Barbecue Turkey Burger Sliders
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Barbecue Turkey Burger Sliders —smoky, spicy, turkey burgers made with chili powder, smoked paprika, and a rich barbecue sauce.
These Barbecue Turkey Burger Sliders are perfect appetizers for a game day spread or a quick weeknight meal. This recipe is a real crowdpleaser with or without the toppings. The burgers are tender, savory, and smoky from the best blend of spices. They are pan-seared and covered in your dark favorite barbecue sauce.
What to serve with turkey burgers
These burgers are one of my healthier recipes so I would definitely pair them with my Air Fryer Seasoned Potato Wedges. They also pair well with French Fries and Onion Rings!
What you need to make barbecue turkey burgers
Ground turkey
Dark barbecue sauce
Canola oil
Salt
Smoked paprika
Chili powder
Garlic powder
Slider buns
Mixing bowls
Cast-iron skillet
Slider bun suggestions
Most grocery stores sell slider buns but to give your burgers a nudge towards greatness, try something a little more adventurous. I’ve used Hawaiian rolls in the past to make sliders but I’m over the moon for these mini brioche dinner rolls I found at Aldi’s. They are buttery with a touch of sweetness, and so soft.
Barbecue turkey burger sliders update
This recipe received a makeover to improve the taste and ease of preparation and to adjust the heat for my little guy. The previous recipe called for baking the meat then assembling the sliders with the toppings. I’ve made the recipe more adaptable to many tastes and much tastier by searing the burger in a skillet. This caramelized the sugars from the barbecue sauce and adds to the smoky-sweet taste!
To make the burgers
Blend together the ground turkey, canola oil, barbecue sauce, and spices. I find that a 1/4 cup measuring scoop helps to form 12 even patties.
Cook the burgers in a hot skillet over medium with cooking oil or spray as needed for 2-3 minutes per side. Rest the burgers under foil to keep them hot for 5 minutes before serving.
How to serve turkey burger sliders
You can customize the toppings for these sliders however you’d like. We serve them up family-style with red onion, cilantro, and avocado on the side. We also like them spicy, so I serve them with pepper jack and jalapeño slices as well. But you can switch up the toppings to fit your taste. Some suggestions would be:
Bacon
Monterey jack for less spiciness
Pickles
Tomato
Fried onions
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*This recipe was updated on 8/29/2020 for a revised recipe and improved content. It was first posted on 9/12/2019.*
Barbecue Turkey Burger Sliders
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 lb ground turkey
- 1/3 c dark barbecue sauce
- 2 tbsp canola oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp smoked paprika or plain paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 12 slider buns
To Serve
- Red onion diced
- Barbecue sauce
- Pepper jack cheese
- Cilantro leaves optional
- Jalapeño sliced
- Avocado mashed optional
Instructions
- Blend together the ground turkey, canola oil, 1/3 cup of barbecue sauce, paprika, chili powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Form 12 even patties and pan fry in a hot skillet over medium with cooking oil or spray as needed. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side; check for an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Rest the burgers for 5 minutes under foil before serving.
To Serve
- Slice open 12 slider buns if not pre-cut and dress the buns with the burgers and suggested condiments as desired.