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Smoky BBQ Turkey Sliders - Juicy, Easy, Crowd-Pleasing

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey (93% lean works best)
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, plus more for serving (smoky style)
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional but recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
  • 6–8 slices cheddar or smoked gouda, halved
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • Pickle chips, for serving
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for brushing buns)
  • Sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning (optional)

Method
 

  1. Mix the sauce base: In a small bowl, stir together 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire, and liquid smoke. Set aside.
  2. Season the turkey: In a large bowl, add ground turkey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and half of the sauce base. Gently mix until just combined. Don’t overwork the meat.
  3. Form patties: Divide into 12 equal portions and shape into 2 1/2–3 inch patties. Press a small dimple in the center of each to prevent puffing.
  4. Cook the patties: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Cook patties 3–4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Brush with a little of the remaining sauce during the last minute.
  5. Toast the buns: Split slider buns and brush cut sides with melted butter. Toast in the skillet, oven, or air fryer until golden.
  6. Melt the cheese: Place a cheese half on each hot patty. Cover the pan for 30–60 seconds to melt.
  7. Assemble: Add a patty to each bottom bun. Top with red onion, pickle chips, and an extra drizzle of BBQ sauce. Crown with the top bun. Sprinkle buns with sesame seeds if using.
  8. Serve: Enjoy warm with coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a simple green salad.