Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders: Prepare to meet your new favorite party appetizer, game-day snack, or even a quick and easy weeknight dinner! These aren’t your average mini-burgers; they’re a flavor explosion packed into a perfectly portable package. Imagine juicy turkey, crispy bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and melted cheese all nestled between soft, sweet slider buns. Are you drooling yet?

Sliders, in general, have a fascinating history, evolving from humble diner fare to sophisticated culinary creations. While the exact origins are debated, many believe they originated in the early 20th century, offering a smaller, more manageable version of the classic hamburger. Our Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders take this concept to a whole new level, offering a lighter, healthier twist on a beloved comfort food.

What makes these sliders so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures and tastes. The savory turkey and smoky bacon are beautifully complemented by the tangy ranch dressing, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Plus, they’re incredibly convenient to make and eat, making them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party or simply looking for a satisfying and easy meal, these Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders are guaranteed to be a hit!

Ingredients:

1 pound ground turkey
1 package (12 ounces) turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 packet (1 ounce) ranch dressing mix
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
12 slider buns
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 tablespoon dried parsley

Preparing the Turkey Mixture:

First, we need to get our ground turkey ready. In a large bowl, gently combine the ground turkey, crumbled turkey bacon, ranch dressing mix, cheddar cheese, red onion, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the sliders tough. We want everything just combined.
Once the mixture is well combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and helps the sliders hold their shape better during cooking. I usually let it sit for an hour if I have the time!

Forming and Cooking the Sliders:

Now, let’s form our sliders! Take the turkey mixture out of the refrigerator. Using your hands or a cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons per slider), form the mixture into small patties, about the size of your slider buns. I like to flatten them slightly so they cook evenly.
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. You can add a little bit of olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking, but the turkey bacon should release enough fat to keep them from sticking too much.
Carefully place the turkey sliders onto the hot skillet, leaving a little space between each one. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook them in batches.
Cook the sliders for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and no longer pink in the center. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to be sure!
Once the sliders are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

Preparing the Slider Buns:

While the sliders are cooking, you can prepare the slider buns. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and dried parsley.
Brush the tops of the slider buns with the melted butter mixture. This will give them a nice golden color and a delicious buttery flavor.
Place the slider buns, buttered-side up, on a baking sheet.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes, or until the buns are lightly toasted and golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly!

Assembling the Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders:

Now for the best part assembling the sliders! Take the toasted slider buns out of the oven.
Carefully place a cooked turkey slider onto the bottom half of each bun.
You can add any additional toppings you like at this point. Some suggestions include lettuce, tomato, avocado, or a drizzle of extra ranch dressing. I sometimes add a slice of pepper jack cheese for a little extra kick!
Place the top half of the slider buns onto the sliders.
Serve immediately and enjoy! These Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders are perfect for parties, game day, or a quick and easy weeknight meal.

Tips and Variations:

Make it spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the turkey mixture for a little heat. You could also use a spicy ranch dressing mix.
Use different cheese: Instead of cheddar cheese, try using Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a smoked Gouda.
Add some veggies: Mix in some finely chopped bell peppers or zucchini to the turkey mixture for added nutrients and flavor.
Make it ahead: You can prepare the turkey mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to cook the sliders thoroughly before serving.
Freezing: Cooked sliders can be frozen. Let them cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Bun Alternatives: If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use lettuce wraps instead of slider buns.
Ranch Dressing Substitute: If you don’t have ranch dressing mix, you can use a combination of dried dill, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
Turkey Bacon Tips: Make sure your turkey bacon is crispy before crumbling it. This adds great texture to the sliders. You can cook it in the microwave, oven, or skillet.
Serving Suggestions: These sliders pair well with potato chips, coleslaw, or a simple salad.

Detailed Cooking Time Breakdown:

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the cooking times involved in this recipe:

Turkey Mixture Prep Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes to combine all the ingredients.
Refrigeration Time: At least 30 minutes, but up to an hour is ideal for flavor melding.
Slider Forming Time: About 10-15 minutes to form the patties.
Slider Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes per side, totaling 10-14 minutes per batch. Adjust based on your skillet and heat.
Bun Preparation Time: 5 minutes to melt butter and brush the buns.
Bun Toasting Time: 3-5 minutes in the oven. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Assembly Time: 5-10 minutes to assemble all the sliders with toppings.

Why These Sliders Are a Crowd-Pleaser:

These Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders are a hit for several reasons:

Flavor Combination: The combination of savory turkey, smoky bacon, creamy ranch, and sharp cheddar is simply irresistible.
Easy to Eat: Sliders are the perfect size for snacking or serving at parties. They’re easy to hold and eat, even while mingling.
Customizable: You can easily customize these sliders with your favorite toppings and variations.
Budget-Friendly: Ground turkey is a relatively inexpensive protein, making these sliders a great option for feeding a crowd on a budget.
Quick and Easy: From start to finish, these sliders can be ready in under an hour, making them a convenient option for busy weeknights.

Troubleshooting Tips:

Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to fix them:

Sliders are too dry: Add a little more mayonnaise or Dijon mustard to the turkey mixture. Be careful not to add too much, or the sliders will be too wet.
Sliders are falling apart: Make sure you’re not overmixing the turkey mixture. Overmixing can make the sliders tough and prone to falling apart. Also, ensure the sliders are chilled before cooking.
Sliders are burning: Reduce the heat on your skillet or griddle. You may also need to add a little more oil to prevent sticking.
Buns are burning: Keep a close eye on the buns while they’re toasting in the oven. They can burn quickly.
Sliders are not cooked through: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If the outside is browning too quickly, reduce the heat and cook them for a longer period of time.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients you use.

Calories: Approximately 350-400 per slider
Protein: 25-30 grams
Fat: 20-25 grams
Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams

Serving Suggestions and Occasions:

These Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders are incredibly versatile and can be served at a variety of occasions:

Game Day: Perfect for tailgating or watching the game at home.
Parties: A crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course for any party.
Potlucks: Easy to transport and always a hit.
Weeknight Dinners: A quick and easy meal for busy families.
BBQs:

Conclusion:

Okay, friends, let’s recap why these Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders are about to become your new go-to recipe! We’ve talked about the juicy turkey, the crispy bacon, the creamy ranch, and the perfectly toasted slider buns but the real magic happens when all those flavors come together in one delicious bite. Seriously, these aren’t just sliders; they’re a flavor explosion waiting to happen!

I know what you’re thinking: “Another slider recipe? What’s so special about this one?” Well, trust me on this. The combination of lean turkey and smoky bacon keeps things relatively light, while the ranch adds that tangy, creamy goodness that everyone loves. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a game-day gathering, or even a fun weekend lunch.

But the best part? These sliders are totally customizable! Feeling adventurous? Try adding a slice of pepper jack cheese for a little kick. Want to sneak in some veggies? Thinly sliced avocado or a handful of baby spinach would be fantastic additions. You could even swap out the ranch dressing for a spicy chipotle mayo for a completely different flavor profile. The possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Serve these sliders with a side of sweet potato fries or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
* For a potluck or party, arrange the sliders on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
* Make a vegetarian version by substituting the turkey bacon with plant-based bacon and adding grilled portobello mushrooms.
* Add a drizzle of honey mustard for a touch of sweetness.
* Consider using Hawaiian rolls for a slightly sweeter slider.
* Don’t forget the pickles! A few dill pickle chips on top add a nice crunch and tang.
* For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ranch dressing.

I’m telling you, once you try these Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders, you’ll be hooked. They’re the perfect combination of savory, smoky, and creamy, and they’re so easy to make that you’ll be whipping them up all the time.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience slider perfection! I’m confident that this recipe will become a family favorite.

And now for the fun part: I want to hear from you! Once you’ve made these sliders, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Did you make any variations? What did you serve them with? What did your family think? I’m so excited to hear all about it! Don’t forget to rate the recipe too! Your feedback helps other readers discover this delicious recipe. Happy cooking, and enjoy your Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders! I know you’ll love them as much as I do!

Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide

Savory Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders: Ground turkey, crispy turkey bacon, creamy ranch, and cheddar cheese combine for a flavor explosion. Perfect for parties or a quick meal.

Prep Time20 minutes

Cook Time20 minutes

Total Time60 minutes

Category: Lunch

Yield: 12 sliders

Save This Recipe

Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey

1 package (12 ounces) turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled

1 packet (1 ounce) ranch dressing mix

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/4 cup chopped red onion

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt

12 slider buns

2 tablespoons melted butter

1 tablespoon dried parsley

Instructions

Prepare the Turkey Mixture: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground turkey, crumbled turkey bacon, ranch dressing mix, cheddar cheese, red onion, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to an hour is ideal).

Form and Cook the Sliders: Take the turkey mixture out of the refrigerator. Form the mixture into small patties (about 2 tablespoons per slider).

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a little oil or cooking spray if needed.

Carefully place the turkey sliders onto the hot skillet, leaving space between each one. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C).

Remove the sliders from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Slider Buns: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and dried parsley.

Brush the tops of the slider buns with the melted butter mixture.

Place the slider buns, buttered-side up, on a baking sheet.

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes, or until lightly toasted and golden brown. Watch closely to prevent burning.

Assemble the Sliders: Place a cooked turkey slider onto the bottom half of each bun.

Add any additional toppings you like (lettuce, tomato, avocado, cheese, extra ranch).

Place the top half of the slider buns onto the sliders.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Don’t overmix the turkey mixture: Overmixing can make the sliders tough.

Chill the mixture: Refrigerating the turkey mixture helps the flavors meld and the sliders hold their shape.

Use a meat thermometer: Ensure the internal temperature of the sliders reaches 165°F (74°C).

Watch the buns closely: The buns can burn quickly while toasting.

Make it spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the turkey mixture.

Use different cheese: Try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or smoked Gouda.

Add some veggies: Mix in some finely chopped bell peppers or zucchini.

Make it ahead: Prepare the turkey mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Freezing: Cooked sliders can be frozen. Let them cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Bun Alternatives: If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use lettuce wraps instead of slider buns.

Ranch Dressing Substitute: If you don’t have ranch dressing mix, you can use a combination of dried dill, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.

Turkey Bacon Tips: Make sure your turkey bacon is crispy before crumbling it. This adds great texture to the sliders. You can cook it in the microwave, oven, or skillet.

Serving Suggestions: These sliders pair well with potato chips, coleslaw, or a simple salad.

Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide