Turkey Day Sliders

I cannot even believe that Thanksgiving is two weeks away. This fall has absolutely flown by! Ever since the wedding the past few months have been such a blur. But, I am sooo excited to be graduting from Penn State in a little over a month and am ready to FINALLY be gainfullied employeed. These next couple weeks are going be even crazier though as I have been applying for jobs like a crazy person, trying to wrap up the end of the semester with way to many things to do, and then also trying to find a new home in Fort Wayne, IN. It might be a little hectic, but I am so excited and ready for the next chapter of my life. 

With that out of the way lets talk about these monster sliders! With Thanksgiving approaching, I wanted to make something that was a little different. Sure this might not be your traditonal Turkey Day item, but I guarantee you it tastes like an entire turkey day feast in sandwich form. They Feature Bacon-Sage Turkey Burgers, Pumpkin-Chipotle Aioli, Cranberry Relish, and Stuffing Waffles. So unbutton your pants, kick back the recliner and woof down one of these Turkey Day Sliders!

Bacon-Sage Turkey Burger Ingredients:

·         2 Tbsp sage, finely chopped

·         ½ tsp salt, more to taste

·         1 lbs ground turkey

·         4 slices bacon, pureed

·         Ground black pepper to taste

Pumpkin-Chipotle Aioli Ingredients:

·         ½ cup mayonnaise

·         3 Tbsp canned pumpkin puree

·         1.5 tsp pumpkin pie spice

·         1.5 tsp apple sider

·         1 chipotle in adobo

·         Salt and pepper to taste

Cranberry Relish:

·         1 cup sugar

·         1 cup water

·         12 oz frozen cranberries

·         1 tsp orange zest

Stuffing Waffles:

·         2/3 cup butter

·         1/2 cup onion, finely chopped

·         1 cup celery, finely chopped

·         10 cups soft white bread cubes, ½”

·         1 cups fresh parsley, chopped

·         1/2  tsp pepper

·         2 tsp salt

·         1 tsp poultry seasoning

·         2 egg, well beaten

·         1/2 cup chicken broth

 Directions:

For the turkey burgers: Combine all the ingredients into a mixing bowl and gently but thoroughly combine. Form into 6 - 3 ½” wide patties. Place in refrigerator until you are ready to grill.

For Pumpkin-Chiptole Aioli: Combine all ingredients into a food processor and blend until smooth, adjust seasoning as needed.

For Cranberry Relish: Combine sugar and water into a sauce pan and bring to a boil. Add the cranberries and orange zest and return to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, cool, cover and refrigerate until ready to assemble burgers.

For Stuffing Waffles: Heat butter in a large skillet. Add onion and celery, sauté gently until soft. In a large mixing bowl combine remaining ingredients with sautéed vegetables. Divide mixture into 4 equal portions. Preheat waffle iron to medium-high heat. When heated spray waffle iron with cooking spray and then add stuffing mixture. Cook until golden brown, about 5 min. Cut into quarters, these will serve as the “bun”

To Complete Sliders: Grill turkey burgers over medium high heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from grill. Top waffle quarters with cranberry relish, then add your turkey burger, drizzle with aioli, then top off with final waffle quarter. Makes 6 sliders total. 

Other great sandwiches you may enjoy...