What’s a game day party without a delicious, poppable snack that everyone can enjoy? These Mini Turkey Sliders with Zesty Sauce are the perfect answer. They take a simple ground turkey patty and turn it into a flavorful, juicy, and irresistible bite, all on a soft, warm bun with a tangy sauce that will have everyone coming back for more.

This recipe is a brilliant twist on a classic, making it lighter and healthier without sacrificing any of the flavor. The secret to a perfect slider is the sauce—a simple combination of ingredients that adds a zesty, creamy kick to the tender turkey. They are quick to assemble and bake, making them an ideal appetizer for a crowd.

Mini Turkey Sliders with Zesty Sauce

Game Day Crowd-Pleaser!

Yields: 12 sliders

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • For the Turkey Patties:

    • 1 lb ground turkey

    • ½ teaspoon salt

    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

    • ½ teaspoon onion powder

  • For the Zesty Sauce:

    • ½ cup mayonnaise

    • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

    • 1 teaspoon pickle relish

    • ½ teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

  • For the Sliders:

    • 12 slider buns or small dinner rolls

    • 4 slices of provolone or Monterey Jack cheese, halved

    • 2 tablespoons melted butter

    • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Prepare the Turkey Patties & Sauce

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Make Patties: In a medium bowl, combine the ground turkey, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix gently until just combined.

  3. Shape: Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions and form them into small, thin patties.

  4. Make Sauce: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, pickle relish, and hot sauce (if using).

2. Cook the Turkey & Assemble

  1. Cook Patties: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the turkey patties for 2-3 minutes per side, until they are browned and cooked through.

  2. Slice Buns: Slice the slider buns in half, keeping the top and bottom connected. Place the bottom halves in a 9x13-inch baking dish.

  3. Assemble: Spread a generous layer of the zesty sauce on the bottom buns. Place a cooked turkey patty on each bun, then top each patty with a half-slice of cheese. Place the top halves of the buns on top.

3. Finish and Serve

  1. Add Topping: In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter and sesame seeds. Brush the mixture over the tops of the slider buns.

  2. Bake: Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are golden and toasted.

  3. Serve the sliders immediately while they are hot and delicious.

Pro-Tips for a Perfect Slider

  • Don't Overwork the Meat: Mixing the ground turkey too much will result in a tough, dense patty. Mix gently until just combined.

  • The Right Cheese: A good melting cheese like provolone or Monterey Jack is key to a gooey, satisfying bite.

  • Make It with Leftovers: This recipe is also perfect for using leftover cooked turkey. Just shred the turkey and mix it with the sauce, then pile it on the buns before baking.

  • Customize the Sauce: You can easily adjust the sauce to your taste. Add a little more hot sauce for an extra kick, or a touch of honey for a bit of sweetness.

  • Keep It Simple: The beauty of these sliders is their simplicity. Don't worry about too many toppings; the zesty sauce and gooey cheese are all you need.