ensures they cook evenly and thoroughly.

If you want to get even further ahead, assembled sliders can also be tightly wrapped and refrigerated for a few hours before baking or grilling. Just wait until they’re ready to serve to add the arugula, as it wilts quickly and loses that fresh crunch.

Serving Variations

While these sliders shine with the classic combination of turkey, brie, and cranberry, don’t hesitate to experiment. You could substitute the ground turkey with ground chicken or even lentils for a vegetarian version, maintaining the same proportions. For a spicy kick, add jalapeños or a dollop of sriracha to the cranberry sauce.

Consider serving these sliders alongside a festive salad or a side of sweet potato fries for a complete meal. For easy serving, you can slice the slider buns into halves and create a platter; this allows guests to build their own sliders, adding their favorite toppings like avocado or spinach.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the patties ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the patties a few days in advance and store them in the fridge or freeze them for later use.

→ Can I substitute ground turkey with another meat?

Yes, ground chicken or beef can be used instead of turkey for a different flavor profile.

→ What other toppings can I use?

You can try using different cheeses like cheddar or gouda, or add toppings like caramelized onions or spinach.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.