When the weather turns warm and everyone starts craving easy meals that still feel fun, sliders are always a solid answer. They are casual enough for a weeknight dinner, easy to serve for a backyard get-together, and just the right size when you want something hearty without committing to a giant burger.

These Turkey Burger Sliders check all of those boxes. The turkey patties are seasoned simply with cumin, salt, and black pepper, then paired with a creamy coleslaw made with crisp apple, mayo, vinegar, and lime juice. The result is a slider that feels fresh, flavorful, and just right for summer meals, parties, picnics, or any night when burgers sound good but you want something a little lighter.

What are Turkey Burger Sliders?

Turkey Burger Sliders are a smaller, party-friendly version of a classic turkey burger. Instead of large patties on full-size buns, these are shaped to fit mini pretzel buns, which makes them easy to serve, easy to eat, and perfect for sharing.

What makes this version especially good is the contrast between the warm, savory turkey and the cool, creamy coleslaw on top. Ground cumin adds a subtle earthy flavor to the patties, while the slaw brings crunch, tang, and a little brightness from Granny Smith apple and lime juice. Altogether, they hit that sweet spot between comfort food and something that still feels fresh.

They are also versatile. You can serve them for a casual family dinner, set them out for game day, or make them for a summer cookout when you want a burger option that feels a little different from the usual beef version.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

• A lighter twist on burger night: Ground turkey gives you all the comfort of a burger in a leaner package.
• Big flavor with simple ingredients: Cumin, salt, and pepper keep the patties easy while still giving them plenty of savory flavor.
• That creamy coleslaw topping: The mix of cabbage, apple, mayo, vinegar, and lime adds crunch, tang, and freshness.
• Perfect for parties or family dinners: Their small size makes them easy to serve and easy to grab.
• Quick enough for busy nights: The patties cook fast under the broiler, and the slaw comes together in one bowl.
• Easy to customize: Add cheese, avocado, onion, or a little hot sauce depending on what sounds good.

Ingredients

For the burgers

• Ground turkey: The base of the sliders. It is lean, mild, and works well with simple seasoning.
• Ground cumin: Adds warmth and a subtle earthy flavor that gives the turkey more depth.
• Salt: Brings the flavors together and helps the patties taste well-seasoned.
• Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and rounds out the seasoning.
• Mini pretzel buns: Soft, chewy, and sturdy enough to hold the patty and slaw without falling apart.

For the creamy coleslaw

• Shredded coleslaw mix: A quick shortcut that adds crunch and texture.
• Granny Smith apple: Brings a tart, crisp bite that keeps the slaw tasting bright.
• Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base for the topping.
• Apple cider vinegar: Adds tang and balances the richness of the mayo.
• Lime juice: Gives the slaw a fresh finish and helps wake up the whole sandwich.

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Substitutions & Additions

If you want to make these sliders work with what you already have on hand, there is plenty of room to adjust.

• Swap the turkey: Ground chicken works well here, and a plant-based ground option can also be used if needed.
• Change the spice profile: If you do not have cumin, try chili powder or smoked paprika for a slightly different flavor.
• Use a different bun: Regular slider buns or small hamburger buns work if pretzel buns are not available.
• Add cheese: A slice of your favorite cheese melted over the patties is always a good idea.
• Add red onion: Thinly sliced red onion gives the sliders extra crunch and a little bite.
• Add avocado: Sliced avocado adds a creamy, buttery layer.
• Turn up the heat: A drizzle of sriracha or hot sauce pairs especially well with the cool slaw.
• Try lettuce wraps: If you want a lower-carb option, you can serve the patties and slaw in lettuce leaves instead of buns.

How to Make this Recipe

Start by preheating the broiler and getting your sheet pan ready with nonstick spray or foil so cleanup is easier later. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey with the cumin, salt, and black pepper, mixing just until everything is evenly seasoned. Divide the mixture into 8 small patties sized to fit your mini pretzel buns.

Arrange the patties on the prepared baking sheet and place them under the broiler. Cook them until they are fully done, flipping once during cooking, which usually takes about 2 to 5 minutes per side depending on thickness and your broiler. The most important part is making sure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

While the patties cook, make the slaw. In a medium bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, julienned Granny Smith apple, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and lime juice. Toss everything together until the slaw is evenly coated and creamy.

If you like, lightly toast the pretzel buns for a little extra texture. To assemble, place each turkey patty on the bottom half of a bun, spoon the creamy coleslaw over the top, then finish with the top bun. Serve right away while the patties are hot and the slaw is crisp.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Do not overmix the turkey: Mix just until the seasonings are incorporated so the patties stay tender.
• Keep the patties evenly sized: This helps them cook at the same rate and makes assembly easier.
• Watch the broiler closely: Broilers cook fast, so keep an eye on the patties to avoid drying them out.
• Use a thermometer if needed: Turkey should always be cooked to 165°F.
• Prep the slaw while the burgers cook: Since the patties cook quickly, having the topping ready keeps everything moving smoothly.
• Toast the buns if you can: That little bit of texture helps the sliders hold up even better once the slaw is added.

Serving Suggestions

These sliders are great on their own, but they are even better with an easy side dish that keeps the meal feeling relaxed and fun.

• Serve them with crispy sweet potato fries for a classic slider-and-fries combo.
• Pair them with a fresh green salad if you want something lighter on the side.
• Add barbecue sauce or spicy mayo for another layer of flavor.
• Set them out on a platter for parties, game day spreads, or casual summer gatherings.

Because they are small and easy to eat, they also work especially well for cookouts and family-style meals where everyone likes to grab and go.

Storage Suggestions

If you have leftovers, store the cooked turkey patties and the coleslaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They are best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days.

When you are ready to eat, reheat the patties in a skillet, under the broiler, or by another gentle method until warmed through. Keep the slaw chilled until serving so it stays crisp and creamy. For the best texture, assemble the sliders just before eating rather than storing them already put together.

Recipe FAQ

Can I make the turkey patties ahead of time? Yes. You can shape the patties ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook.

Can I freeze the turkey patties? Yes. Freeze the uncooked patties in a single layer until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.

Can I use regular hamburger buns instead of pretzel buns? Absolutely. Pretzel buns add great texture, but regular buns work just fine.

Can I make these spicier? Yes. Add hot sauce, sriracha, or a more assertive seasoning blend if you want extra heat.

Can I make the slaw in advance? Yes, though it is best when still crisp. Making it shortly before serving will give you the freshest texture.

Turkey Burger Sliders are one of those easy recipes that feel especially useful when you want something casual, crowd-pleasing, and full of flavor. The seasoned turkey patties, soft pretzel buns, and bright, creamy slaw come together in a way that feels simple without being boring.

Whether you are making them for a backyard dinner, a party platter, or just a quick family meal, they deliver all the fun of burger night in a smaller, fresher package.