Turkey sliders are a fun, bite-sized way to enjoy turkey burgers Their miniature size makes them perfect as party appetizers or even a weeknight dinner when paired with yummy side dishes But figuring out what sides to make can be tricky. You want options that complement the flavors of the turkey without overpowering them.
After making turkey sliders many times, I’ve discovered some key dos and don’ts for pairing sides Follow these guidelines, and you’ll have a complete turkey slider meal that looks and tastes amazing.
Focus on Crunchy Toppings
The soft, tender turkey patties are the star of the show, so you want crispy, crunchy sides that contrast with that texture Things like crispy fries, fried veggies, pretzels, and crackers are great options. They give you that satisfying crunch factor with each bite of your slider
Some of my favorite crunchy sides for turkey sliders include:
- Sweet potato fries – Crispy outside with a hint of sweetness
- Onion rings – Salty and super crispy, a classic pairing
- Waffle fries or tater tots – Who doesn’t love these?!
- Pita chips – Lighter than potato chips but just as crunchy
- Fried pickles – Tart, crispy, and delicious
Salad and Slaws Add Freshness
While you want some crunch, don’t forget your veggies! Salads and slaws pair perfectly with turkey sliders by adding brightness and freshness. The acidity and herb flavors also balance the richer slider patties.
Some salads and slaws I like to make are:
- Classic coleslaw – Cabbage, carrots, vinegar, mayo
- Broccoli salad – With raisins, bacon, and a sweet dressing
- Mediterranean pasta salad – Olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, feta
- Simple green salad – Greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, vinaigrette
- Tangy three-bean salad – Kidney beans, chickpeas, black beans
Dip Those Sliders!
What takes a turkey slider from good to great? An amazing dipping sauce! Whip up a creamy, zesty sauce for dunking your slider or spreading on top. Some of my go-to dip ideas are:
- Ranch dressing – The classic pairing!
- Spicy mayo – Mayo with sriracha or other hot sauce
- Pesto mayo – Basil pesto mixed into mayo
- Salsa – For a fresh, Mexican-style twist
- Hummus – Creamy chickpea goodness
- Guacamole – Cool and bright avocado dip
Bake Up Some Beans
Warm, hearty baked beans are a BBQ classic for good reason – they pair perfectly with burgers and barbecue flavor. The sweet, smoky beans complement turkey sliders so well. Try these easy baked bean options:
- Classic baked beans – With bacon, onions, brown sugar
- Cowboy beans – With ground beef and peppers
- Maple baked beans – With a touch of maple syrup
Craft Crave-Worthy Potato Sides
You really can’t go wrong with potatoes as a turkey slider side. Fries, tots, and wedges are slam dunk options, but switching up your potato prep keeps things interesting. Try making:
- Loaded mashed potato bites – Creamy spuds fried into bites
- Crispy smashed potatoes – Flattened and pan-fried golden brown
- Cheesy potato casserole – With cheese, cream, and crispy topping
- Twice-baked potatoes – Baked, hollowed, and stuffed with filling
Take a Break with Fruit
For a lighter side offering, fresh fruit is always a smart choice. The sweetness balances the savoriness of the turkey slider patties. Fruit kabobs are an especially fun and tidy way to enjoy fruit with sliders. Skewer bite-sized pieces of:
- Watermelon, grapes, strawberries, pineapple
- Peach, plums, apricots, apple
- Mango, kiwi, blueberries, raspberries
Pick Perfect Plant-Based Pairings
Vegetarian sides are a great option if you have vegetarians joining your slider party. Veg-friendly choices like veggie kebabs, sweet potato fries, fruit salad, and pasta salads make easy plant-based picks. Some other tasty veggie sides to try are:
- Grilled veggie skewers – Zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant
- Roasted cauliflower – With garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan
- Caprese skewers – Cherry tomato, mozzarella, basil
- Honey glazed carrots – Sweet and addictive
Cool Down with Creamy Sides
After all those crispy, crunchy sides, something cool and creamy can be so refreshing. Creamy salads and dips help balance the textures on your turkey slider plate. Whip up:
- Classic potato salad – Potatoes, mayo, egg, mustard
- Macaroni salad – Elbow pasta, mayo, veggies
- Cucumber yogurt dip – Cooling and tangy
- Hummus – Chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon
- Artichoke spinach dip – The ultimate party dip
Satisfy with Sweet Potato Sides
Sweet and savory, sweet potatoes make for scrumptious turkey slider sides. I love using sweet potatoes because they pair well with so many flavors and ingredients. Try these sweet potato creations:
- Sweet potato fries – Crispy outside, soft inside
- Sweet potato salad – Cubes with oil, vinegar, spices
- Sweet potato casserole – With pecans, maple, marshmallows
- Sweet potato cornbread – Swap corn for sweet potato
Round Out the Meal with Rice or Grains
Some kind of rice, grain, or couscous side dish gives your slider plate staying power. Quinoa, wheat berries, and farro are all great whole grain options. Or stick with white or brown rice pilaf for an easy choice. Add veggies, herbs, nuts, or seeds to give your grain extra flavor.
Create Kid-Friendly Pairings
If you’re feeding a crowd of kids, be sure to have some sides they’ll love alongside the sliders. Chicken nuggets, tater tots, and fries are usually winners. For something healthier, try:
- Celery sticks with peanut butter and raisins “ants on a log”
- Apple slices with caramel dipping sauce
- Cheddar cheese cubes and turkey pepperoni
- Cucumber slices with ranch dressing
- Mini sub sandwiches with turkey and cheese
Mix and Match Side Dishes
Offering a variety of sides means there’s something for everyone. I like to select 3-5 different sides to accompany turkey sliders. Pick items that offer different textures, flavors, and colors. Some combo ideas:
- Coleslaw, baked beans, fruit salad
- Sweet potato fries, Greek pasta salad, veggie skewers
- Tater tots, Hawaiian macaroni salad, cucumber yogurt dip
- Onion rings, creamy broccoli salad, cheese and crackers
Hopefully these side dish suggestions have sparked some ideas for your next turkey slider night! With mini sandwiches and multiple sides, you’ve got an easy meal that feels festive.
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FAQ
What do you serve with sliders?
- Classic pairings: Coleslaw and french fries are popular choices due to their contrasting textures and flavors.Â
- Variety is key: Depending on the slider filling, you can choose a lighter side like a green salad or a heartier option like baked beans.Â
- Dipping sauces: A small bowl of dipping sauce can enhance the slider experience.Â
What sides go with turkey sandwiches?
- A classic side dish that can be made healthier with Greek yogurt
- Add diced celery, red onion, and fresh herbs for extra flavor and crunch
What does turkey pair well with?
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Cranberry sauceThe tartness of cranberries complements the blander taste of turkey.Â
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Mashed potatoesA classic side dish that pairs well with turkey.Â
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Green beansYou can try green beans with bacon and brown sugar for a flavorful side.Â
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Sweet potato casseroleA crowd-pleaser that contrasts well with crispy turkey skin.Â
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Cornbread stuffingA Thanksgiving staple that can be made with sausage.Â
What to serve with turkey burgers?
- Classic sides: French fries, potato salad, coleslaw
- Veggie options: Zucchini fries, sweet potato fries
- Fresh toppings: Lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese
- Consider a salad: A light salad to balance the meal
- Flavor balance: If your turkey burger is rich, pair it with a tangy or acidic side like picklesÂ
What to serve with Turkey sliders?
Here’s the short answer. The best side dishes to serve with turkey sliders are potato salad, fried mushrooms, sweet potato wedges, or BBQ baked beans. For lighter options, try grilled fruit kabobs or a broccoli salad. For unconventional but tasty options, you can also try pasta chips, corn ribs, cranberry relish, or fried shrimp balls.
What to serve with sliders?
Here’s the short answer. The best side dishes to serve with sliders are onion rings, grilled corn on the cob, mac and cheese, and baked beans. You can also serve a side of creamy coleslaw, crispy Cajun fries, or mozzarella sticks. For more fun options, try buffalo cauliflower bites or a watermelon salad.
What to do with leftover Turkey sliders?
These leftover turkey sliders use up several traditional thanksgiving dinner dishes including turkey, leftover stuffing and leftover cranberry sauce. Who doesn’t love a cute mini sandwich? You can also make them even when it isn’t the holidays and are craving comfort food. They are a fabulous game day recipe!
What items are served with a turkey dinner?
Turkey Dinner is served with Soup, Salad, Sweet Potato, Vegetables, and a Slice of Pie. Jumbo wedges of homemade bread dipped in rich egg batter and fried golden brown are also included.
What is a good substitute for Turkey and cheese sliders?
For turkey and cheese sliders, Swiss, Havarti, Provolone, or plain cheddar can be used as substitutes for turkey. Pecorino Romano can replace Parmesan, and baked ham or sliced deli ham are also delicious options that work with all the other toppings. Chicken is another great substitute.