Turkey Sliders

These juicy turkey sliders are incredibly versatile: They’re simple enough for weeknights, but they’re also the perfect size for parties.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound lean ground turkey
• ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
• 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• 8 mini burger buns, brioche-style or Hawaiian sweet rolls
• 2 slices Monterey Jack cheese (3-inch by 3-inch slices), each slice cut into quarters
• ½ cup barbecue sauce, homemade or store-bought
• ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced

DIRECTIONS

1. Adjust one oven rack to the middle of the oven and the second oven rack to the bottom, and heat the oven to 425°
2. You will need two baking sheets. Line one sheet with parchment paper (for the meat so it doesn’t stick), and the other will be for the buns.
3. Combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, spices, and salt in a medium bowl: pound extra-lean ground turkey, ½ cup plain breadcrumbs, 2 teaspoons sweet paprika, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon sea salt.
4. Divide the meat into eight equal-sized patties (about 2.3 ounces each). Form each portion into a ball and flatten it with the palm of your hand so that it measures 3 inches wide and is about ½ inch thick. Place on the parchment paper.
5. Bake in the middle of the oven for 10-12 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165° F when measured with a meat thermometer.
6. Meanwhile, separate the buns and lay them cut side up on the other baking sheet. Bake on the bottom rack of the oven for 5 minutes, keeping an eye on them so they don’t burn.
7. When the burgers come out of the oven, lay a slice of cheese on top of the hot burger, add the barbecue sauce and onions (or condiments of choice), and serve with home fries, veggie straws or sweet potato fries.