Touchdown Turkey Burger Sliders with Pickle

The tradition of game day sliders began in our house after a tailgating disaster where I'd hauled an entire grill across a parking lot only to find I'd forgotten the charcoal. Since then, these turkey burger sliders have become our pre-game ritual, cooked indoors where forgetting ingredients means just a quick trip to the fridge rather than across town.

Last football season, my neighbor knocked on the door during overtime asking what that amazing smell was. Before I knew it, our living room had five extra guests hovering around the platter of sliders while we all screamed at the television during the final field goal attempt.

Ingredients

• Ground turkey (93% lean): The fat content here is crucial - I learned after making cardboard-dry sliders with 99% lean that a little fat keeps everything juicy without the heaviness of beef.
• Worcestershire sauce: This magical liquid transforms bland turkey into something that makes people question if youre actually serving them beef instead.
• Smoked paprika: After experimenting with a dozen spices, this was the game-changer that gives these sliders their distinctive smoky depth without having to fire up the grill.
• Pickle slices: Not just a topping but practically a religion in our house - the tangy crunch against the warm patty creates that perfect textural contrast you cant stop eating.

Instructions

Mix with a light touch:

Combine ground turkey with breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper just until incorporated. Youll know its right when everything holds together but still looks slightly shaggy - overmixing leads to tough sliders.

Shape with purpose:

Divide your mixture into 12 equal portions - I use an ice cream scoop first, then gently flatten each into a 2-inch patty. Press a slight dimple in the center with your thumb to prevent the dreaded slider dome.

Cook with patience:

Heat your skillet to medium - not screaming hot - before adding the patties. Let them develop a golden crust for 3-4 minutes before flipping, and resist the urge to press down with your spatula.

Blend your spread:

While the patties cook, mix mayo and mustard in a small bowl. This simple spread creates a moisture barrier that prevents soggy buns and adds a tangy complement to the turkey.

Build with strategy:

Start with spread on the bottom bun, followed by lettuce as a moisture barrier, then the warm patty, cheese if using, pickle, and tomato. The specific order keeps everything from sliding around when you take that first bite.

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When my daughter brought her college roommates home for Thanksgiving break last year, these sliders became an unexpected bridge between our family traditions and their homesickness. We gathered in the kitchen laughing about dorm food disasters while assembling a midnight snack platter of sliders that disappeared before the conversation ended.

Make-Ahead Magic

Ive discovered these patties actually improve when shaped the day before and refrigerated overnight. The spices meld together, creating a deeper flavor profile that youll notice immediately. Just remember to pull them out 15 minutes before cooking to take the chill off.

Slider Variations Worth Trying

After making these sliders nearly every weekend during football season, weve developed some crowd-pleasing variations. My daughters favorite includes a thin slice of avocado and sriracha mayo, while my husband swears by blue cheese crumbles mixed right into the meat before cooking.

Serving Suggestions

The beauty of these sliders is how they fit into a larger spread without demanding too much attention until that first bite. We typically arrange them on a platter surrounded by colorful toothpicks so guests can grab and go without missing a play.

• Set up a DIY slider bar with extra toppings like caramelized onions, sliced avocado, and different cheese options for guests to customize their own.
• Sweet potato fries with a sprinkle of smoked paprika echo the flavors in the sliders while adding a satisfying crunch to the plate.
• A simple vinegar-based coleslaw provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the sliders without weighing down the meal.

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These sliders have become more than just game day food in our house - theyre the signal that its time to put phones down and gather around something delicious. I hope they bring the same simple joy to your table.

Recipe Q&A

→ What temperature should the turkey patties reach when cooked?

Cook turkey patties until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), which ensures they are fully cooked and safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the patty for accuracy.

→ Can I prepare the patties ahead of time?

Yes, shaped patties can be refrigerated up to 1 day in advance. This makes them perfect for meal prep. Simply cook them directly from the fridge, adding a minute or two to cooking time if needed.

→ How do I keep the sliders warm while assembling?

After cooking, transfer the patties to a warm plate and cover loosely with foil. This maintains heat while you assemble the remaining sliders without drying them out.

→ What are good side dish pairings?

Serve with sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or crispy french fries. A light side salad or vegetable chips also complement these sliders nicely for a balanced meal.

→ Can I substitute the ground turkey?

Absolutely. Ground chicken works as an excellent substitute with similar nutritional benefits. Ground beef or lean pork can also be used, adjusting cooking times slightly based on meat thickness.

→ How do I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the patty mixture and swap standard slider buns for gluten-free alternatives. Check all condiments and store-bought ingredients for gluten-containing additives.