Turkey and Cranberry Sliders (diabetic)
Printed from Inclusive Kitchen — Turkey and Cranberry Sliders
Turkey and cranberry sliders are a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving in a bite-sized form. This diabetic-friendly version swaps out traditional ingredients for lower-sugar and sensible carb options, ensuring that everyone can indulge without worry. The combination of lean turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and whole grain slider buns creates a satisfying balance of flavors and textures. Plus, these sliders are perfect for gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner, making them a versatile addition to your recipe repertoire.
Historically, turkey has been a staple in American cuisine, especially during Thanksgiving, when families gather to celebrate with a feast. Cranberries, native to North America, have been used by Indigenous peoples for centuries, both as food and for medicinal purposes. Combining these two ingredients into sliders not only pays homage to their rich history but also creates a modern dish that fits into today's health-conscious lifestyle. And let's be honest, who wouldn’t want to turn a holiday classic into a portable snack?
To make these sliders even more appealing, we’ve included a few tips to enhance flavor without adding unnecessary sugar. Using fresh herbs and spices can elevate the taste of the turkey, while a homemade cranberry sauce allows you to control the sweetness. These sliders are not just for the holidays; they can be enjoyed year-round, proving that good food knows no season. Just remember, if you’re serving these at a party, you might want to make a double batch—because they’ll disappear faster than you can say “pass the gravy!”
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 6 count whole wheat slider buns
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 0.5 cup water
- 0.25 cup sugar substitute
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
Instructions
- Start by making the cranberry sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of fresh cranberries, 0.5 cup of water, and 0.25 cup of sugar substitute. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 10-15 minutes.
- While the cranberry sauce is cooking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for baking the sliders without drying them out.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground turkey, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 0.5 teaspoon of salt, and 0.25 teaspoon of black pepper. Mixing in olive oil helps keep the turkey moist during cooking.
- Form the turkey mixture into 6 equal-sized patties, about 1/2 inch thick. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up while cooking.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the turkey patties and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
- While the turkey patties are cooking, prepare the whole wheat slider buns by slicing them in half. Toasting them lightly in the oven for about 5 minutes can add a nice crunch.
- Once the turkey patties are cooked, remove them from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the patties juicy.
- Assemble the sliders by placing a turkey patty on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with a generous spoonful of the homemade cranberry sauce.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the cranberry sauce for a pop of color and added flavor. This step is optional but highly recommended!
- Place the top half of the bun on each slider and serve immediately. If you’re feeling fancy, you can serve them with a side of mixed greens for a complete meal.
- These sliders can also be made ahead of time. Simply store the cooked patties and cranberry sauce separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
- For a fun twist, try adding a slice of avocado or a dollop of Greek yogurt on top of the turkey patty before adding the cranberry sauce. It adds creaminess without the extra carbs.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 250
- Carbs g: 30
- Protein g: 25
- Fat g: 8
- Sugar g: 5
