Can I use this recipe for other types of meat besides turkey?

Absolutely! Chicken or even portobello mushrooms work wonderfully with this marinade and BBQ sauce.

Can I bake these instead of smoking or grilling?

While I haven't tried it, many people have success baking the turkey patties in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until they're cooked through. Just make sure to baste them with the BBQ sauce during the last 10 minutes.

How should I store leftover turkey sliders?

The sliders are best enjoyed fresh, but cooked patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I prepare the turkey mixture in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the turkey mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This actually helps the flavors meld together even more!

What can I use if I don't have bourbon?

If you don't have bourbon on hand, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or even a dark rum. These will provide a similar depth of flavor.

Picture this: tender, smoky turkey patties, slathered in a sweet and tangy Maple Bourbon BBQ sauce, nestled between soft, toasted slider buns. Oh yeah. These Maple Bourbon BBQ Turkey Sliders aren't just a meal; they're an experience. I remember the first time I made these for a summer barbecue; people couldn't stop raving about them! I'm tellin' ya, its kinda like a flavor explosion!

We're ditching the predictable burger and diving headfirst into a world of flavor that'll knock your socks off. Forget dry, boring turkey – we're talkin' juicy, flavorful patties that are infused with smoky goodness. The Maple Bourbon BBQ sauce? It's the star of the show. Sweet maple syrup, oaky bourbon, tangy vinegar... it's a symphony in your mouth. Seriously, try it. You won't regret it. I mean unless you don't like tastebuds having a party or something.

Maple Bourbon BBQ Turkey Sliders

Name: Maple Bourbon BBQ Turkey Sliders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: BBQ-Classics
Ingredients: 1 lb Ground Turkey; 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup Onion (diced); 2 cloves Garlic (minced); 1 tsp Smoked Paprika; Pinch Cayenne Pepper; To taste Salt; To taste Black Pepper; 1/4 cup Maple Syrup; 2 tbsp Bourbon; 2 tbsp Tomato Paste; 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar; 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce; 1 tsp Dijon Mustard; Dash (optional) Hot Sauce; 6 Slider Buns; As needed Coleslaw; As needed Pickles; As needed Crispy Fried Onions

These Maple Bourbon BBQ Turkey Sliders are a flavor-packed delight! Smoky turkey patties meet a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, creating the perfect slider for any occasion.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 6 servings

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 90 minutes

Total Time: 105 minutes

📖 Instructions

First, let's get that smoker (or grill) preheated to around 250°F (120°C). If you're using a smoker, toss in some wood chips – hickory or applewood are awesome with turkey.
Time to make the turkey mixture! In a big ol' bowl, gently combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, diced onion, minced garlic, smoked paprika, a pinch of cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Don't overmix – we want these sliders to be tender.
Now, form the mixture into small patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter. Aim for about 1/2 inch thick. These little guys shrink a bit when they cook, so don't make 'em too small.
Place the patties on the smoker or grill. Let them cook for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This is where a meat thermometer comes in handy. We don't want dry turkey!
While the turkey's doing its thing, it's BBQ sauce time. In a saucepan, combine maple syrup, bourbon, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and a dash of hot sauce (if you're feelin' spicy).
Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until it thickens up a bit. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
During the last 15 minutes of cooking, start basting those turkey patties with the Maple Bourbon BBQ sauce. Do this every 5 minutes or so to build up a nice, sticky glaze. Ohh yeah.
Once the patties are cooked through and nicely glazed, take them off the heat and let them rest for a few minutes.
Lightly toast your slider buns. Trust me, it makes a difference. A little crunch is always a good thing.
Now, assemble those sliders! Spread a little bit of extra BBQ sauce on the bottom bun, add a turkey patty, and top with your favorite fixings. I'm talkin' coleslaw, pickles, crispy fried onions... whatever floats your boat.
Stick a toothpick in each slider to hold everything together, and serve 'em up while they're hot and juicy. You've earned it!

📝 Notes

For a spicier kick, add more cayenne pepper to the turkey mixture or more hot sauce to the BBQ sauce.
If you don't have applewood or hickory chips for smoking, you can use other types of wood like mesquite or cherry.