Save to Pinterest These garlic butter turkey burger sliders deliver everything you crave from a classic slider juicy patties infused with garlic butter, oozy cheese, crisp greens, and the softest toasted buns They have become my go to for busy weeknights and parties because they disappear in seconds
I first made these for a game night with friends and ended up tripling the recipe because everyone went back for seconds My kids love building their own and request them every burger night
Ingredients
- Ground turkey: fresh for juicy, lean sliders try to buy turkey with a little fat for best flavor
- Fresh parsley: adds vibrant color and a hint of herby freshness use flat leaf for the best taste
- Breadcrumbs: help bind the patties and keep them soft use fresh or panko for best texture
- Egg: binds everything for moist patties choose a large, high quality egg
- Salt and black pepper: essential for seasoning every bite make sure your pepper is freshly cracked
- Onion powder: delivers savory depth use onion granules for a stronger punch
- Smoked paprika: adds gentle smokiness use high quality sweet smoked paprika if possible
- Unsalted butter: the base for luscious garlic butter let it soften to mix smoothly
- Fresh garlic: delivers irresistible aroma and flavor mince very finely for even distribution
- Chives: optional but boost savory notes use fresh for best results
- Lemon zest: lifts and brightens the rich butter use a microplane for fine zest
- Slider buns: soft, fresh buns elevate every bite choose sturdy but fluffy ones
- Cheddar or provolone cheese: provides melty richness sharp cheddar adds extra flavor
- Baby arugula or lettuce: adds freshness and balance use crisp baby greens
- Fresh tomato: juicy slices for cool contrast pick ripe but firm tomatoes for slicing
- Mayonnaise: optional for extra creaminess use real mayonnaise for the best taste
Instructions
- Mix the Turkey Patty Base:
- In a large bowl gently mix ground turkey with parsley breadcrumbs egg salt pepper onion powder and smoked paprika Stop mixing as soon as everything looks even to keep the patties tender
- Shape the Patties:
- Divide the mixture into eight even balls Gently flatten each into a patty about the size of your slider buns Slightly larger is perfect since they shrink a bit when cooked
- Make the Garlic Butter:
- Combine softened unsalted butter with minced garlic chopped chives lemon zest and a pinch of salt Use a spatula or fork to mash everything into a creamy spread The lemon zest wakes up the flavors of the garlic
- Toast Slider Buns:
- Spread about half the garlic butter on the cut sides of your slider buns Place them buttered side down on a skillet over medium heat Toast until deeply golden and the kitchen smells amazing Set aside
- Cook the Patties:
- Add a drizzle of oil to the skillet and bring to medium heat Lay the patties in without crowding Cook each side for about three to four minutes or until firm and nicely browned Press gently with a spatula for even contact
- Finish with Cheese:
- In the last minute of cooking add a slice of cheese to each patty Cover the skillet just long enough to melt the cheese fully This helps keep the burgers juicy
- Add Final Garlic Butter:
- If you want even more garlic richness spread the rest of the garlic butter quickly on hot patties or the tops of the bun halves before assembling
- Assemble the Sliders:
- Layer a bit of arugula or lettuce onto the bottom bun Top with your hot turkey patty and cheese Add a slice of tomato Swipe a little mayonnaise if you love it Close the slider with the top bun
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve right away while everything is warm and the cheese is gooey Perfect for passing around at a party or a quick weeknight meal
Save to Pinterest The garlic butter takes these sliders over the top I always sneak an extra sprinkle of lemon zest into the butter My kids always try to snag the cheesiest one and we end up laughing about whose is tallest
Storage Tips
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days To reheat wrap loosely in foil and bake at three hundred fifty degrees until warmed through The garlic butter keeps them moist even after a day or two
Ingredient Substitutions
Ground chicken can swap in for turkey with equally delicious results For gluten free sliders use gluten free breadcrumbs and buns Switch up the cheese for Swiss pepper jack or a dairy free option
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sliders with classic baked fries sweet potato fries or a big green salad For parties set up a slider bar with toppings like caramelized onions pickled jalapeños or a tangy slaw
Seasonal Adaptations
Use fresh basil in the summer for a brighter herbal note Top with slices of summer heirloom tomato at peak ripeness Swap arugula for crisp cabbage slaw in cooler months
Save to Pinterest Enjoy these sliders with family or friends for a hearty, flavorful meal They vanish fast so make extra!
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I keep the turkey patties juicy?
Mix the turkey gently with breadcrumbs and egg—this prevents dryness and helps retain moisture when cooking.
- → Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Shape and refrigerate patties ahead; toast buns and assemble just before serving for best flavor and texture.
- → What cheese works best?
Cheddar and provolone both melt well and complement the turkey flavor—choose your favorite or combine the two.
- → How do I toast the buns evenly?
Spread garlic butter evenly inside buns and toast on a medium skillet until golden and fragrant; watch closely.
- → Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes; ground chicken is a tasty substitute and pairs just as well with garlic butter and cheese.
- → Are there dairy-free options?
Choose dairy-free butter and cheese alternatives for sliders that fit dietary needs.