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Turkey & Veggie Sliders - Juicy, Colorful, and Easy to Love

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Ground turkey (93% lean works best for juiciness): 1.5 pounds
  • Zucchini, grated and squeezed dry: 1 cup
  • Red bell pepper, finely diced: 1/2 cup
  • Carrot, grated: 1/2 cup
  • Yellow onion, finely grated or minced: 1/3 cup
  • Garlic, minced: 2 cloves
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped: 2 tablespoons
  • Egg: 1 large
  • Breadcrumbs (panko or regular): 1/2 cup
  • Worcestershire sauce: 1 tablespoon
  • Dijon mustard: 1 tablespoon
  • Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon
  • Kosher salt: 1 to 1.5 teaspoons, to taste
  • Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Olive oil or avocado oil: 1–2 tablespoons for cooking
  • Slider buns (12): soft, brioche or whole wheat
  • Cheese slices (optional): cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack
  • Toppings (optional): baby spinach or lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, red onion
  • Sauce (optional): mayo, Greek yogurt, mustard, or a light aioli

Method
 

  1. Prep the veggies: Grate the zucchini and carrot; finely dice the bell pepper and onion. Squeeze excess water from the zucchini with a clean towel or paper towels. This keeps the patties from turning mushy.
  2. Mix the patties: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, grated veggies, onion, garlic, parsley, egg, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire, Dijon, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Use a fork or your hands to mix gently. Don’t overwork the meat.
  3. Form the sliders: Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions. Lightly oil your hands and form patties about 2.5 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick. Make a small thumbprint in the center to prevent doming.
  4. Chill briefly: Place patties on a tray and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes. This helps them hold shape and sear better.
  5. Cook on the stovetop: Heat a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add a thin film of oil. Cook patties 3–4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through to 165°F internal temperature. If adding cheese, place a slice on each patty during the last minute and cover to melt.
  6. Toast the buns: Split the slider buns and toast cut-side down in the same pan for 30–60 seconds, just until lightly golden.
  7. Assemble: Spread sauce on the buns. Add the turkey patty, then layer on greens, tomato, pickles, or onion as you like. Cap with the top bun and serve warm.
  8. Oven option: Place patties on a parchment-lined sheet and bake at 400°F for 12–16 minutes, flipping halfway, until they reach 165°F. Broil for 1 minute for extra browning. Add cheese in the final minute.