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Lighter Friendsgiving Turkey Sliders with Cranberry Aioli

lighter friendsgiving turkey sliders with cranberry aioli - featured image

These Lighter Friendsgiving Turkey Sliders with Cranberry Aioli are everything you want from a comfort food party bite — warm, saucy, slightly sweet, and totally satisfying — but without the heavy feeling afterward. They’re perfect for Friendsgiving, game day, or any gathering where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean ground turkey (93/7)
  • 1/2 cup finely diced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 8 slider buns (sweet potato rolls or brioche-style recommended)
  • 4 slices reduced-fat provolone or Swiss cheese, cut in half
  • 1/4 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or full fat)
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. Make the cranberry aioli: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup cranberry sauce, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon mayo, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth. Set aside.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add 1 lb ground turkey to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink. Drain any excess liquid.
  5. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon dried sage, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper over the cooked turkey. Stir well and cook for another minute.
  6. Slice 8 slider buns in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves on the prepared baking sheet, cut side up. Spread a generous spoonful of cranberry aioli on each bottom half.
  7. Divide the turkey mixture evenly among the 8 bottom buns. Top each with a half-slice of cheese. Place the top buns on. Brush the tops lightly with melted butter or olive oil.
  8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the buns are lightly toasted. For extra crispy tops, switch to broil for the last 1-2 minutes.
  9. Let the sliders sit for 2-3 minutes before serving. Serve warm with extra cranberry aioli on the side for dipping.

Notes

Don’t overcook the turkey – cook just until no longer pink. Warm the cranberry sauce first if it’s cold for easier spreading. Use a light hand with the aioli to prevent soggy buns. The aioli tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours. To keep sliders warm for a party, place on a baking sheet covered loosely with foil in a 200°F oven for up to 30 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey sliders, Friendsgiving, cranberry aioli, party food, appetizer, Thanksgiving leftovers, healthy sliders